1997 SAAB 9000: AN INDIVIDUALIST'S CHOICE FOR DRIVING PLEASURE MAXIMUM UTILITY Three Distinctive Models Offer Highest Level of Automotive Versatility NORCROSS, Ga. -- Saab's entry in the "Large Car" category, the 9000 line, has established perhaps one of the most unique niches in the European sports sedan marketplace. By successfully blending a spacious five-door configuration with sports sedan performance and luxury car amenities, the Saab 9000 appeals to car shoppers' practical and emotional senses. Buyers who want utility, but dislike the conventionality of traditional family wagons or vans, or the fuel inefficiency of sport-utility vehicles, find the elegant Saab 9000 suits their needs perfectly. Available in three trim levels -- the Saab 9000 CS Light Pressure Turbo, Saab 9000 CSE, available with spirited turbo or sophisticated V6, and the performance powerhouse, the 225-hp Saab 9000 Aero -- each makes an unparalleled statement of individuality in today's increasingly generic automotive marketplace. Although the Saab 9000's exterior dimensions seem mid-size, the interior space places it in the EPA's "Large Car" category. Legroom and headroom, front or rear, is extremely generous, while the doors open wide for easy access to any seating position. The high-lifting tailgate opens to an impressive 23.5 cubic feet of trunk space. Extending the luggage area by taking advantage of the rear seat's 40/60/100 split/fold design reveals a cavernous 56.4 cubic feet of cargo area, the most capacity in its class. The 1997 Saab 9000's color palette adds two special-process Mica metallic paints: rich Midnight Blue and vibrant Cayenne Red. These optional paint finishes offer a high metallic flake content for deep color and a lustrous shine. In addition, the 9000 CSE offers a stylish new eight-spoke light alloy wheel when ordered with the 3.0L V6 engine. All models sport new rear badging identifying the powerplant type and size. Safety is Engineered into Every Saab A long list of safety features applies to every Saab model, including the various models in the 9000 series. Active and passive safety is provided by dual airbags, front safety belt pretensioners, anti-lock brakes (ABS), self-restoring 5-mph bumpers and sturdy safety cage body construction with integral side impact protection and front and rear crumple zones. Continuously illuminated low-beam headlights, or other forms of daytime running lights (DRL), although not required in the U.S., have been proven in Saab's native Scandinavia to help reduce daytime car-to-car accidents. For that reason, all Saabs sold in the U.S. are equipped with DRLs. The Saab 9000 has been named Sweden's "Safest Car" for six consecutive years by Folksam, Sweden's largest insurance company. In addition, the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) has rated the Saab 9000 "substantially better than average" for injury loss in its size class. Theft protection is provided by an engine-immobilizing alarm system, activated by a convenient remote control unit that also locks and unlocks the doors, and releases the rear cargo hatch. When triggered by unauthorized entry, the sophisticated anti-theft system sounds an audible alarm, flashes the lights and, most importantly, locks out the electronic engine management system, the starter motor and also cuts off the fuel supply. Each time the alarm is armed or disarmed, the system establishes a new digital code, eiiminated the possibility of tapping the code with a scanning "decoder" device. Saab's Luxurv Car Value Leader: 1997 9000 CS The 9000 CS offers a refined package of comfort, convenience and unparalleled versatility in a luxury car. Powered by a 1 70-hp, 2.3L four-cylinder with Saab's innovative Light Pressure Turbo (LPT) technology, few cars of its size achieve the 9000 CS' high efficiency and smooth driveability. Introduced by Saab for the 1995 model year, the LPT powerplant was named one of Ward's Auto World's Top Ten Engines two years in a row. Rather than relying on vacuum to pull air into an engine, Saab's Ecopower LPT engine utilizes an exhaust-driven turbocharger to push air into the induction system. The robust 2.3L engine -- with intercooler and Trionic engine management -- is similar to that used in the full-turbo Saab 9000 CSE and Aero, but the LPT requires no Automatic Performance Control (APC) and no boost gauge is necessary in the instrument panel. The LPT engine has a fixed charge pressure regulating valve with boost pressure limited to 0.4, rather than a peak of 1.0 bar in the standard turbo engine. Designed specifically for strong low-speed torque and a smooth power application, the Saab LPT engine provides seamless acceleration at all engine speeds, without the typical turbocharger "kick" that appeals to many high-performance enthusiasts. The LPT engine essentially emulates the driving characteristics of a larger-displacement naturally aspirated engine while maintaining low emissions and segment-leading fuel economy. - A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 1997 Saab 9000 CS, while a four-speed automatic is available as an option. Stylish three-spoke alloy wheels and high-performance Michelin all-weather radial tires are standard as well. Upholstery in the 9000 CS is a luxury velour material with a fine weave in the central portion of the seat and a slightly wider weave covering the rest of the seat. Leather upholstery remains a popular option for the CS. Saab 9000 CSE Powered bv Turbo or V6 Value and versatility are strong points of every Saab model, including the 1997 Saab 9000 CSE, the highest volume seller in the 9000 line-up. Equipped with an exhaustive list of standard features, the luxurious cabin pampers occupants with leather upholstery, heated front seats, electrostatic cabin air filter, Automatic Climate Control (ACC), a power tilVsliding glass sunroof and polished California burl walnut dashboard trim. The stereo is a 1 50-watt AM/AM/cassette/CD player system developed and tuned exclusively for Saab by renowned high-fidelity experts Harman/Kardon. With 10 speakers placed strategically throughout the cabin, sound reproduction is nothing less than superb. The system also features a dedicated Weather Band channel and a removable key pad and individual security code for theft prevention. Saab 9000 CSE buyers have a choice of a sporty 2.3L turbocharged four- cylinder, rated at 200 hp, or a sophisticated 3.0L V6 with an output of 210 hp. Matched with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic, the Ecopower 2.3L Turbo engine offers a unique combination of high performance, low exhaust emissions and low fuel consumption. Key elements of the Saab Ecopower concept are: turbocharging (with intercooler), award-winning Saab Trionic engine management system, four valves per cy!inder, direct ignition, a preheated oxygen sensor and a catalytic converter positioned close to the engine to reduce its warm-up time. The light and compact 3.0L V6, exclusively coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission, features four overhead cams, 24 valves and a unique, Saab-designed three-stage Variable Intake Manifold (VIM) as an effective way of providing high air intake volume at all engine speeds. Electronic traction control (TCS) is standard equipment on the 3.0L V6. A dashboard-mounted on/off switch allows the driver to deactivate TCS when some wheelspin may be desirable, such as while driving through deep snow. For 1997, the V6-powered Saab 9000 CSE is equipped with new eight-spoke light-alloy wheels and 195/65 VR-15 low-rolling resistance all-season radial tires. Stylish three-spoke alloy wheels and high-performance 205/50 VR-15 tires are standard with the Turbo engine. High Performance and Practicality: 9000 Aero Hit the accelerator on the 1997 Saab 9000 Aero and hang on! At full throttle, 60 mph comes up in less than seven seconds, thanks to an astonishing 225-hp 2.3L Turbo engine and five-speed manual transmission. The Aero's aggressive torque curve peaks with 252 ft.-lbs. at a low 1,800 rpm, delivering effortless passing power and acceleration. Powerful four-wheel disc brakes with ABS bring the Aero back to a standstill with outstanding control. Saab engineers have done more than simply created a powerful engine. They have produced a powerplant that delivers almost 100 horsepower per liter, plus class- leading fuel economy and low emissions. The Aero's full-boost turbocharger is also monitored by Saab's exclusive Trionic engine management and Automatic Performance Control (APC) which adjusts boost pressure based on fuel quality and octane. With water-cooled bearings, the turbo is engineered to last the lifetime of the vehicle. The 9000 Aero's sport chassis is lower than that of other 9000 models. Thicker front and rear stabilizer bars and specially tuned suspersion components ensure that the Aero's roadholding and handling precision are nothing short of exceptional. Special low-resistance 205/55 ZR-16 Michelin high-performance tires are mounted on exclusive three-spoke "Super Aero" light alloy wheels. The Saab 9000 Aero's performance potential is highlighted by the distinctive body-contoured sports seats, with full sumptuous leather upholster,v and power controls for the front seats. Leather is also used on the door panels, steering wheel, gearshift knob and boot. The dashboard is trimmed in polished California burl walnut, specially cultivated for use in Saab cars. Luxury convenience and comfort features abound, including Automatic Climate Control (ACC), a power glass sunroof, heated front seats, electrostatic cabin air filter, a 1 50-watt AM/AM/cassette/CD player stereo system with 10 speakers, developed exclusively for Saab by Harman/Kardon. Front shoulder belts are height adjustable and the steering column telescopes to accommodate various driving positions. Warranty protection for all 1997 Saabs includes 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to- bumper coverage, including 24-hour roadside assistance and free 5,000-mile first maintenance. Perforation coverage extends for six years with no mileage limit.