SAAB 9-5 WAGON RELISHES ROLE OF SPORTY PERFORMER
NORCROSS, Ga. - Sure it's a large car with outstanding cargo-hauling ability, but why should that preclude the Saab 9-5 Wagon from showing off its downright sporty behavior? The spacious 9-5 Wagon does drive like a premium sports sedan, integrating outstanding torque with smooth and predictable handling, and precision braking. High speed and directional stability are excellent and the steering response is very precise, even with a maximum payload. A number of attributes contribute to the 9-5 Wagon's performance prowess.
Chassis
The Saab 9-5 Wagon's chassis features isolated front and rear sub-frames to
effectively attenuate disturbances and significantly upgrade its driving
refinement. As on the 9-5 Sedan model, MacPherson struts are retained for
the front suspension and a multi-link independent suspension is used in the
rear. The springs, roll bars and shock absorbers have been calibrated to
retain good handling with an adaptation to the effects of weight, center of
gravity and inertia. In addition, the power-assisted steering rack is
mounted on the rear of the sub-frame to operate with short tie rods and
provide very precise wheel control, creating high levels of response and
steering feel.
ABS Brakes
The Saab 9-5 Wagon is equipped with standard front and rear disc brakes
with a diagonally split hydraulic system and electronically controlled ABS.
The car is also equipped with acoustic pad wear indicators that warn the
driver when the brake linings are nearing the end of their life.
The ABS system incorporates electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and an integrated electronic traction control system (TCS). As with all Saabs, the ABS system is lightweight and compact with four-channel operation triggered by four individual wheel sensors.
EBD comes into effect under hard braking before the ABS is activated. This balances the friction available at each wheel with the braking forces being applied. It automatically provides optimum retardation and the shortest possible stopping distance.
Saab Traction Control
For 2000, Saab's Traction Control System (TCS) is standard on all 9-5 Wagon
models. TCS works in conjunction with the engine management system to
prevent the driving wheels from spinning if tire grip is lost. The system
operates on the front brakes individually, to transfer torque to the wheel
with the most available grip. When appropriate, it also signals the engine
management system to reduce engine torque by over-riding the electronically
activated throttle. A warning light on the instrument panel illuminates
when the TCS is operating, to warn the driver of slippery conditions. The
TCS system is fully automatic in operation, but includes an "off" switch
for circumstances when wheel-spin is advantageous - such as digging through
soft-pack snow to reach a traction-able surface.
Aerodynamics
At Saab, aesthetics and logic go hand in hand. While a beautiful form
should also be functional, a functional form should never be boring or
boxy. The Saab 9-5 Wagon's exterior styling is not only very aerodynamic,
but also pleasing to the eye. Saab character cues are very much in
evidence, from the distinctive grille to the wedge shaped profile and
swooping belt line. With a drag coefficient of only 0.31, the 9-5 Wagon is
among the very best of its competitors in the premium wagon segment.
The sleek aerodynamic properties of the Saab 9-5 Wagon are especially apparent when looking at the rear of the car. Designers concentrated on the rear edge of the roof because airflow at the rear has a significant effect on both drag and lift forces. Saab engineers found that a small "lip" provides a distinct separation of the airflow at the rear roof edge which successfully reduced drag without adding any lift forces.
High Speed Stability
Saab designers also perfected the curvature around the corners of the car,
especially around the D-pillars. The Saab 9-5 Wagon's design provides a
clear separation of airflow around the sides, adding to its stability at
high speed. Both the aerodynamics and high-speed characteristics have gone
through extensive and extremely successful testing in wind tunnels and at
the Nardo high-speed test track in Italy.
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