SAAB 9-3'S ALL-TURBO RANGE PROVIDES SPIRITED DRIVING
NORCROSS, Ga. - The Saab 9-3's fun-to-drive character is highly attributable to its powertrain line-up. All 9-3 models are powered exclusively by enhanced turbocharged engines which strike a precise balance between high performance, good fuel efficiency and low emission levels. The updated Ecopower 2.0L engine is the latest offering in a long line of dynamic Saab turbocharged cars. Saab presented its first turbo car in 1976 and has been optimizing turbocharging technologies ever since.
Enhanced horsepower and torque ranges
The 2000 Saab 9-3 models are available with two enhanced 2.0-liter Saab
Ecopower turbocharged engines - a 205 horsepower high-output turbo engine
in the Saab 9-3 SE 5-door and SE Convertible variants and a 185 horsepower
engine for all other Saab 9-3 Coupe, 5-door and Convertible models.
Saab's updated 205 horsepower 2.0L high-output turbo four-cylinder engine delivers its maximum horsepower at 5,500 rpm (5,750 rpm with automatic transmission) and strong low-end torque of 209 lb.-ft. at just 2,200 rpm. Because the amount of torque available in the rev range dictates the driveability and acceleration capabilities of a vehicle, this Saab engine, with a manual transmission, maintains its maximum torque all the way up to 4,800 rpm. With an automatic transmission, the maximum torque of 184 lb.-ft. is maintained from 1,900 rpm all the way to 5,700 rpm. With either variant, this broad, flat plateau of maximum torque provides usable power on demand for overtaking, avoiding potential hazards or sheer driving enjoyment.
Saab doesn't restrict the fun-to-drive attributes of a broad torque range just to 9-3 SE owners. Its entry level 9-3 models offer a 185 horsepower 2.0-liter engine that, with a manual transmission, provides 194 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,100 rpm to 4,200 rpm. When mated to an automatic, the engine offers 184 lb.-ft. from 1,900 all the way to 5,000 rpm.
Trionic 7 Engine Management System
Both of the 9-3's 2.0L engines feature enhancements for 2000. For starters,
they are now managed by Saab's Trionic 7 (T7) engine management system -
which was first introduced on the 9-5 Sedan. T7 is controlled by a 32-bit
microprocessor that is capable of performing two million calculations per
second. It monitors and controls the direct ignition, fuel injection, turbo
boost pressure and throttle setting to enhance performance. Since T7
provides electronic throttle control, it overcomes the lag often present in
a turbocharged engine by manipulating the throttle position. T7 opens the
throttle further than the driver has requested, making more engine torque
available as soon as it's needed. It's an electronic slight of hand, but
immediately accomplishes the driver's request for more power.
Other engine enhancements to the 9-3 model line include stronger pistons, new gudgeon pins and sturdier crankshafts for enhanced durability. Like the 9-3 Viggen and 9-5 Aero, the exhaust valves in the 9-3 engine are made of Nimonic alloy, a nickel alloy with excellent heat resistant properties that is often used in jet engine components.
Transmissions contribute to fun-to-drive attitude
The Saab 9-3 features a standard five-speed manual transmission that
includes a hydraulically operated clutch to ease driving and provide smooth
gear shifts. For excellent low-end performance, and to make the car easy
to drive in city traffic, Saab's manual transmission offers driver-friendly
gear ratios and a final drive ratio of 4.05:1. These gear and final drive
ratios provide quick off-the-line response while maintaining good highway
cruising fuel efficiency. An electronically controlled four-speed
automatic transmission with three driver-selectable shift modes Ð sport,
normal and winter Ð is optional.
Saab Engines Offer Efficiency and Power in Same Package
Saab turbo engines are labeled Ecopower and offer a unique combination of
high performance, low emissions (all 2000 Saab 9-3 engines are LEV
compliant) and good fuel economy. With its 9-3 SE turbo engine, Saab now
provides over 100 horsepower per liter of engine displacement - an
efficiency virtually unmatched in a family car, and traditionally only
found in ultra high performance sports cars.
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