SAAB 9-3 IS DESIGNED FOR PRECISE DRIVING CONTROL
NORCROSS, Ga. - Saab engineers firmly believe that a driver should feel as if they are one with the car - that intentions behind the wheel translate into precise response from the car. This concept of control has evolved naturally from Saab's aircraft heritage. In three-dimensional airspace, precise control is immensely important. Saab realizes that precise control is equally important in its earth-bound vehicles, as evidenced by the Saab 9-3. Offered in three-door, five-door and convertible models, the Saab 9-3 is designed to provide outstanding response and control, not only for spirited performance driving, but also for enhanced safety.
Standard ABS Brakes Incorporate EBD
All Saab 9-3 models are 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 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.
Suspension Systems Provide Precise Control
For precise handling and control, the Saab 9-3 features a front suspension
comprised of MacPherson struts with direct-acting gas shock absorbers and
coil springs. Split lower wishbones in forged aluminum and a stabilizer bar
help maintain stability during cornering. This entire front suspension
system works in tandem to provide excellent handling and precise control in
nearly all driving environments.
The rear suspension features an H-formed, semi-rigid torsion-beam rear axle with inner and outer stabilizer bars, sport-tuned coil springs and gas shock absorbers. It is tuned to provide 9-3 occupants with good ride comfort and allow the driver precise control.
Saab Chassis Philosophy Ð The Driver Must Be in Full Control
Saab's extensive Real-life Safety research and subsequent active-safety
engineering has two primary objectives - to design the driver's environment
so that the driver will find it easier to avoid incidents, and to provide
the car's chassis with the properties needed to enable the driver to avoid
accidents in emergency situations. The chassis of the Saab 9-3 is designed
and tuned to ensure the best possible road safety by following these
guidelines:
The design of the Saab 9-3 follows this safety philosophy. The car has precise steering and directional stability, it has consistent and stable behavior on braking and acceleration, and it also retains its poise in sudden maneuvers on a variety of road surfaces. All of this ensures that the driver will always be in full control of the car.
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