Nov 12, 2008

Saab Goes Anniversary Crazy: Special Edition 9-3 Convertible to Make L.A. Debut

Swedish automaker Saab has made quite a habit of hankering back to its successes of the past recently, conceiving of such tribute cars as the 9-3 Aero Convertible 20th Anniversary Edition in 2006, the Turbo X concept of 2007, as well as a 60th Anniversary Edition 9-5 Aero from that year. Without getting into the creative bookkeeping that allows for so many anniversaries, suffice it to say that Saab is ready to break out the bubbly on its own behalf once again.


The celebrated vehicle this year is another 9-3 convertible, built to honor the first Saab ragtop from 1983 (not to be confused with the production car from 1986 with was toasted two years ago…sigh). The new 9-3 will make its debut at the L.A. Auto Show next week, and will be showcased in a new “bright champagne” metallic paint.

The honored convertible will be offered in Jet Black and Carbon Grey as well, and will offer a revised front bumper design, carbon fiber “finish” interior pieces, and standard five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels. The special edition Saab will be priced at $46,725 to start. Scroll down to read the full press release.

American debut at Los Angeles auto show 
Saab Celebrates 25 years of Convertibles with Special Edition

DETROIT – The first ever Saab Convertible made its world debut at the Frankfurt auto show in the fall of 1983.  Now, 25 years later, a Special Edition makes its American debut at the Los Angeles International auto show which opens to the public on November 22.  This new version of the Saab 9-3 Convertible will be showcased in a unique bright champagne metallic color.

Saab surprised the automotive world when it pioneered the concept of a ‘four season, four-seat’ soft top Convertible. Designed to be practical and stylish, the Scandinavian-styled convertible changed the perception of open top vehicles to be used all the year round.


 “Saab has sold more than a quarter of a million convertibles worldwide and this latest edition highlights the timeless design and responsible performance that Saab convertibles have always represented,” said Steve Shannon, executive director, marketing and product, Saab Automobile USA.

 
The special edition Saab Convertible will be available in three metallic colors to include Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne.  It will feature Saab’s signature 2.0-liter, 210 hp four cylinder engine and can be matched to six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.
 
Special content includes influences from the Turbo X performance model, such as the design of the front bumper and steering wheel plus carbon fiber interior finishes and black floor mats with grey binding.  Like the Aero version, the rear shows dual exhaust pipes and an anthracite grey bumper insert.  Five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels will be standard.