BY CSABA CSERE

Traction that finally matches the power and balanced handling.

As engine outputs have risen over the past 25 years, front-drive cars have migrated towards four-wheel-drive to give their over-burdened front tires a break. Even Saab has finally capitulated with this 9-3 Turbo X.

A Haldex 4.0 center coupling shifts as much as 90 percent of the engine’s 280-hp output to the rear wheels via electronically controlled wet clutches. Its little digital brain anticipates when power is needed in back even before the tires slip. An electronically controlled clutch pack in the rear diff prevents side-to-side slip, while the traction control takes care of the front wheels. (more…)

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BY STEVE SILER

The Swedes go all American on us and drop a 390-hp small-block LS2 V-8 into this unrefined ute.

As truck-based mid-size SUVs become less and less relevant to consumers”let alone Saab buyers”Saab has resorted to the unthinkable to try to keep sales of its ill-conceived 9-7X alive: sticking a 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 with 390 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque under its long, non-clamshell hood. Yes, you’re looking at none other than the Saab SS. (more…)

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BY STEVE SILER

The most-powerful, best-handling Saab car ever?

We recently reported that Saab has given a midcycle nip-and-tuck to its bread-and-butter 9-3 lineup for 2008. The update includes a relatively thorough”if not extreme”exterior styling makeover, as well as the availability of all-wheel drive on the 9-3 Aero XWD, the latter being music to the ears of anyone who has ever tried to wrestle a front-wheel-drive turbo Saab into obedience under full throttle. (more…)

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