The all-black Saab Turbo X has now
arrived at Saab dealers' showrooms around
the Middle East.The first-ever turbocharged
Saab, a 99 “CombiCoupe” hatchback,
debuted for the 1978 model year.
Combining brisk performance with excellent
fuel efficiency, that car started a trend that
was followed by many other manufacturers.
Now, the all-black Turbo X evokes the iconic
appeal of the first black 99 and 900
Turbos - while introducing innovative Saab
XWD all-wheel-drive technology.
The Saab Turbo X is offered only in a
four-door Sport Sedan body style. It has
styling cues that enhance aerodynamic performance
and create a distinctive appearance,
including specially designed alloy
wheels that have a grey, titanium-like finish
that harks back to Saab's classic threespoke
design.
Saab XWD is an active all-wheel-drive
system designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability. Its sophisticated electronic
control allows fine balancing of
drive torque, not only between the two
axles but also between the rear wheels. In
effect, this stretches the performance
envelope of the chassis, for example, raising
the threshold at which ESP throttle
and braking interventions are triggered.
The result is closer driver involvement
through 'positive force' chassis control.
Driver control is taken a step further
on the Turbo X by the eLSD, the first
application of an electronically-controlled,
rear limited slip differential in this segment
of the market. It uses inputs from
the rear wheel speed sensors and can
transfer up to 40 percent of torque
between the drive shafts, to whichever
wheel has more grip. When cornering
hard, this yaw damping effect helps the
rear of the car more closely follow the
direction of the front wheels.
To exploit the full benefits of Saab
XWD, the chassis of the Turbo X has
been lowered by 10 mm and the springs
and dampers stiffened to minimize body
movement. To maintain a constant ride
height irrespective of load, self-levelling
dampers are fitted at the rear.
The powerhouse at the heart of the
Turbo X is a 24-valve, 2.8-liter V6 turbo
engine generating 400 Nm of torque
between 2,150 and 4,500 rpm and
maximum power of 280 hp at 5,500
rpm. The advanced specification
includes a lightweight, all-aluminium construction
with a 60-degree angle
between the cylinder banks for perfect
balance, variable inlet valve timing and
twin-scroll turbocharging. It is offered
with a choice of six-speed manual or
automatic transmission.
The Turbo X is further distinguished
by unique, 18-inch alloy wheels with a
grey titanium-like finish that evokes the
look of Saab's classic three-spoke
design. Twin, rhomboid-shaped tailpipes
complete the exterior additions.
Inside, the 'black turbo' theme is
continued throughout the cabin. The
sport seating, with additional bolstering,
is upholstered entirely in black leather.
The sporty ambience is further emphasized
by a carbon-fibber finish to the
door inserts, glove box and gear shift
console which is unique to the Turbo X.
Owners will also enjoy a personalized
greeting when they get behind the
wheel and switch on the ignition. A
unique “All Systems Go” message flashes
in the main instrument display. The
owner's name, with the edition number
of the car, can also be programmed for
display by the supplying dealer.
