All new Saab 9-3

Saab is readying a new schnoz for its 9-3, as evidenced by an earlier wagon prototype carrying a revamped front clip. As shown by these 9-3 Convertible shots, the droptop will also get the new nose, which incorporates a larger grille that lurks somewhere between the company’s celebrated Aero X Concept and the production 9-5. Mercifully, the winter testing mule seen here appears to have a shorter overhang up front than the latter, which now appears to have a wheelbase that’s too short for the vehicle’s overall length.

The Saab will have more than just new sheetmetal for the 2008 model year. Other changes include an upgraded sound system, Xenon cornering headlights, a more powerful 255 horsepower engine for the 9-3 Aero and the gray leather option has been replaced with a black leather option. Pricing is expected remain largely the same.

Rumors have also been circuiting about a special high-performance model, called the "Black Turbo." Delivering 300 hp and four-wheel drive, this model aims to put Saab in league with other prestige brands like BMW and Mercedes.

“We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, managing director of Saab Automobile worldwide. “The result is a major step forward in strengthening the visual and driving appeal of our core product line-up, which accounts for about two-thirds of Saab’s global sales.”

Tips(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia):

The Saab 9-3 is a compact executive car produced by the automaker Saab in Trollhättan, Sweden, although the convertible (cabriolet) version is made under license in Austria. It shares platforms with the Opel Vectra and the Cadillac BLS, although is only similar enough to the Cadillac BLS in order to be made on the same assembly line in Sweden.

The car is badged as a 9³, although Saab consistently advertises it as the 9-3. The name is pronounced "nine three". The 9-3 was introduced in 1998 and was replaced by a newly developed 9-3 in the 2003 model year. The Saab 93, pronounced "ninety three" was a car produced by Saab from 1955 to 1960.

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