SAAB 9-3 Facelift - Griffin range

Written by Leonte Cristian.

SAAB 9-3 Griffin SAAB released the Griffin range, featuring an refreshed exterior and interior styling and of coursem new fuel efficient engine range. The Griffin range replace the SAAB Sport Sedan, SportCombi, Convertible and 9-3X and is distinguished by the new front bumpers, SAAB's "ice block" headlamps and Griffin badge on the front. Two versions of the Griffin are available : the standard and the "Aero". Talking about new engines, a 2.0 L will be present under the hood, delivering 163 horse power and 220 horse power. Both engines include direct injection, twin scroll turbocharging and variable valve timing. The CO2 emissions are reduced by 4% on average. At the exterior, the SAAB 9-3 Griffin borrows the "ice block" headlamps effect found in the SAAB 9-5 sedan. Inspired by the Aero X concept, the units have a distinctive blue/green hue in daylight. The grille also features a more prominent, wing-shaped central bar carrying the SAAB wordmark, again like the 9-5 sedan.

SAAB 9-3 Griffin anaglyph 3D :

More from PRESS RELEASE :

Re-profiled front bumpers include a deep, trapezoidal air intake finished with black, ribbed bars, or a mesh insert for Aero variants. Front fog lamps are fitted as standard and a Griffin emblem, derived from the heraldic Saab badge, appears on the side of the front fenders.

At the rear, the SAAB wordmark replaces badging on the chrome trim and all Sport Sedan variants receive a trunk-mounted spoiler. 16-inch alloy wheels are now fitted as standard, increasing to 17-inch for Aero and Saab XWD variants. New 17- and 18-inch wheel designs are also offered.

The cabin receives a subtle makeover. Titanium metallic-effect trim is introduced around the instrument panel, gearshift molding, doors and glove box, and as an option for the instrument panel fascia. The Aero interior features a graphite fiber-effect for all these items, including the fascia. A brushed metallic effect is also introduced as an option for both standard and Aero variants. Shark grey fabric inserts now complement both the black and parchment standard leatherette seats, while irregularly ribbed leather with contrasting stitching is introduced for Aero upholstery, also inspired by the Aero X concept.

In both specifications, a useful storage pocket for small items, carrying a Griffin name tag, is fitted to the side of the front seatbacks. The Convertible’s unique seats have a name tag only.

More power, lower fuel consumption and emissions
Further fine tuning for 9-3 Griffin SportCombis fitted with 130/160/180 hp TTiD engines has further improved CO2 emissions and fuel consumption to 119 g/km and 4.5 l/100 km, respectively, over the combined cycle. Like the Sport Sedan, the 180 hp SportCombi clearly leads its class in terms of low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption per unit of horsepower.

More efficient gasoline engines deliver an average combined cycle improvement of 4% in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This is in addition to a 10 hp increase over the current 210 hp top-of-the-line offer. With power ratings of 163 hp (120 kW)/ 320 Nm and 220 hp (162 kW)/ 350 Nm, both new engines are available with front-wheel drive and XWD, Saab’s advanced all-wheel-drive system.

The use of variable valve timing and direct injection improves fuel consumption, emissions and performance. Hydraulically operated vane-type cam phasers enable both the inlet and exhaust valve timing to be adjusted independently, according to varying engine speed and load. The many benefits include a broader spread of torque, higher maximum power and improved fuel consumption.

Direct injection delivers fuel under high pressure directly into the combustion chamber. This enables the separation of air and fuel delivery, allowing improved scavenging of the combustion chamber to give substantially more low-end torque and reduced engine knocking.

A twin-scroll turbocharger is also used, which virtually eliminates turbo lag at low engine speeds. Each scroll on the turbine is fed by a separate exhaust passage from a pair of cylinders, enabling a throttle response comparable to that of a naturally-aspirated engine. Other features include twin counter-rotating balance shafts for smooth running and a forged steel crankshaft for added strength.

Tags:

< Prev		Next >