For the 2008 model year Swedish car manufacturer Saab will come out with a redesigned Saab 9-3 range. The new variants of the 9-3 will come with more aggressive styling cues than their predecessors. Aside from exterior design changes, the new 9-3 range will also offer an all-wheel drive configuration and a selection of powerful gasoline engines.

On the outside, Saab revised the front, side, and rear styling cues of the 9-3. The front of the new 9-3 exhibits styling cues was taken out of the Aero X Concept which was unveiled at the 2006 International Geneva Motor Show. The Clamshell hood is the most notable similarity that the third generation 9-3 has with the Aero X Concept.

Aside from the new hood design, the 9-3 also comes with new bumper moldings for the 2008 model year. The headlight and taillight configuration of the new 9-3 also received modifications. The extent of the redesign on the exterior of the Saab 9-3 includes the new design for the doors and their corresponding door handles. For the Sport Sedan trim level of the 9-3, 70 percent of the external body panels are new. This shows that the company has changed a lot in the exterior of the car.

Other notable external changes made to the Saab 9-3 include the flat wiper blades and new alloy wheels. The flat wiper blades produce less noise when battered by strong winds as compared to the previous wiper blades used on the 9-3 range. Two external colors are also added to the range according to Saab. One of the two new colors is the same as that used on the Aero X Concept which is Snow Silver.

In terms of performance, the 2008 Saab 9-3 range boasts of 100 percent rear torque transfer. The new all-wheel drive configuration gives better stability and handling for the new 9-3. The all-wheel configuration provides an improved traction for the car in any road condition.

Engine choice for the 2008 Saab 9-3 range includes the 2.8-liter V6 turbocharged engine which can produce as much as 280 horsepower. With the Sports Sedan trim level, the uprated V6 engine can propel the 9-3 to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in just 6.3 seconds. From 50 miles per hour to 75 miles per hour, the engine will only take the engine 7.9 seconds.

According to Saab, the new engine features a lightweight, all aluminum construction, variable inlet valve timing, twin scroll turbocharger, and hydroformed exhaust manifolds. The new manifold features stainless steel liners and improved air injection for a better cold starting capability.

The Saab 9-3 also comes standard with a Tire Pressure Monitoring system which warns drivers if their tires are under inflated. The system pinpoints which tire have a pressure below the set standard. The entertainment system that comes with the Saab 9-3 is a Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound audio system.

We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling," says Jan ke Jonsson, the Managing Director of Saab Automobile. 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 global sales. And with the interest that the Saab 9-3 is generating among car buyers, it looks as if Saab has succeeded in improving the design, performance and handling of the 9-3.

Katie Jones writes for a local newspaper and her beat involves the latest updates in the automotive industry. She is also working on her book on cars during her spare time. You can visit door handles for more information.

¶ 12:24 AM