holy smokes 
Facelifted 2008 Saab 9-3 (Official pics pg. 2)
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Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,397
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From: What is G?
Facelifted 2008 Saab 9-3 (Official pics pg. 2)
Spy photographers have captured images of a facelifted Saab 9-3 wagon, featuring a new nose inspired by the popular Aero-X concept car, which will be used as the basis for all upcoming Saab designs.
Expect some chrome in the grille and also a chrome strip on the upper side of the headlamps. Both the front bumper and the bumper in the back are new, and together with the missing décor stripes on the doors as well on the bumpers, it gives the new 9-3 a cleaner look. The shape of the rear lights will remain the same, but there will be optional LED lights.
Saab is working on a all-wheel-drive version with the help of specialist Haldex. Expected to be released in September at the Frankfurt Car show, the vehicle will target offerings from Volvo, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Subaru.
Rumours are also 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.
Expect some chrome in the grille and also a chrome strip on the upper side of the headlamps. Both the front bumper and the bumper in the back are new, and together with the missing décor stripes on the doors as well on the bumpers, it gives the new 9-3 a cleaner look. The shape of the rear lights will remain the same, but there will be optional LED lights.
Saab is working on a all-wheel-drive version with the help of specialist Haldex. Expected to be released in September at the Frankfurt Car show, the vehicle will target offerings from Volvo, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Subaru.
Rumours are also 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.
Thread Starter
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,397
Likes: 100
From: What is G?
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: Canada
In stock form, the previous 9-3 with Aero treatment was one of the most tasteful looking cars on the road, IMO. It looked like it had already received a few mod-treatments such as lowering and body-kitting. Not to mention good looks of the rest of the car. Of course, that has worn with time.
This model takes Saab back to obscurity. Over-priced weirdmobiles for uninformed buyers. I hope they're at least more reliable than the rat-traps they passed off as vehicles in the previous gen. I have two acquaintances who have told me horror stories of the 9-3.
This model takes Saab back to obscurity. Over-priced weirdmobiles for uninformed buyers. I hope they're at least more reliable than the rat-traps they passed off as vehicles in the previous gen. I have two acquaintances who have told me horror stories of the 9-3.
Thread Starter
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,397
Likes: 100
From: What is G?
Honestly, it really doesnt look that different from the current model. Just a bigger grill with more chrome on the lower body. 
However I will say it does look a little less Swedish.
However I will say it does look a little less Swedish.
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Here is one for you...I own a Lexus LS400, SC400, RX330, and Toyota Corolla. But I am representative for SAAB Canada. And I have to say despite the known glitches in the european cars of today, I have to say this is one fun car to drive around, especially for the price you pay for. It's appearance and performance is unique in a good way. IMO...of coarse. But at the end of the day..."Lexus for life." 
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Here is one for you...I own a Lexus LS400, SC400, RX330, and Toyota Corolla. But I am representative for SAAB Canada. And I have to say despite the known glitches in the european cars of today, I have to say this is one fun car to drive around, especially for the price you pay for. It's appearance and performance is unique in a good way. IMO...of coarse. But at the end of the day..."Lexus for life."
do they still make the Viggen version of the 9-3?