[nsap]

XWD Widely Available on 2009 9-3
May 15, 2008
www.gminsidenews.com
By: NSAP



The arrival of the mid-cycle enhancement GM performed on the 2008 Saab 9-3 brought the very-welcomed addition of the stellar XWD all-wheel drive system. However, for the 2008 model-year XWD has only been on the Turbo X models and optional on Aero models. That changes for 2009.

Starting with the 2009 model-year XWD will be optional on the 2.0T models, which are the base models. The 2.0L Turbo models have 210 HP and are not seeing any other major changes. The XWD system will still only be offered on sedan and SportCombi models. The convertibles chassis is not setup for all-wheel drive.

In addition, the 280 HP rating currently on the Turbo X models has been extended to ALL Aero models for 2008. That 280 HP is made from the Turbocharged 2.8L HF V6. Currently all non-XWD Aero's are rated at 255 HP.