Saab looking to downsize next-generation models

[Beau]

I agree I think its a great Idea to turbo the 2.8 Its just that, the other HF V6s breathe so well on their own, why doesn't the 2.8 breathe with 8 psi? The new DI 3.0 coming out is supposed to get 270 horse, I mean I know the torque curve wont be the same but, I drove the 255 horse Saab Aero, I LOVED the looks of the car, but it wasn't any better in the push department than my 2.0T FSI 6 MT Passat. Which I think is slow. That motor is rated at 200 Horse, but I dynoed it at 192 WHP, so its got like 220 horsepower or so, and again.. Just not very impressed with it.

I know the 280 horse version is better, but still... The 2.0 SIDI motor puts out about the same power if not more to the ground. Soo..... 2.0 I-4 2.8 V-6??? What happened there.

[wildgoosechase]

I've thought that Saab should be more targeted towards VW or Audi. Small, European raod feel and turbo 4 bangers.

[mbukukanyau]

Originally Posted by eurohazard

Funny that this is posted today. I was behind a silver Jetta and a Silver Saab 9-3 was right next to it. I never realized how big the Saab had gotten until today! It was like the difference between a Charger and say a Corolla.

Boy, your windscreen needs checking. Seriously. The Jetta is bigger than the 9-3

[DemonKnightDK]

Originally Posted by Beau

I agree I think its a great Idea to turbo the 2.8 Its just that, the other HF V6s breathe so well on their own, why doesn't the 2.8 breathe with 8 psi? The new DI 3.0 coming out is supposed to get 270 horse, I mean I know the torque curve wont be the same but, I drove the 255 horse Saab Aero, I LOVED the looks of the car, but it wasn't any better in the push department than my 2.0T FSI 6 MT Passat. Which I think is slow. That motor is rated at 200 Horse, but I dynoed it at 192 WHP, so its got like 220 horsepower or so, and again.. Just not very impressed with it.

I know the 280 horse version is better, but still... The 2.0 SIDI motor puts out about the same power if not more to the ground. Soo..... 2.0 I-4 2.8 V-6??? What happened there.

I would say gearing played a big role in the speedy feel of it. Now the 2.8 is probably last gen tech that became what we know as the HF 3.6, the new 3.0 will probably replace the 2.8, but I was thinking of it as a strictly marketing ploy really. a 255HP 2.8L V6 as an entry engine for the G6 Gt withe the GTP still getting the 3.6 and the base getting the 2.2 4 (which I don't understand because the mileage gain is so damn small over the 3.5...)

I'm hoping the new 3.0L DOHC HF V6 gets up there in the econ deparment cause I'm tired of GMs DOHC engine not getting the same milage as similar sized Pushrods. (which honestly I would rather have any ways. I like the simplicity of them.)

My other gripe is that for a long time GM has been up-sizing its engines.. the 5.7 became the 6.0 the 6.0 became the 6.2 and it only gained 75HP? granted thats a good bit, but I mean the 5.7 LS1 can break 500HP with a head and cam swap. (maybe hurt milage, but I'm sure they could have over came that)

I'm glad to see GM creating new engines that have good FE numbers and power. the new Cruze is on my radar if it dose infact hit 40MPG and can hold a child seat (my wife is expecting to go into labor any day now..) I'd prefer somthing malibu sized or larger honestly though. I'd like to see a LeSabre sized car come out and put down a real world 35MPG HWY and 23-24 city.. I say dust off the 3.8, and had DI.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by mbukukanyau

Boy, your windscreen needs checking. Seriously. The Jetta is bigger than the 9-3

Jetta is ~3 inches smaller than the 9-3.

[jkr2106]

Originally Posted by wildgoosechase

I've thought that Saab should be more targeted towards VW or Audi. Small, European raod feel and turbo 4 bangers.

I'd say Audi and leave the entry euro feel to Saturn/Opel. In Europe, Opel/Vauxhall is entry like VW so I think Saturn would be a better VW fighter than Saab. Meanwhile, Saab can have the same upmarket relationship with Opel/Vauxhall/Saturn that Audi has with VW.

[The Law]

Originally Posted by jkr2106

I'd say Audi and leave the entry euro feel to Saturn/Opel. In Europe, Opel/Vauxhall is entry like VW so I think Saturn would be a better VW fighter than Saab. Meanwhile, Saab can have the same upmarket relationship with Opel/Vauxhall/Saturn that Audi has with VW.

True that! Saturn vs VW & Saab vs Audi.I'd also like Pontiac vs Nissan,Mazda & Buick vs Infinite and Lexus.
that way you have entry and high at each level.

[Astra RL]

This is very good especially for Saab. Also the Saab models can be on the longer wheelbases compared to Saturns like the Audi A6 is 5 inches longer than the Passat so the Aura is on the SWB EP II while the 9-5 is the LWB model. SWB delta II astra LWB 9-3 and finally SWB Gamma II for the Corsa and a LWB for the 9-1. And just to mess with dumb people an extended long wheelbase Epsilon II as a 9-7 for a low end A8 competitor. ya ya the DT7 goes there but this should be a Saab. 50-60K And stick to the biofuel with the 1.4 turbo 200HP engine and bring some Diesels for fun.