Techno-powerhouse: Euro 9-3 gets 40 mpg (U.S.)

[HoosierRon]

But the U.S. won't get it.

2008 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan

It heralds the introduction of a‘tri-fuel’ engine line-up that now includes, an innovative 180 hp(132 kW), twin-stage 1.9 turbo diesel, an uprated 280 hp (206 kW), 2.8V6 turbo gasoline engine and an additional 175hp 2.0t Saab BioPower option, delivering 200 hp (147 kW) on E85fuel.

The advanced all-wheel-drive system (Saab XWD - ‘cross wheel drive’) is exclusive to 9-3 AeroSport Sedan and SportCombi models. It features innovative developments in wheelslip management and the use of an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential.

The new 1.9-liter two-stage turbo diesel offers class-leading efficiency and is the first diesel engine in the premium segment to use an integrated two-stage tubocharging system.
...
The 9-3 range features a powerful new four cylinder diesel engine with a unique two-stage turbocharging system, a world ‘first’ in the premium car segment, giving class-leading levels of efficiency. The 1.9-liter, 16-valve engine, badged TTiD,produces 180 hp (132 kW) and 400 Nm of maximum torque, specific power outputs that are unmatched among competitor products on the market. With combined fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100k projected for the Sport Sedan, this engine also offers class-leading economy, together with in-gear performance on a par with the 2.8V6turbo gasoline engine.

[drew630]

I am guessing it doesn't meet our emissions standards?

[FenwickHockey65]

Bring it stateside anybody?

[The Law]

drop that 1.9 in 9-1 and it's a hit

[TurboSAAB]

They meet our emmission standards in mosts states.





I have got 48 miles per gallon with the ac off and in cruise control at 50 mph in our 2004 9-3 2,0T with 93 octane.

Mark

[fenderbender]

A good looking performing AWD car with class leading fuel economy.....hmmm I know exactly why they won't bring it here............

[AbsoluteSaab]

I Wonder how much it would cost to make this engine 50 state compliant?

With compounding factors of inflated cost and diesel being more expensive than gasoline; is the vehicle marketable in NA?

Provided the efficiency out weighs the cost, then the TTiD would sell.
Brands such as Audi and Mercedes seem to think that the development of their 'Bluetec' engines, makes for a viable option but what also needs to be put into perspective is that as a percentage of the total cost of the vehicle 'bluetec' has a lower percentage cost in a Mercedes E320 cdi than it is in a 2.0TDi VW Rabbit, Although physically the cost is almost the same in raw money terms.
Ultimately Saab would have a lot of problems reaching the right scale of economy to make this engine 50 state compliant. However could that engine be offered in the Malibu and Aura to help production cost?
Unfortunately we're not in control of all the facts but if GM were to calculate that 200,000 1.9TTiD units would make it a viable option, are there that many US customers out there?

[The Law]

Does anyone have the numbers on how many sold in Europe?

also I read somewhere if other automakers such as Audi and MB are able to sell large numbers of diesels than Gm might think about bring these over.It's a bit piss poor on gm's part to always wait on the other automakers, but than again if the E85 isn't available yet or atleast enough refuel stations than the market isn't ready yet.

I know around where I live there's only two stations that has E85 and its about 45mins away and the other is about 1hr.Not sure about the rest of the country?

[The Law]

as I'm sure if GM wants to they could make the numbers work.

They have enough brands were 200,000 shouldn't be too hard they sold over that in impalas last year, even if they were fleet.

[Tiger]

The 2.8 V6 will already be here in April in the new Saab 9-3 TurboX models (sedan and Sportcombi wagon).

Price is most likely the reason one would speculate.

[amsnare]

Originally Posted by TurboSAAB

They meet our emmission standards in mosts states.





I have got 48 miles per gallon with the ac off and in cruise control at 50 mph in our 2004 9-3 2,0T with 93 octane.


Mark

48 MPG ??
Drop in at the VW TDI site and read their unbelievable economy claims..
Most people have accepted that the Diesel is at least 20% more efficient than gasoline and the Diesel fuel should be less expensive.

Strangely, our government, even though they want high MPG, (so they say) does not want the Diesel.
If they did, they would do something about the high price of Diesel fuel and the unrealistic emission standards from some states..
I cannot understand this....