2008 Saab 9-3 Goes Public

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by guitarlix

I think it looks fantastic. It sucks they don't have any interior photos.

The interior is identical to the 2007 Refresh. Go look at the pictures on my Flickr account for details.

[racy]

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

The interior is identical to the 2007 Refresh. Go look at the pictures on my Flickr account for details.

...which means GM used old Malibu knobs for the console and knocked down the quality look of the interior not one, but two notches.

How certain are you that the 2008's interior will be identical to '07 ? Seriously, this is a make or break for us as to whether we trade the 2006 in for a 2008.

[jbernie]

I think the reason i like the front end is because on the current style the lower fascia is just dull and uninspiring. The new version adds design and color where otherwise it was black and dull.

It also looks more menancing than before.

As to models, i think we should expect the basic models right now, and then once settled in then the xwd variants etc.

[Mr. Burns]

It looks really nice, the headlights give me a 5-series vibe, which is nice.

[killerrd2]

I'm not too thrilled with the first glimpse....but I haven't seen it in person yet.
Anything "new" is great for Saab!

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by killerrd2

Anything "new" is great for Saab!

Well, I'm all for that.

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by racy

...which means GM used old Malibu knobs for the console and knocked down the quality look of the interior not one, but two notches.

How certain are you that the 2008's interior will be identical to '07 ? Seriously, this is a make or break for us as to whether we trade the 2006 in for a 2008.

Because you don't run an interior for one year, and because it is not a new platform for 2008.

Also pretty much that has been said on every Saab forum.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by racy

How certain are you that the 2008's interior will be identical to '07 ? Seriously, this is a make or break for us as to whether we trade the 2006 in for a 2008.

I'm certain it was mentioned last year when the "revised" 9-3 interior debuted.
Not that the revised 9-3 interior was something to write home about in the first place....

[camaro_freak]

I must admit this looks pretty darn good. I love everything except the hoodl wrapping around to the side of the fender.

I will have to retract my earlier statements while it was in CAMO... I'm actually pretty impressed with this!

[AndrewGS]

Well, again I have to eat my words. I didn't think I'd like it with the thin sprips of body-color between the huge chrome-surround grille, but I kinda like it. It's still doesn't look as classy as the current 9-3, but it definately looks more sgressive.

[Quickening]

http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archi...or_the_us.html
MY08 Saab 9-3 Update for the US

SEVERAL UPDATES BELOW
----------
"Some info just in from Djup Strupe - a few initial MY08 Saab 9-3 specs for the US market:

Xm Standard
Onstar Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers Standard
Two new colors: Snow Silver Metallic and Pepper Green Metallic
Grey Leather dropped, replaced by Black
Semi-aniline leather available
Aero V6 upped to 255 hp
New 16" wheel
Xenon Cornering Headlamps (part of Premium package)
Express up windows standard on all Aero's and convertibles. On sedans it comes when you get the car with a sunroof
All convertibles have remote opening top standard
Optional 17" wheel on 2.0
Daytime running lamps Standard
Tire pressure monitor Standard
New premium Bose audio coming later - option on 2.0T and standard on Aero - SS and SC only

More info will be posted as it comes to hand.
-----
UPDATE: the optional 17"" wheel on the 2.0T appears to be the split 5-spoke Anniversary wheel.
The 16" wheel is below - a 14-spoke wheel that may look a little familiar to some (tho I didn't recognise it but it's before I was blogging).

-----
UPDATE 2: As was previously guessed, the photos we've seen are the Aero model, and only the Aero model will have the "matt chrome" inserts in the front spoiler.
The convertible will retain the previous generation's door handles.
And what are the "color-matched Aero rocker panels" that will be available on all models?
-----
UPDATE 3:
There's nothing I can see in the material I've received about Bluetooth being available for the US market. It looks like in the presence of OnStar, the aftermarket Bluetooth solution must continue.
There's also nothing about adaptive cruise control. Those little things that looked initially like sensors near the fog lamps are most likely adjusting points for the lamps. I tend to agree with Paul Humpage, who said in comments "If you're driving in traffic heavy enough that your cruise control needs to adapt then you shouldn't be using it in the first place." This is, IMHO, technology for technology's sake and won't be missed.
Whilst there is a mention of daytime running lights, there's no mention of LEDs
Whilst the seats will have options of a higher quality leather, there doesn't appear to be any material changes to the dash area. The audio unit is the same as MY07 by the looks of things, though as noted above, a higher spec Bose unit will become available later in the model year.
There's a "Fun and Sun" package mentioned, but no details available."

[FBODYRULES]

not bad

[DuSpinnst]

The current Aero has 255 HP, it was under rated for 2006-7

[I-Love-Pontiac]

I like it. I just wish they dropped the grille down more, like on the Aero X.

[svx92]

As much as i don't get the clam shell cut lines along the fenders for the retro hood, I must say it looks better executeed than the fresh design C-class sedan's hood lines. Maybe it was just that it was a white car in the mag that made the cutline show so greatly.(sorry can't remember if it was Car and Driver or MotorTrend)

My admin. assist. had her 06 Aero sedan in for matenance and had a 07 anniversary convertible. The revised interrior does adress elements that I dislike -the eyebrow screen isn't missed, the new upper glovebox panel looks much richer, the chrome rimmed vent knobs and gauge needles are soooo much nicer. And I like the simplified rotary knobs for the climate system.

I do think that the reduction to a two stage heated seats is unacceptable. I thought the three stage was flimsy but on par with the BMW I got rid of- despite the wife's audi having six settings.

Have to say- though I love the anniversary's Black leather with grey inserts. It is the reverse of the Aero convertible's grey with black. That should be an Aero option once the anniversary package goes away.