The Saab Turbo X Reborn at IAA Frankfurt : Saab new car review article 2008

The Saab Turbo X Reborn at IAA Frankfurt
by Evander Klum
General Motors Corp's Saab division continue its commitment in producing turbo charged vehicle models with the world premiere of the Saab Turbo X at the 2007 International Motor Show (Internationale Automobil Ausstellung, IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany.
With the Saab Turbo X in full black exterior, the Swedish automaker brings back the iconic design characteristics of the first turbocharged model from the company launched 30 years ago also in Frankfurt Motor Show, the black Saab 900 Turbo. The Saab Turbo X will also feature the Saab XWD, an innovative and cutting edge all wheel drive system.
The Saab Turbo X will roll out in selected markets starting in the second quarter of 2008 with two available model variants: Sport Sedan and SportCombi. Powering all Saab Turbo X models is of course, a turbo charged 24-valve V6 engine with a 2.8-liter of displacement. This power unit is capable of pumping out 280 hp (206 kW) at 5,500 rpm and pulls out 400 Nm amount of peak torque between 2,150 and 4,500 rpm. The V6 engine is made of a lightweight all-aluminum construction with a 60-degree angle between the cylinder banks. In addition, the engine consists of twin scroll turbochargers and variable inlet valve timing. The turbo charged engine is coupled with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, powering the Saab XWD.
Complementing the powertrain components of the Saab Turbo X is the car's sports tuned chassis and suspension parts. According to a Saab press release, "The Saab Turbo X adds a new dimension in chassis control to Saab's unrivalled experience in turbo charging. It is the result of a development program that leverages the full potential of Saab's innovative XWD system, with the car's sports tuned suspension, brakes and electronic control systems all aligned to meet a single need: driving satisfaction."
The Saab Turbo X also offers enhanced vehicle handling and stability. For the first time in its segment, the Turbo X features the eLSD (electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential) that uses rear wheel speed sensors to transfer up to 40% amount of torque between the drive shafts. Saab control arm is also included.
The Saab Turbo X comes with metallic Jet Black exterior color along with its sports body styling and aerodynamic components. Other exterior and aero features include matte grey titanium-like finish front grille, front deeper lip spoiler, integrated air intake, re-profiled bumper, lowered insert panel, rear spoiler extending the line of the trunk deck (Sport Sedan only), rear spoiler that extends the rear roof line (SportCombi), 18-inch three-spoke alloy wheels with grey titanium-like finish, and twin rhomboid-shaped tailpipes.
Moving inside, the Turbo X also comes with black turbo trim on the interior. Highlights include sports seating with additional bolstering and upholstered in black leather, carbon-fiber finish door inserts, carbon-fiber finish glove box, carbon-fiber finish gear shift console, and thick-rimmed soft grip leather steering wheel. Moreover customers can also choose the premium natural leather interior with perforated bolsters.
Watch out next year when Saab releases this model in the market.