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DETROIT April 24, 2008; While all Saab Convertibles are popular amongcar aficionados, owning one in yellow is an extra sunny experience. Thefirst-ever yellow version of the Saab Convertible, issued in 1991, nowenjoys collector car status, just as well-kept copies of the 1997 versionare starting to get equally sought after. Yet for those preferring theattractions of an all-new open Saab, the third time may be the charm. Thisspring, yellow is back in a limited edition that is unprecedented in thecurrent generation Saab Convertible – without a doubt, a futureclassic.
The Saab Convertible Yellow Edition is based on the 2.0T version, itsturbocharged four-cylinder combining spirited performance with excellentfuel economy. In addition to its Lynx Yellow paint and a long list ofstandard equipment, including XM radio and OnStar, this special editionfeatures Aero look items such as 17-inch, five spoke alloy wheels and asubtle, yet effective rear spoiler while the premium audio system will bemusic to all ears. The 2008 Saab Convertible Yellow Edition has a MSRP of$42,830, including destination charges.
Top Safety Pick
Saab pioneered the concept of a 'four season, four-seater' soft top withthe launch of the first Saab Convertible in 1986, which was initiallyexclusively sold in the United States and immediately created a cultfollowing. Now in its third-generation, the Saab Convertible leverages morethan two decades of experience in designing an open-top car that is aspractical as it is stylish and safe.
The current Saab 9-3 Convertible has a level of structural integrity,build quality and running refinement that places it at the very top of itsclass. Like the 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi, the Saab 9-3 Convertiblewas named a “2008 Top Safety Pick” by the U.S. InsuranceInstitute for Highway Safety, following its first-ever crash tests for opencars last year.
The Convertible’ DynaCage system helps provide rollover protectionwith pop-up rear roll bars, strengthened A-pillars and sills, and automaticseat-belt pre-tensioning. Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) are fitted tothe front seats as standard to help counter the risk of neck injury inrear-end impacts.
Innovative product features further develop the Saab concept that anopen-top car should be ‘more than a Convertible’ by offeringeffective transport all the year round. Saab ‘ReAxs’, a uniquerear wheel steer characteristic in the kinematics of the suspension,contributes to the responsive chassis dynamics, as does the reinforcementof the front, rear and side structures to compensate for the absence of afixed roof.
On the road, the Convertible delivers all the fun-to-drive qualities ofthe widely-acclaimed 9-3 Sport Sedan chassis. The all-turbo powertrainline-up is led by a 2.8-liter V6 rated at 255 hp in the Aero model, whilethe 210 hp 2.0-liter four cylinder shines with great fuel economy.
Scandinavian design Scandinavian design ensures the styling is clean andflowing. This is an open-top car that looks like a unique model in its ownright, free from any awkward styling compromises – regardless whetherthe top is down, or up.
The hydraulically-powered, triple layer roof automatically latches tothe windshield header and deploys just 20 seconds, making it among thefastest in its class. The innovative CargoSET function connects the roofoperation to a flexible, ‘concertina’ storage well in thetrunk. When the roof is up, the well automatically retracts, releasinguseful stowage space.
The interior shares the cockpit feel and driver-focused themes of theSaab 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi. Particular emphasis was placed onstyling that integrates the rear passenger area, including a light colored,near seamless headlining that gives a fixed-head interior ambience. AU-shaped, Surround Trim extends from the base of A-pillars along the top ofthe doors, rear side trims and tonneau cover, further integrating theinterior and exterior.
For ease of use and convenient rear access, the Saab Convertible frontseats have an extended travel and integrated seat-belts, which eliminatesthe need for attachment to the B-pillar. Other interior features includeprofiler personalization of cabin functions as well as Night Panel‘need to know’ instrument illumination.
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is theimporter and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for SaabAutomobile AB, Sweden. As of the 2008 model year, all Saabs have XMSatellite Radio and OnStar as standard equipment. Additionally, all newSaabs have no-charge scheduled maintenance, and the Saab 100,000-milePowertrain Limited Warranty. Visit www.saabusa.com for moreinformation.
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