9-7X RANGE INCLUDES NEW BLUETOOTH HANDS-FREE PHONE CONNECTIVITY
06/09/2008
Saab
Saab brings Scandinavian design sensibilities to the midsize SUV market with the 9-7X range, which includes the performance-oriented 9-7X Aero, the 9-7X 4.2i and the 9-7X 5.3i. All feature unique Saab brand characteristics that include sophisticated styling inside and out, premium design features, and the sporty and spirited performance inherent to Saab vehicles.
Enhancements for 2009 Saab 9-7X models include new Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity that interfaces with the vehicles' audio system, as well as two new exterior colors, Diamond Silver Metallic and Desert Tan Metallic.
9-X Aero
For the 9-7X Aero, Saab's accelerates the performance aspect of this already-sophisticated vehicle with a 6.0L V-8, 20-inch wheels and tires, unique exterior color and custom interior accoutrements.
The powerful, 6.0L small-block V-8 delivers 390 horsepower (295 kW) and 400 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque. With 0-60 mph acceleration of less than six seconds, the 9-7X Aero is a treat for those who are passionate about the driving experience.
Like all Saabs, the new Saab 9-7X Aero is driver-focused, with a chassis tuned and tested to deliver responsive, balanced handling. Corner control and body roll control are improved with higher-rate front and rear springs and sport-tuned shock absorbers. Additional strength is provided by a heavy-duty rear axle with limited-slip differential.
It's not difficult to put a stop to things in the more powerful 9-7X Aero. The front brake rotors are vented differently, cool more efficiently and have thicker "cheeks" (the rotor surface that the brake pads make contact with). The brake pads use high-performance linings for strong fade resistance.
ABS and automatic all-wheel-drive are standard on all 9-7X models as well as the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that provides confident, sure-footed travel.
On the 9-7X Aero, the performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system delivers impressive on-road grip and enhanced "launch" feel on slippery surfaces. The always-engaged system uses a Torsen center differential to split torque between the front and rear wheels. It is a torque-bias system that detects low traction at one axle and directs more torque to the other when needed.
Also specific to the 9-7X Aero are 20-inch polished, aluminum wheels wrapped with P255/50R20 V-rated performance tires that provide the optimum balance between ride and handling. Complementing the refined and driver-oriented cockpit-inspired interior are "Aero" embroidered leather seats and embossed floor mats.
9-7X Altitude Edition
Saab's popular Altitude Edition package returns for 2009. It is offered for 4.2i and 5.3i models and includes DVD touch screen navigation radio, highly polished 18-inch alloy wheels and specific badging.
Exterior finish choices include Carbon Flash (only non-Aero model for which this color is available) and Diamond Silver metallic.
Engines
Under the hood of the 9-7X Aero is the LS2 6.0L V-8 with a unique cold air induction package, rated at 390 horsepower (291 kW)* at 6,000 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm)* at 4,000 rpm.
The LS2 6.0L is based on the small-block V-8 architecture and delivers excellent low-rpm torque for strong off-the-line performance. Torque is inherent to the engine's cam-in-block design, which features large, 4.00-inch-diameter (101.6 mm) bores and a 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke. Response is crisp and immediate, thanks to the electronically controlled throttle.
The two other engines in the Saab 9-7X range include the 4.2L inline six-cylinder and the 5.3L V-8.
The 4.2L was named one of the "10 Best Engines" by Ward's AutoWorld Magazine for four consecutive years. It delivers 285 horsepower (213 kW)* and 276 lb.-ft. (374 Nm*) of torque.
The 5.3L V-8 engine delivers 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 321 lb.-ft. (435Nm)* of torque. It features Active Fuel Management technology that enables fuel economy gains of up to 5 percent in certain driving conditions by reducing half of the number of cylinders engaged in the combustion process in certain low demand situation. The engine seamlessly returns to V-8 mode the instant the controller determines that vehicle speed or load requires additional power.
Transmissions and towing
The 9-7X Aero's 6.0L V-8 is mated to the Hydra-Matic 4L70 electronically controlled four-speed transmission. The 4.2i and 5.3i all-aluminum engines are mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60 four-speed transmission.
Maximum towing capacity on 9-7X Aero model is 6,600 pounds (2,994 kg). Maximum towing capacity on 9-7X models equipped with the V-8 engine is 6,500 pounds (2,948 kg).
Exterior: sporty yet refined
It is a tenet in the Scandinavian culture that form and function must ally to produce purposeful design. In the case of the 9-7X, the design articulately translates the sporty refinement of Saab while staying faithful to the qualities endearing SUVs to drivers.
The exterior reflects Saab's sporty, functional character. Key features, such as Saab's signature three-port grille, rear quarter windows that visually appear to wrap around the D-pillars and brand-distinctive wheels, telegraph the 9-7X's heritage near and far. Overall, it presents a smooth, aerodynamic, sporty specimen, with an excellent body-to-tire relationship derived from the vehicle's low stance and standard 18-inch alloy wheels. The 9-7X's profile is clean and uninterrupted, without big bumper offsets, body-side moldings or protruding shapes and forms.
Trademark Saab interior
The Saab 9-7X's cockpit-inspired interior is well-equipped, highly refined and driver-oriented. The center stack and controls are angled toward the driver. Like the exterior, it features Saab-traditional strong, brand-distinctive design elements and cues, including the distinctive sliding-plate air vents, the famed fascia-integrated cupholder found in the Saab 9-5, and the trademark center console ignition.
With a wheelbase of 113 inches (2,870 mm) and length of 193.2 inches (4,908 mm), the vehicle offers ample room for friends and family. It holds up to 39.8 cubic feet (1,127 L) of cargo space with the rear seatback up and 80.1 cubic feet (2,268 L) with the seatback folded down. A split rear seat is standard in all 9-7X models, as is a trailer hitch receiver and hitch receiver cover.
Versatile entertainment
All Saab 9-7X models are equipped with an AM/FM six-disc, in-dash CD changer with rear-seat audio controls as well as a Bose 275-watt audio system with six speakers. An in-dash, DVD-integrated touch-screen navigation system is available.
The 9-7X also features standard XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only), featuring more than 130 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original commercial-free music and premier news, sports and talk as well as advanced traffic and weather information for select major metropolitan areas nationwide.
A rear-seat, headrest-integrated DVD entertainment system is available.
Saab means safety
Saabs have long been associated with safety, and the 9-7X is equipped with standard safety features that include dual-stage frontal air bags; Passenger Sensing System (PSS); rollover sensing system; head curtain side air bags; front safety belt pretensioners with load limiters and a front safety belt buckle-up reminder.
The standard StabiliTrak system is a crash-avoidance technology that assists the vehicle in maintaining the vehicle's directional stability, especially during emergency handling maneuvers.
Additional standard safety features include a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Saab 9-7X is equipped with the OnStar safety and security system, including one year of the Directions & Connections service that features Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle's audio system as needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be directed to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
OnStar also automatically notifies emergency personnel in the event of a crash severe enough to deploy an air bag.
*SAE certified.