While all Saab Convertibles are
popular among car aficionados, owning one in yellow is an extra sunny
experience. The first-ever yellow version of the Saab Convertible,
issued in 1991, now enjoys collector car status, just as well-kept
copies of the 1997 version are starting to get equally sought after.
Yet for those preferring the attractions of an all-new open Saab, the
third time may be the charm. This spring, yellow is back in a limited
edition that is unprecedented in the current generation Saab
Convertible – without a doubt, a future classic.
The
Saab Convertible Yellow Edition is based on the 2.0T version, its
turbocharged four-cylinder combining spirited performance with
excellent fuel economy. In addition to its Lynx Yellow paint and a long
list of standard equipment, including XM radio and OnStar, this special
edition features Aero look items such as 17-inch, five spoke alloy
wheels and a subtle, yet effective rear spoiler while the premium audio
system will be music 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
with the launch of the first Saab Convertible in 1986, which was
initially exclusively sold in the United States and immediately created
a cult following. Now in its third-generation, the Saab Convertible
leverages more than two decades of experience in designing an open-top
car that is as practical 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 its
class. Like the 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi, the Saab 9-3
Convertible was named a “2008 Top Safety Pick” by the U.S. Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety, following its first-ever crash tests for
open cars last year.
The Convertible’ DynaCage
system helps provide rollover protection with pop-up rear roll bars,
strengthened A-pillars and sills, and automatic seat-belt
pre-tensioning. Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) are fitted to the
front seats as standard to help counter the risk of neck injury in
rear-end impacts.
Innovative product features
further develop the Saab concept that an open-top car should be ‘more
than a Convertible’ by offering effective transport all the year round.
Saab ‘ReAxs’, a unique rear wheel steer characteristic in the
kinematics of the suspension, contributes to the responsive chassis
dynamics, as does the reinforcement of the front, rear and side
structures to compensate for the absence of a fixed roof.
On the road, the Convertible delivers all the fun-to-drive qualities of
the widely-acclaimed 9-3 Sport Sedan chassis. The all-turbo powertrain
line-up is led by a 2.8-liter V6 rated at 255 hp in the Aero model,
while the 210 hp 2.0-liter four cylinder shines with great fuel
economy.
Scandinavian design
Scandinavian design ensures the styling is clean and flowing. This is
an open-top car that looks like a unique model in its own right, free
from any awkward styling compromises – regardless whether the top is
down, or up.
The hydraulically-powered, triple
layer roof automatically latches to the windshield header and deploys
just 20 seconds, making it among the fastest in its class. The
innovative CargoSET function connects the roof operation to a flexible,
‘concertina’ storage well in the trunk. When the roof is up, the well
automatically retracts, releasing useful stowage space.
The interior shares the cockpit feel and driver-focused themes of the
Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi. Particular emphasis was placed on
styling that integrates the rear passenger area, including a light
colored, near seamless headlining that gives a fixed-head interior
ambience. A U-shaped, Surround Trim extends from the base of A-pillars
along the top of the doors, rear side trims and tonneau cover, further
integrating the interior and exterior.
For
ease of use and convenient rear access, the Saab Convertible front
seats have an extended travel and integrated seat-belts, which
eliminates the need for attachment to the B-pillar. Other interior
features include profiler personalization of cabin functions as well as
Night Panel ‘need to know’ instrument illumination.