2024 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:13
Saab enters the four-wheel drive business late. But a new technology in the 9-3 Aero XWD helps the Swedes to make a successful debut in the Quattro segment. The first tests on snow and ice left nothing to be desired.
By Thomas Flehmer
Every pop star dreams of a number one hit. Saab seems to have landed such a hit with the entry into the all-wheel drive business. The new Saab 9-3 Aero XWD is advancing to an innovation accelerator. That a new front section points to the new brand face of Saab - free. That the new 9-3 drives around with 2157 changes compared to its predecessor - a minor matter. Even an impressive 206 kW / 280 PS and a torque of 400 Nm have to deal with supporting roles.
Traction right from the start
The outstanding element of the 2.8 V6 turbo gasoline engine is the mode of operation of the all-wheel drive, in which all four wheels are activated from the start. While with the conventional systems the rear wheels are only activated according to the respective situation, with Saab four wheels are available. This gives the two rear wheels of the sedan or station wagon the best possible traction from the outset without having to wait for the front wheels to slip.
During the first test drives on snow and ice, this system, which BMW installed in a similar way in the X6, which will be presented next month, was absolutely convincing. The start on slippery ground did not turn out to be unsafe, and the small moment that is otherwise required for the rear wheels to overcome the slip and set a car in motion was also lost. The rear wheels pushed the 9-3 forward without losing any time. Up to 97 percent of the torque can be delivered to the rear wheels.
Power distribution between rear wheels
If the ground is dry, 90 percent is distributed to the front wheels, the remaining ten percent are more or less the standby duty of the rear wheels. If the road surface changes, the 9-3 becomes a rear-wheel drive much faster than if there had been no power at the rear before.
But that's not all. According to the Swedish supplier, the icing on the cake is the active electronic limited slip differential eLSD (electronically-controlled limited slip differential) in conjunction with the fourth generation Haldex clutch. The eLSD always distributes the power between the two rear wheels to the wheel with the higher traction. This gives the driver more control when cornering or taking evasive maneuvers.
ESP almost not necessary
The system works in a similar way to rear-wheel steering, which its competitor Renault has chosen. The French are installing the assistant in the Laguna GT, which will be offered in the second half of the year.
The eLSD has the further advantage that the ESP does not have to intervene until very late. Nevertheless, one cannot do without the electronic stabilization aid, says Saab product manager Elmar Haudel.
30th turbo anniversary
The Turbo X special model, limited to 2000 units and launched by Saab on the occasion of the 30th Turbo anniversary, features the eLSD as standard equipment and is being offered for the first time in this market segment worldwide. 120 units of the 280 hp top model of the 9-3 XWD are offered in Germany.
According to Saab, most of the Turbo X, which has a torque of 400 Nm, have already been ordered by the individual Saab dealers. The six-cylinder units, which are available from 46,300 euros, are all black and are intended to be reminiscent of the first Saab 900 Turbo.
Smaller engines will follow
Those who are satisfied with the “normal” 9-3 Aero XWD have to shell out 600 euros for the optionally offered eLSD, as Saab has now announced. While only the 2.8 with 280 hp will be available at the market launch in spring, smaller engines with 210 hp will follow. And of course the technology will also accompany the group in the coming models. After all, all-wheel drive shouldn't degenerate into a one-hit wonder.
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