2003 Saab 9-3 - READ ONLY

185 messages, Last post on Nov 04, 2002 at 6:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Saab 9-3, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Sedan

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#5 of 185 by machiavelli Jul 22, 2002 (9:55 am)
The new 9-3 is not longer than the old 9-3, but it is slightly wider and has a longer wheelbase, so it is roomier inside than the car it replaces. The 9-5 is still slightly larger inside, and comes with the V6 instead of the 4. I guess the 9-3 will somewhat cannabalize the 9-5, but probably no worse than the Volvo S60 cannabalizes S80 sales.
#6 of 185 Issues with the new 9-3 by kevin111 Jul 22, 2002 (2:30 pm)
I agree that it looks great, from what I have seen so far of this car. Looks gorgeous in Black 1. Will have reduced understeer than previous models but still an issue 2. Will be underpowered compared to competition (175 hp and 200 hp engines offered???!!!!) 3. Brand identity and uncertainty may still be an issue. Also, the chasis is based off the Chevy Malibu platform (Car and Drive and Road and Track). A Maxima can blow away this car for a much lesser price!
#7 of 185 by magnetophone Jul 22, 2002 (2:44 pm)
Um it's not based on the Chevy Malibu. it's based on the Epsilon platform which is also going to be the basis of future Opel and Alfa Romeo products, as well as "POSSIBLY" the 2004 Chevy Malibu, which, if it will, is going to be a rebadged Opel Vectra.
#8 of 185 by machiavelli Jul 23, 2002 (9:07 am)
Kev - the new Saab 9-3 has nothing to do with the current Malibu. It's based on the new GM Epsilon platform, which it will also share with Opel/Vauxhall, and future Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Saturn models.
#9 of 185 Just posting what I have read by kevin111 Jul 23, 2002 (9:24 am)
I believe it is in the June version of Car&Driver, and Road&Track. Read it for yourself - "Based on the same platform used by the Chevy Malibu". I could not believe it myself when I read it. I had to do a double-take.
#10 of 185 by machiavelli Jul 23, 2002 (9:30 am)
They mean it's the same platform as the new Malibu - the GM Epsilon.
#11 of 185 You very well should not have believed it by logic1 Jul 23, 2002 (9:37 am)
You can find about 15 different sources, autoweek.com being the most recent, that say the new Saag 9-3 will be built on a modified version of the new Epsilon platform. The base Epsilon platform will be used for the next generation Malibu, Grand Am and possibly a Saturn. The Epsilon platform in any form has no relationship to the platform used by the current Malibu.
#12 of 185 Structurally Sound: The Epsilon platform could become one of General Motors by machiavelli Jul 23, 2002 (9:37 am)
From autoweek.com By WES RAYNAL The Opel Vectra GTS looks nice inside and out, and is a good drive. The Epsilon platform should help GM's midsize cars in the States. "OPEL HAS FIRED OFF A SECOND salvo in the midsize class product offensive it began in the spring, in the form of a new and tempting sports model, the coupe-style Vectra GTS sport sedan. This exceptionally dynamic..." So begins the new Vectra GTS press materials. Exaggerated maybe, but the new Opel Vectra (and Saab 9-3 and more) is an important car for GM; or at least the Vectra rides on an extremely important platform, the midsize Epsilon platform. The Epsilon platform is a structure Opel and Saab developed jointly that some of GM's best-selling cars will ride on, including the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004 Pontiac Grand Am and the 2004 (or '05) Saturn L. Further, there will be a future Cadillac on Epsilon, as well as a few Holdens in Australia. In all, the architecture will eventually account annually for some 1.2 million GM cars worldwide—a big number in a market in which GM needs better products to become more competitive with the Primeras, Accords, Camrys and Mondeos of the world.
#13 of 185 Interesting, C&D just corrected themselves - by kevin111 Jul 23, 2002 (9:38 am)
On the Saab 9-3 "The car is based on the GM Epsilon platform that will also see duty as the Opel Vectra and Chevrolet Malibu, " Base will have 175 hp engine. Top of the line will be a 210 hp engine. Still underpowered compared to its competition. I know it is a turbo 4, but still.
#14 of 185 by machiavelli Jul 23, 2002 (9:42 am)
I guess that is part of the "Saab-ness"; having a turbo 4 instead of a V6. But I agree, it's a little underpowered. An Acura TL has 225hp base and 260hp in the Type-S, and those numbers will probably go up somewhat when the '04 TL comes out.