Saab has chosen a limited-production high-performance "halo" car to showcase its all-new XWD (say "Cross Wheel Drive") all-wheel-drive technology, something the automaker had lacked in its mainstream sedans and wagons until now.

The XWD system will eventually make it to other vehicles across the line, but it starts off in the heritage-inspired 9-3 Turbo X, available in both sedan and SportCombi (Saab-speak for station wagon) variants.

The Turbo X features a turbocharged 2.8 liter V6 that pumps out 280 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque via a six-speed manual transmission. That's a healthy increase of 25 horsepower and 37 lb-ft. of torque over the previous top-end Aero.

Saab's XWD system, developed by Haldex, features an electronic limited slip rear differential. Combined with the standard electronic stability control, XWD is capable of sending up to 96 percent of the power to one wheel for improved handling or traction.

Adding to the all-wheel-drive prowess is a lowered suspension with rear load-leveling and significantly upgraded brakes. North American models are scheduled to receive standard 17 inch wheels and optional 18 inch wheels.

The Turbo X features unique touches inside and out. A special bodykit with more aggressive rocker panel moldings and - interestingly - rhombus-shaped tail pipes makes it stand out from standard 9-3s. The Turbo X's badging is designed to recall the 900 Turbos of the 1980s with ovoid letter shapes and vintage-style detailing.

Inside, the Turbo X gets premium leather, more aggressive seats, carbon fiber trim and a special greeting for drivers. When the car is first started, it will display "All Systems Go" and, if programmed by a dealer, the owner's name and the limited edition number. Models sold outside of North America will get a more airplane-inspired "Ready For Take-Off" message. A unique turbo boost gauge with orange and red coloring is, according to Saab, a throwback to the '80s 900s.

The Turbo X is limited to 2,000 units world-wide. Of those, 600 will be sent to the United States and 125 to Canada, making it certainly a low-volume model. All models will be painted in Jet Black, a color again designed to recall the '80s 900 Turbos.