SAAB’s refreshed 9-3 will receive all wheel drive, SAAB USA General Manager Steve Shannon told The Detroit Free Press. The all wheel drive option will be made available a few months after the launch of the overhauled 9-3.
The refreshed 9-3 will also received some new sheet metal to bring the car into line with the design scheme first presented by the Aero-X concept. The 2008 SAAB 9-3 will also bring back the traditional SAAB clamshell hood which was first seen on the 1967 SAAB 99.
The car will still feature a sedan, wagon and convertible, and will go on sale in September of 2007. Shannon said he believes sales of the wagon should improve as people who would traditionally shop for SUV’s may want a more fuel efficient option. The sedan and wagon both offer turbocharged power trains that get 30 miles per gallon.
Other changes include an upgraded sound system, Xenon cornering headlights, a more powerful 255 horsepower engine for the 9-3 Aero and the gray leather option has been replaced with a black leather option. Pricing is expected remain largely the same.
