Saab are producing a limited edition 9-3 Turbo X. Only 2000 will be made and just 500 are coming to the UK. It has a 2.8 V6 turbocharged engine producing 276 bhp and a sophisticated all wheel drive system, which is welcome as Saabs haven't been known for great front wheel drive power handling in the past. It accelerates from 0-60 in just 5.4 seconds and is limited to 155mph, the ultimate sleeper perhaps. Who'd have thought it, an unassuming Saab family saloon that accelerates as fast as the original NSX!

A definite Q-Car in the making.

It's just shame that they have copied the Germans & limited it to 155mph!

Quite why the Germans have chosen 155mph as the magical figure that no everyday car must exceed is quite beyond me.

I think the 155 mph is fast even on the un restricted german autobahns. Maybe the uk cars should be limited to 100 mph 'cos excess of this you are in driving ban territory.

quote:

Originally posted by Syntax Error:
Quite why the Germans have chosen 155mph as the magical figure that no everyday car must exceed is quite beyond me.

155mph equates to 250 kmh. The appalling fatality rates on the autobahns lead to an agreement by German manufacturers to stop idiots driving beyond the ability of themselves, cars and (often overlooked) tyres. 250 kmh is safe is most decent tyres.

I think the reason they limit the cars to 155mph is that after this speed the components are put under enormous stress. By limiting the speed the manufacturer can use more regular components and retain the power of the car under ordinary speeds. I don't know why the Japanese limit some of their cars to 112mph though, although it seems more sensible.

The places on earth where you can safely do 180+ mph in public are few and far between.
But they do exist.

To be honest, I can't see this car exceeding 155mph by much anyway.

The Vectra VXR tops out at 161mph & that doesn't have a heavy 4wd system to weigh it down.

quote:

Originally posted by baldboy:

quote:

Originally posted by Syntax Error:
Quite why the Germans have chosen 155mph as the magical figure that no everyday car must exceed is quite beyond me.

155mph equates to 250 kmh. The appalling fatality rates on the autobahns lead to an agreement by German manufacturers to stop idiots driving beyond the ability of themselves, cars and (often overlooked) tyres. 250 kmh is safe is most decent tyres.

nice post.

The Turbo X looks fantastic.

The 9-3 is a very good looking but understated car.