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sabato 23 gennaio 2010

Indigen Armor Introduces the NSTT Battle Ready Pickup Truck

Indigen Armor Introduces the NSTT Battle Ready Pickup Truck

Looking like a militarized TORC off-road racer, Indigen Armor's Non-Standard Tactical Truck is the crew cab pickup truck you've been looking for if you're a member of a special ops team hunting bad guys halfway around the world or fighting zombies in L.A. after the apocalypse. According to a press release, the four-door NSTT is "designed to afford soldiers greater mobility in urban, desert, woodland, jungle, mountainous, and arctic terrain. The chassis, suspension, power train and armored occupant safety cell were engineered specifically to carry large payloads across rough landscapes in denied areas." The NSTT's sheetmetal appears to combine bits from Nissan's Titan and Frontier pickups and an old Toyota Hilux but its skin and windows are tough enough to defeat bullets fired from an AK-47 assault rifle (and, we're assuming, the teeth and nails of the undead). Along with an optional heated steering wheel, heated and cooled leather-appointed seating is available. The exterior will be offered in three colors: black, Stealth Gray and white. Powering Sierra Denali HD pickups will be either a standard 6.0-liter V-8 gas engine or the new 6.6-liter LML Duramax V-8 diesel engine, which is rated a segment-leading 397 horsepower and 765 pounds-feet of torque. All 2011 GMC Sierra HD pickups have redesigned, fully boxed frames and revised suspensions. The Denali option package has been available in the light-duty GMC Sierra 1500 since 2002.


A Navistar V-8 diesel engine sits under the NSTT's hood that's rated at 325 horsepower and 570 pounds-feet of torque (specs that are identical to the old 6.0-liter Power Stroke V-8) and paired with a 6-speed Allison automatic transmission. The eight cylinder oil burner will run on No. 2 diesel or military-grade JP-8 fuel.
The NSTT features an independent front and rear suspension, which is in line with the latest military thinking to keep the passengers and driver as comfortable as possible crossing the battlefield. The front running gear uses double-wishbones on both sides while the back uses rear trailing arms, instead of the conventional leaf springs or coil springs and a live axle that you'd find in today's civilian pickups.

The fully independent setup helps the NSTT reach a maximum speed of up to 103 mph on meaty 33X12.5-inch R16.5 BF Goodrich tires and 8-lug wheels. It can crawl over grades up to 60 percent or tackle side slopes up to 40 percent.
There are a wide range of equipment options available for the NSTT, depending on application, including run-flat tires, infrared lighting, signal jammers, sirens, a 2,000 watt inverter, winch, onboard air compressor and blast mitigating seats -- just in case.
source by pickuptrucks

Big Luxury: GMC Sierra Denali HD 3500 Dually Coming for 2011

Big Luxury: GMC Sierra Denali HD 3500 Dually Coming for 2011

Remember the high-end GMC Sierra Denali HD 3500 dually that our sources said was coming for 2011? Now it's official, according to a press release from General Motors. The biggest Denali model in GMC's lineup will join the previously announced 2011 Sierra Denali HD 2500 four-wheel-drive crew-cab single rear wheel model that debuted at the 2010 NTEA Work Truck Show. But that's not all. Upscale Denali trim will also be available for the two-wheel-drive Sierra 2500 crew cab as well as for the Sierra 3500 single rear wheel configuration, with two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The Sierra Denali 3500 will also be available in standard (6-foot-6-inch) and dually long box (8-foot) versions. “Our Denali line sets the premium standard for the industry,” said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. “We received such an overwhelming response to the new Sierra Denali 2500HD that we worked quickly and decided to extend the model into the 3500HD series so those GMC buyers can also benefit from blending capability with premium features and styling.” Unfortunately, pictures of the one-ton Denali dually won't be available for a few more weeks, but we do have video of the three-quarter-ton Sierra Denali from the Work Truck Show (below).
What does checking the Denali option box buy you? Sierra Denali HDs receive a unique four-bar chrome grille with body-colored bumpers, chrome door handles, chrome accents and 18- or 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels. Inside, you get Denali-specific brushed aluminum trim, power-adjustable pedals, a Bose premium surround audio system and 12-way power seats. Along with an optional heated steering wheel, heated and cooled leather-appointed seating is available. The exterior will be offered in three colors: black, Stealth Gray and white.

Powering Sierra Denali HD pickups will be either a standard 6.0-liter V-8 gas engine or the new 6.6-liter LML Duramax V-8 diesel engine, which is rated a segment-leading 397 horsepower and 765 pounds-feet of torque. All 2011 GMC Sierra HD pickups have redesigned, fully boxed frames and revised suspensions.

The Denali option package has been available in the light-duty GMC Sierra 1500 since 2002.
source by pickuptrucks


Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

The new benchmark in the Supersport cars has a new code name: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. New Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, with completely new engine, the wheel drive and new permanent suspensions are the basis of superior performance compared to the previous model and an increased dynamism.

The innovative design of the new Gallardo contributes to the special aerodynamic lines of cars Lamborghini: The combination of elegance and power is redefined in ways not known before.

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4


The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 collects the inheritance model of Lamborghini's most successful of all time. As of 2003 approximately 7100 Gallardo left the factory in Sant Agata Bolognese.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4The powerful soul of Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is the new engine V10 5.2 direct injection stratified, capable of providing a power of 560 hp (412 kW) at 8000 rpm. The addition of 40 hp compared to the previous model and the reduction in weight of 20 kg improve the weight / power share reaching 2.5 kg / hp, thus increasing the performance: the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 reaches 0-100 km / h in 3.7 seconds and also the 200 km / h in 11.8 seconds, the maximum speed is 325 km / h.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4The new engine also excited for its efficiency: despite the clear increase in performance, it was possible to reduce consumption and emissions of CO2 well, 18%.

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4Engineers Directorate of Research and Development Lamborghini have also improved traction, handling and stability at high speeds. The magazine wheel drive, new suspension, improved aerodynamics, lightweight equipment and optimization of friction contribute to the improvement of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. The new Gallardo is thus like a sports car designed to ensure daily use in city traffic and long distances, and an exciting job on track.

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4In keeping with the DNA Lamborghini, based on power lines in terms of accurate and clean surfaces, the Centro Stile developed the design of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 through solutions essential and well defined.

The evolution of form follows function consistently needs: the new front Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 to ensure a low attitude and contributes at the same time, increase aerodynamic efficiency. The air inlets, of wider increase air flow to the radiator, adapted to the increased engine performance. The spoiler on the bumper improves the aerodynamic balance at high speeds.

The new lights are below the bi-xenon headlamps, daylight made 15 LEDs arranged in the shape of a Y. The same pattern is reflected in the optical rear: The rear lights and brake lights inspired by the Miura Concept, the Reventon and LP640 and reproduce the form Y three times for each side.

The new rear completely redefines the concept of "power and elegance": the headlights, the air vent grilles, bumpers and the speaker are arranged along surfaces thoroughly studied to giving the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 greater development in one with horizontal the road. The new panels next to the bonnet are smooth and underline the mighty structure and elongated lines of the new Gallardo.

The rear diffuser, in the form redesigned, ensures greater efficiency and, combined with flat bottom, contributes to excellent running stability at high speeds. In general the aerodynamic efficiency has been improved by 31% compared to the previous model. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 addresses the fast curves even more secure.

To the purist design combines the great care for detail design of Sant Agata Bolognese: the cap gasoline and oil made of aluminum and the rear-view camera, integrated in a small fin of the rear spoiler to activate , Or finely machined Grille inside the terminal of the exhaust are a witness.

The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 has an aluminum body in both light and rigid: the two-seater 4.34 meters long, 1.90 meters wide and 1.16 meters high weighs just 1410 kg, or 20 fewer than the previous model.

The structure is made using the technique of Space Frame. Mergers and extruded profiles are the backbone on which to integrate harmoniously plate’s welded aluminum. The body is so very slight, but at the same time very safe in the event of a collision, also guarantees a high torsional rigidity which contributes to a surprising handling.

Despite the limited height outside the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 welcomes its occupants in a spacious cabin. The sports seats are covered in fine leather or Alcantara and ensure a good containment. The position is extremely low, typical of sports cars. A bench behind the seats allows the housing part of the trunk and goes to supplement the 110 liters in volume of the front compartment.

The large center console is one element that contributes most to strengthen the concept of ergonomics in the interior. Inside is housed the Lamborghini Multimedia System and the automatic climate control dual-zone. Between these two units is positioned for molding a new design with classic and elegant lever switches. Seven instruments circular graphics renewed inform the driver about the condition of the engine, a multifunction display among speedometer and tachometer gives the pilot the most important information.

Already the Miura and other models of the'60s were marked for a quality finish that exceeded the standards of that time. Lamborghini has strengthened considerably this traditional expertise and today produces high quality cars. Even in the new Gallardo can find Dear materials and refined.

For the internal upholstery there is a wide choice of colors and stitching, including a contrast. As an option for the Lamborghini Gallardo has provided equipment and enriched leather and Alcantara packages carbon fiber. In this case, elements such as the frame of the automatic air conditioning or the handle of the handbrake and the tunnel next to the exchange are made of carbon fiber.

In addition to customizing the program "individually" can satisfy any desire with respect to the interior finishes. The engine of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, mounted in rear longitudinal position, is completely new and represents the evolution of consistent propeller Lamborghini most successful of all time.

Remains unchanged only the number of cylinders, 10 cylinders those that offer a perfect and unique synthesis between driving pleasure and agility sports. The engine with a displacement of 5204 cm3 produces an output of 560 hp (412 kW) at 8000 rpm, which translates into a specific power equal to 107.6 hp / lt. The maximum torque output from the engine of 540 Nm at 6500 rpm. The shape of the torque curve guarantees consumption surprising power to any scheme. With an acceleration 0-100 km / h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 325 km / h, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is at the top extreme sports cars.

Despite the significant increase in performance, engineers Sant Agata managed to reduce consumption and emissions of CO2 for this car by about 18%. If you look at the performance, consumption of 13.7 liters per 100 km with the Gallardo e-gear is extremely low.

The application of this technology makes it necessary to separate cylinder pipes, the pipes are directly drawn into the base through the merger of the machining that "size" of silicon crystals which ensure the proper running surface for the pistons.

With an angle between the cylinders of 90 ° is the obvious choice for technicians to reduce as much as possible the center of gravity of the V10 power plant. Even with the lubrication cup dry contributes to the same goal and providing an optimum lubrication under all conditions of use including use car on the track.

The fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber through an injector side. The Direct Injection layered guarantees a good performance as maximum engine power, reducing the sensitivity to detonation, this has allowed us to achieve an engine with a compression ratio of 12,5:1.

The driver of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 can always rely on permanent wheel drive and 4-wheel drive with viscous coupling, the number "4" added the name of the model means exactly that. The wheel drive was introduced by Lamborghini back in 1993 with the Diablo VT for a valid reason.

The wheel drive Lamborghini is achieved through a viscous coupling center, which needs no adjustment electronics, and will share the basic engine torque between front and rear under normal 30:70 ratio, but adapts over a few milliseconds in case of changes in driving conditions or road.

It is not only a draw traction advantage of the permanent four-wheel drive, but also the dynamic cross for the best performance handling. In fact each wheel can only transfer a precise quantity of force on the road. As the driving force is spread over all four wheels via the Viscous Traction, remains a potential for higher road holding and directionality in the curve. These reservations guaranteed in every situation index are a perfectly designed sports car.

A great deal of power available from the engine, the gear shift is one of the sensations of driving the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 more exciting. There is a choice between manual transmission, where the change is made through the exchange short lever that moves within the grid for selecting 6-speed gearbox or the exchange implemented and electro-gear where you can change gears using the 2 Postal levers behind the steering wheel, this choice preferred by the vast majority of Lamborghini customers.

The change implemented and electro-gear has been completely revised and optimized in each component. The change was not only reduced weight but also as times changed was reduced. Up to 40% in "travel". The driver can choose between five driving programs and changed over the position Normal is available with the program SPORT times changed and shorter regimes changed higher, both Copy-modes manual or automatic.

The 5th mode is called "travel" and in addition to the speed of change with a characterization even more aggressive can reach boundary conditions above the maximum limit to the ESP intervention. The "Thrust Mode 'ensures maximum acceleration firm operating independently from the position of the engine throttle, the race clutch and the regime changed.

Despite the predecessor of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 was one of the best cars worldwide in terms of handling, precision and driving stability on the new car thanks to new suspension has managed to increase even more driving pleasure, comfort and stability at high speeds.

The aluminum chassis is certainly an example of high tech without compromise derivation of close racing. The double-arm suspensions made of pressed aluminum resulted in the creation of a new motion while the springs and shock absorbers have been reviewed to ensure a further improvement in the motor vehicle.

The rear suspension is fitted with a new rod for the control of TOE that allows a further increase of vehicle control. New bearings are also made entirely of rubber and metal that, thanks to the combined structure, enhance the dynamics of the Lamborghini cars.

The steering rack with minimal help from steering to the driver moves the right feeling with the road. The system has a power steerings dedicated to the radiator fluid power steerings necessary in driving sports car. The steering ensures an accurate guide, fast and secure, allowing live a thrilling experience to control the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.

The tires, 235/35 ZR 19 and 295/30 ZR 19 on the rear were developed specifically to Lamborghini. They are the Pirelli P Zero with a rolling resistance very low and therefore contribute to the reduction in consumption without reducing performance. Reached the threshold of 120 km / h the rear spoiler to activate automatically increases the load on the rear interacting with the speaker that serves as a rear air extractor under the chassis.

The new facility provides an exceptional braking power thanks to the brake calipers eight-piston Brembo going to act on discs front diameter of 365 mm brake calipers and four-piston disc involved the rear of 356 mm.

For the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, Lamborghini offers a wide range of equipment. The standard equipment includes driver's airbag, passenger and side bags, automatic air conditioning with dual-zone radiation sensor, a sound system with an included USB connector, sports seats with electrically adjustable backrest, leather upholstery valuable in addition to this we have new bi-xenon headlamps with LEDs for the daytime running light. The new Apollo circles are characterized by design dual race.

Increase your comfort, a wide range of equipment including the optional navigation system, the module for TV reception, the plant speakerphone, bluetooth mobile phone, the burglar alarm and rear-view camera. Among the options you can also ask the adjustment of the front axle (lifting system) that allows the lifting of the body through the simple push of a button to facilitate the overcoming of obstacles. The offer is also complemented by polished circles Cordelia cross-breeds or by looking Callisto races with blacks "Y".

giovedì 21 gennaio 2010

6:28 AM | Posted by Channelx7 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

Lamborghini have a convertible version - Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder with folding canvas roof.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

The hood of the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is made of black cloth and has an electrohydraulic mechanism that takes 20 s to complete the maneuver opening or closing. It is actuated by two buttons that are there in the console. During the folding or unfolding the same, the lunette automatically drops to facilitate the operation once it returns to ascend. The lunette can also be operated by the driver at will, both with the hood up and removed.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

The soft top folds are reflected in the engine compartment. Four hydraulic cylinders are responsible for moving the roof and two others the bonnet, which is made of carbon fiber to reduce your weight.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder mechanism of the roof has a position (called "service function") to gain access to the engine. To prevent damage to occupants in the event of a rollover, the amount striker has been reinforced and there are two bars after anti-seat emerging from automatically.

2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder engine is the same as the Gallardo coupe but the convertible gives more power to a larger scheme (520 hp at 8,000 rpm, instead of 499 hp at 7900 rpm). Accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.3 s.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Interior

2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

There is very little difference between the maximum speed can reach with the hood up (314 km / h) or (307 kph). The value is up to her normal, so the other can be considered as very good.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

The gearbox of the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is six relations and the developments are shorter than in the version of hard roof.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

Lamborghini has made changes in the leadership to be more precise, it has also incorporated a cooler for the power steering fluid. The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder suspension has been modified to adapt to new requirements. Maintains permanent traction to all four wheels.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

There are two new colors for the body, "celestial Phoebe 'and' green Picus." On the inside there are new shades of perforated leather for seats, doors and dashboard.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

There are elements of optional equipment such as heated mirrors, browser, computer, and alarm, brake calipers painted the logo of the rim in color or a camera back.

martedì 12 gennaio 2010

Sheikh, Rattle and Rolls: Another special Phantom for Abu Dhabi

Rolls-Royce Phantom Yas Eagle edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

If there's anywhere in the world where they know how to gild a lily, it's the Persian Gulf. The oil-rich emirates there seem to have an endless appetite for items of, shall we say... questionable taste. And Rolls-Royce seems to have no qualms about milking the region's appetite for all it's worth.




Along with the gold-dipped Drophead Coupe and the series of special editions exclusively for the Gulf, Rolls-Royce has crafted another special Phantom for the land where oil flows like water. Called the Yas Eagle, this special was actually released a few months ago to coincide with the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but details have only made their way onto the Intertubes now.

The package can be ordered on any of the three bodystyles in the Phantom range: sedan, coupe and DHC convertible. It consists of a two-tone white and cobalt blue paint scheme (think the original Viper GTS coupe, sans attitude), an interior done up in blue and red leather (with matching top for the Drophead Coupe), special blue-stained ash veneers, white instrument dials, blue carpets, a checkerboard stripe running down the waistline and across the fascia, an illuminated hood ornament and oh, so much more. Have a look for yourself in the gallery below.
[Source: Automotive Design Corner] autoblog.com

lunedì 11 gennaio 2010

Bentley Azure

The new Bentley Azure goes on sale in Europe spring 2006. It is a convertible four-seater made with quality materials.

Bentley Azure
The Bentley Azure has a gasoline engine and dual eight-cylinder turbocharged, 6.8 litre engine capacity and maximum power of 457 hp (this is the same engine that bears the Arnage T). It reaches a maximum torque of 875 Nm.

2008 Bentley Azure
The Bentley Azure is based on the prototype Arnage Drophead Coupe, submitted a few months ago at the Automobile Salon in Los Angeles (USA), but retains some external features of his predecessor, who stopped marketed in 2003.

2008 Bentley Azure
Share your outward appearance with the current Arnage, but the passenger compartment and the rear to have been completely redesigned. Regarding the prototype, there are very few differences, for example, the bumpers and frames of the doors are painted in the colour of the bodywork (the prototype were chrome).


The new Bentley Azure carries dual independent suspension arm recently introduced in the Arnage R, with electronically controlled buffer.

2008 Bentley Azure

To increase the rigidity of Bentley Azure, Benley has introduced cross braces carbon fibre below ground, in addition to strengthening the framework of the windscreen.


2008 Bentley Azure
In the case of overturning, under the windshield and the system of anti-overturn arches (hidden in the rear headrests) are prepared to endure more than two tons of weight Bentley Azure.

The Bentley Azure has a retractable roof three layers of canvas, embellished with leather throughout the interior. The role of folded or deployed takes place automatically in 30 seconds.

From series has Electronic Stability Program (ESP), brake system (ABS) with ventilated brake force distribution and braking

venerdì 8 gennaio 2010

2008 Saab Turbo X

2008 Saab Turbo X – Click above for high-res image gallery

Turbocharging has been as much a part of Saab's DNA for the last three decades as jets. Saab didn't invent turbocharging, but the Swedish brand has probably embraced it more completely than other carmaker. With 2008 marking the 30th birthday of the first production Saab 99 Turbo, the gang in Trollhattan decided to celebrate with their meanest and fastest iteration yet. As we close out the 2008 model year, our Swedish friends are now starting to deliver the direct descendant of that first turbo, the 9-3 Turbo X.



Saab Turbos have come a long way over those three decades. The original 99 Turbo extracted 143 horsepower from its 2.0L four-cylinder engine to twist the front wheels. Most Saabs today are still powered by turbo four-cylinder engines driving those same front wheels. The Turbo X, however, adds two more cylinders and two more drive wheels. It also has nearly double the power and torque of that first effort. Fellow Autoblogger Dan Roth spent the day thrashing the Turbo X at a media preview a couple of weeks ago. We've now had the chance to spend a full week with Saab's newest baby in everyday use.
When press vehicles get shuffled off from one journalist to the next, occasionally things get bent or broken. Transmissions get destroyed, cars slide off on-ramps, and sometimes engines need repair. That means that the cars that we're scheduled to drive sometimes have to be canceled. Such was the case last week when the Audi TT we were expecting failed to arrive, leaving us trying to find a replacement for an upcoming weekend road trip. Fortunately, the GM press fleet manager called up less than 24 hours later to let me know the Turbo X had just arrived in the fleet. Barely 24 hours after that call I was signing for the keys to the sinister looking black Saab.



The Turbo X is the newest derivative of Saab's mainstream 9-3 lineup. The 9-3 is built on the same global Epsilon platform used for most of GM's mid-sized models. In addition to the 9-3, Epsilon is used for the Chevy Malibu, Saturn Aura, Opel Vectra and others. Although the next generation Epsilon II debuts this summer with the Opel Insignia, The Epsilon I used for the Turbo-X is still a fine architecture.


For 2008 the 9-3 got a major visual refresh, primarily in the front. The new face draws a lot from recent Saab concepts like the Aero X. The three port grille now looks much more aggressive and has more visual distinction than the previous edition.

Anyone familiar with Saabs of yore will feel instantly at home in the Turbo X. Like almost all Saabs, the key goes in the center console aft of the shift lever. By my fourth day with the Turbo X, I was almost consistently remembering not to reach behind the steering wheel. Unfortunately, the car that GM sent over was saddled with the six-speed automatic rather than the three-pedal shift-for-yourself gearbox. Saab does provide manual shift switches on the steering wheel, however, so you don't have to use the gear shift.


The air vents at the outboard of the dash and top of the center stack feature a little joystick in the middle that allow you guide the air where you want it to go. The temperature of the air coming out of those vents can be individually managed and automatically regulated for each of the front seats via the knobs lower down on the stack. Unlike many other current the GM products, the On-Star buttons are located just above the climate control knobs instead of on the rear view mirror. Front and center in the top of the stack is the same standard issue double-Din radio used on most other mainstream GM models like the Malibu and Aura.

At a starting price of nearly $42K you might think a head unit with a nav system should be a standard offering, but as is so often the case, that's a $2,145 extra. Regardless of its feature set, the standard radio sounds decent and is straightforward to use. As in all other applications of this unit, it also has the standard 1/8" plug on the front allowing you toplug in your iPod or other audio player (for the four of you out there using some other brand).


Aside from the odd-ball location of the key, the only other quibble we had with the interior layout was the location of the release for the steering wheel adjustment. The wheel is adjustable for both reach and rake. Unfortunately, the release is so far down the column, that after making an adjustment and trying the re-lock it, the steering wheel usually ends up moving again.

One button unique to Saabs is the Night Panel switch. Pressing the button at night switches off all the dash lighting except for the speedometer and even switches off the tachometer. Another thoughtful feature of the interior is the ribbed rubber inserts in the bottom of the storage cubbies in the center console. Cell phones and iPods placed in these compartments no longer slide around when cornering.


One element that certainly can't be faulted on the 9-3 is the seats. They were extremely comfortable over a three and a half hour drive from Ann Arbor to Yellow Springs, OH. Up to three combinations of seat and mirror positions could be stored in memory, which was handy as the test unit had an odd quirk that was likely a software bug. Every time I got out of the car and closed the door, the driver side mirror dipped down to look at the ground. Being able to just press the memory button restored it back to it's previous position. Once correctly positioned though, the Saab seats do a great job of keeping the driver correctly oriented during hard cornering allowing full mental effort to focused on positioning the car instead of the posterior.

Mechanically, the main thing that distinguishes the Turbo X from its lesser 9-3 siblings is the higher output 2.8L turbocharged V6. Compared to the Aero, the X picks up an extra 25 hp and 32 lb-ft of torque (now at 280hp and 295lb-ft). This engine is a smaller displacement variant of the 3.6L high feature V6 used in a range of GM products worldwide and, as always, it's smooth running and in this form has plenty of torque in the meat of the rpm range.


Unfortunately, if you're cruising along with the revs at around 2 grand, a quick stab at the throttle incites a momentary pause as the turbo spins up to generate some boost. Once that happens though, the Turbo X just leaps forward and takes no prisoners. The single turbo layout and lack of direct injection are probably to blame for the lag here. Getting more power typically requires a bigger turbo to generate more boost, and the resulting increase in inertia usually brings with it lag.

Hopefully next time around GM will see fit to use two smaller turbos that spin up faster and still generate the same or more combined boost. Migrating the direct injection system from the bigger 3.6L in the Cadillac CTS would also help as the engine could then run higher compression without risking knock. That would further fatten the bottom of the torque curve and improve overall responsiveness.


That responsiveness wasn't helped by the automatic transmission, at least in its default mode. The programming obviously was optimized to get the utmost out of the EPA driving cycle and wanted to keep the engine revs down. When pulling out to pass it wasn't particularly inclined to downshift and launches were less than thrilling.

Conveniently, Saab actually builds in a very simple solution to this behavior. Next to the radio is a button labeled with an 'S' and a little gear shift icon. A quick press of the button switches the transmission shift logic to Sport Mode and makes it behave the way a performance-oriented driver would row a manual box. Shifts are sharper and happen NOW. The other thing it does is downshift during decceleration inducing some engine braking. The result is that on corners the transmission is now in something closer to the optimum gear for accelerating out the other side. If someone could just figure out which bit to flip in the powertrain control so that sport mode was the default when starting the car, it would be much more in keeping with the character of the car.


Easily the most annoying aspect of the Turbo-X is the exhaust note. It's not annoying all the time, just in the range from about 2,000- 2,400 RPM. Like far too many "sporty" cars today, the exhaust has a droning sound in that range. Above and below that range the tone is fine, but in that region it has a constant low frequency sound that is just plain awful. It's not like a rumble or roar that implies power, but more like the coffee can mufflers you find on so many tuner cars.

This might not be a problem were it not for the fact that 70 MPH in 6th gear equates to about 2,100 RPM. That means that cruising at the legal speed limit on most American highways subjects occupants of the car to this sound. I did find a work around, though. Popping the shifter into manual mode and downshifting to 5th brings the speed up to 2,500 RPM and the sound magically disappears along with some extra gas.


While I didn't have the opportunity to really thrash the Turbo X on a track or push it too hard on the road, the cross-wheel-drive system demonstrated its worth every time the car accelerated. Even with all that power, the Turbo X never exhibited even the slightest hint of torque steer. Like Acura's Super Handling-All Wheel Drive and BMW's xDrive, the Haldex system vectors torque to the wheels not only with the most grip, but also to help the car go in the direction that the driver is requesting. Signals from the stability control system are fed to the drive control, which helps reduce the need for braking the wheels and also cutting engine torque.


Accelerating through corners or on-ramps, the Turbo X always felt neutral and went directly where it was pointed. For a sporting car like this, the Turbo X has a good ride for everyday commuting without pounding the occupants. During my driving, the car averaged 22 mpg, which probably would have been 1-2 mpg more if I had left the transmission in 6th on the highway. Saab claims a 16.2-gallon fuel tank, but before I filled the tank the gauge was reading empty and the cluster showed a distance to empty of 10 miles. However, the tank would only take 13.7 gallons. Since I wasn't inclined to drive the car until it died, I'm not sure if the gauge was just being really conservative or there is an error somewhere.


Overall, the Saab Turbo X is a fun car to drive and, aside from the exhaust note, is a great long distance cruiser. The only option missing from this car was the nav system, while the automatic transmission, Touring and Cold Weather packages bring the bottom line to $45,305 including destination charges. You can get the Turbo X in Jet Black Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, or Jet Black Metallic. Is it worth $45K? Only the buyer can decide, but for Saab-o-philes or anyone looking for a fun sport sedan, it's certainly an eminently viable option.
source by autoblog.com

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