 at Sydney's Motor Show |
at Sydney's Motor Show |
 Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept |
|
15th October, 2004
SAAB HAS DECLARED its intention to enter a new market
segment in The distinctive, five-door, four-seater format offers sporty, driver-focused performance and innovative load-carrying features, while challenging the traditional distinction between a hatchback and wagon. It is designed for customers with active, outdoor lifestyles who seek a sporty and rewarding driving experience that also delivers the versatility they need. The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch concept, first seen at the
Frankfurt Motor Show last October, has made its southern hemisphere debut in
Powered by a 184 kW, 2.0-litre turbo engine with Saab
Sentronic automatic transmission and a lowered, sports chassis sitting on
20-inch wheels, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept promises sharp performance to match
its eye-catching looks. It is intended to take Saab into the mid-size wagon segment
for the first time by offering a distinctive choice, with hatchback-like
proportions that are reminiscent of the shape of its classic Saab 900
forebears. It also represents a further development of the Saab 9-5
SportEstate’s sporty character. The exterior and interior styling follows themes from the
Saab 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept and the current 9-3 Sport Sedan.
Versatility features that are innovative and surprising support Saab's concept
of 'emotional functionality'. Main highlights include ·
Bold
styling cues from Saab 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept ·
Compact,
sporty stance backed by chassis with Saab ReAxs control ·
Four-seater
layout with central 'clear zone' motif in front and rear ·
Information
displays on demand via touch screen functionality ·
Glass
roof and recessed load fixing points to eliminate roof bars ·
Powered
tailgate with innovative, integrated bike-carrying function ·
Extra
storage floor below cargo deck “Just as the 9-3X occupies a position where coupé meets
off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback and
wagon,” says Anthony Lo, Head of Saab Advanced Design. “It is the sort of
product that should come from Saab and our customers will be able to buy a car
very much like this.” The concept: The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept challenges automotive
convention by eroding the traditional distinction between hatchback and wagon
formats. In shifting such boundaries, it gives further expression to the future
of Saab design. Just like the previous 9X and 9-3X, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch
Concept is testimony to Saab’s belief in the emergence of a new automotive
order; one where orthodox classifications are no longer relevant to demanding
owners who require one vehicle to fulfill different functions. It also represents a logical progression towards a near
production-ready car. The multi-dimensional Saab 9X imaginatively combined the
characteristic features of a coupé, roadster, wagon and pick-up within a single
vehicle. The 9-3X then introduced an off-road capability by creating a unique
'cross-over coupé' concept. Now the Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept carries
forward much of the 9-3X's design language in presenting a sporty, versatile
vehicle for the road that is a fusion between hatchback and wagon. Styling cues from the 9-3X include most of the rear end
treatment: the relatively short rear overhang, the steeply raked rear wind
screen and light assemblies and the uninterrupted shape of the side window
glazing with disguised door pillars. Despite the addition of two rear doors,
the essential compact proportions of a hatchback have been retained. The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is also clearly an
evolution of the current 9-3 Sport Sedan architecture although, in adopting the
stance and packaging of a five-door hatchback, it follows closely in the
tradition of its classic Saab 900 forebears. It re-affirms Saab's commitment to
a distinctive, versatile format that is sportier in appearance than a typical
wagon. “Just as the 9-3X occupies a position where coupé meets
off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback and
wagon,” explains Lo. “It is the sort of product that should come from Saab and
our customers will be able to buy a car very much like this. “In using the Sport Sedan chassis, we have been able to
ensure that this car offers the kind of sporty, driver-focused performance that
is an essential requirement for all Saab models,” adds Lo. “We have now added
more functionality with some interesting design features that ensure this car
has its own clear and separate identity.” Typical of the design team's unconventional approach is the
adoption of a distinctive glass roof, the elimination of roof bars – a common
feature of traditional wagon design – and the provision of twin folding rear
sports seats. Innovative load-carrying functions are included without
compromising the car's essentially sporty appearance and driver-focused
character. The presentation of the Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept at last
year's Frankfurt Motor Show signifies Saab's intention to appeal to customers
who seek the functionality of a premium, mid-size wagon but require fresher,
more exciting looks and a sporty driving experience to match. “Saab customers are predominantly professional people with
independent tastes and views,” adds Lo. “This car reflects and respects their
desire for bold, alternative solutions.” Progressive design: The design language of the Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept draws its inspiration from both the 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept and the 9-3 Sport Sedan. For the exterior, these themes are synthesized with an economy of line and form to communicate impressions of strength, muscularity and power, all key brand drivers. The four-seat interior is a development of the 9-3X
concept's layout, with innovative driver displays and a bold central motif that
complements the external glass roof. These features are combined with core
elements of the 9-3 Sport Sedan's cabin to create a sporty and cleanly-executed
interior. External perspective The dynamic visual appeal of the car is generated by its
tautly contained, almost compact, proportions. All external glazing, with the
exception of the headlamp units, is presented in dark green tinted glass – a
theme that is uniquely carried into the interior. The purposeful stance is
reinforced by front and rear tracks which are, respectively, 56 mm and 60 mm
wider than the 9-3 Sport Sedan and bring the 20-inch wheels out to the edge of
the bodywork. The wheel-arches are distinctively flared with a flat vertical
face, as previewed on the 9-3X concept. The wedge-shaped profile and a high, rising waistline are
Saab signatures: as is the now 'stretched' teardrop shape of the side window
glazing. This is visually framed by brushed aluminum edging, with disguised B
and C pillars, and is a natural evolution of the design theme seen on the 9-3
Sport Sedan. The sweeping shape of the side glazing emphases the sloping
profile of the roof-line, which progressively reduces from the B-pillar
rearwards. The Saab signature 'hockey stick' – a continuous contour in the
bodywork that extends from the A pillar under the side windows and up along the
forward edge of the D pillar – is also a prominent feature. Traditional,
oval-shaped Saab door handles are now color-keyed with a fresh, new look. A large, reinforced glass panel runs the length of roof,
following a gentle, convex profile that leads into an integrated rear spoiler
at the top of the tailgate. The frontal styling is an evolution of the traditional Saab
'face', as executed on the 9-3 Sport Sedan.
However, the distinctive styling of the headlamps and a subtle
extrapolation of key components communicates an even bolder, sportier persona.
The central element of the grille is drawn down into the bumper molding and the
horizontal 'wing' profile, a reference to Saab's aviation heritage, is now more
prominent. A deep, trapezoidal air intake in the front bumper molding,
with two smaller apertures either side for brake cooling, replaces the narrow,
full-width opening seen on the sedan. As you would expect from Saab, the styling of the headlamps
eschews the common circular, ‘jewel-effect' trend. The clear plastic lens
adopts familiar Saab proportions, but the bulbs are installed, projector-style,
in rectangular polished aluminum casings which are fixed within three lateral
glass mountings extending the entire width of the housing. These horizontal
'fins' feature LED illumination when the lights are switched on. Green-tinted
glass filters, echoing part of the overall design theme, are positioned in
front of the headlamp units. The headlamp housings now also appear to flow
seamlessly into the grille and bumper, without any interruption to line or
contour. The rear, hatchback-like styling features a relatively short
overhang behind the rear axle line, which helps remove the bulky extension of
rear bodywork and window glazing often associated with a wagon. As previewed by the 9-3X concept, the full-width,
steeply-raked rear screen merges almost seamlessly into the large, triangular
light units on either side; the common use of tinted glass appearing to present
a single glazed area. In side profile, the rear light units are bent to mimic the
residual 'bustle' or 'notchback' line of a hatchback. LEDs for the tail and stop lights and bulbs
for the reversing and indicator lights are all effectively masked behind three
translucent fields. These are designed to resemble frosted blocks of ice, which
are contained within the green-tinted plastic housings. The powered
tailgate extends down to floor level, giving a flat loading platform without a
sill. In addition to load-carrying applications, it also carries the rear roof
spoiler and a centrally-mounted high level stop light. “Overall, we wanted the car to assume a very clean and muscular character,” explains senior Saab designer Taras Czornyj, responsible for the exterior of the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept. “And it was important to execute this sporty look free from any traditional wagon motifs. I guess you could say this car inherits some of the classic Saab 900 hatchback genes. “In contrast to the lines of a conventional wagon, we have
tried to move the focal center of gravity forward, away from the rear area. The
tapering side window zone and the prominent 'hockey stick' line, which ends by
pointing forwards, emphasize the slope of the roof, helping to create an
impression of forward movement. “We've also carried forward the 9-3X rationale of making
sure all load-carrying features are virtually invisible when not in use. The
glass roof does not interfere with this functionality and it brings an open
dimension to the design, which reflects the outdoor lifestyles of potential
owners.” From
outside to inside
The best of Scandinavian design should have simplicity and consistency,
with rounded and clean lines contributing to a sense of 'oneness'. For Saab this means that car design must work
in a 'holistic' way, introducing exterior design principles to the inside of
the car. There should be no straight lines or mismatches in shape, line or form
in the interior of a Saab car. The overall design strategy should echo the
fluid, soft lines and contours of the exterior bodywork. The 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept now takes this approach a step further. Whilst the four-seater cabin layout, with leather/textile Recaro seats, accurately reflects the car's sporty external lines, the main interior motif is the introduction of a translucent 'clear zone'. This is a smoke-tinted, composite material, which mirrors the presence of the glass roof, and introduces a common 'transparency' theme to both the inside and outside of the car. This innovative feature dominates the interior, covering the
main instrument panel, the center stack, both front and rear floor-mounted
consoles and a storage compartment between the rear seats. The same surface is also extended across the
rear cargo deck, further uniting the front and rear of the car. Up front, the 'clear zone' uses touch-screen functionality
to provide information on demand through illuminating displays in the center
stack. It is a further development of
Saab's current 'Night Panel' feature
and removes much of the visual clutter associated with buttons, controls and
panel split lines; again echoing the clean and uninterrupted exterior design. The center stack has a particularly neat appearance, without
the myriad of buttons and controls normally associated with audio and climate
control settings. In addition to a CD slot, there are just four large controls
for air conditioning, 'infotainment' and comfort functions shared by the driver
and front passenger. Essential driver information is presented through three port
holes in the 'clear zone' surface. The large central one contains the
speedometer and a wide range of programmable systems 'status checks',
graphically displayed. These include,
for example, tyre pressures, seat-belt usage, light bulb status, door closures
and even a front and rear outside clearance check for close maneuvering. The smaller left-hand port hole contains a tachometer and
the right-hand one again offers the driver scope to tailor information as
required. In addition to the usual fuel,
water temperature and turbo boost displays; oil temperature/pressure, battery
charging and even a real-time engine torque read-out can be called up. As a subtle
reference to Saab's aviation heritage, the styling of the aluminium/leather
steering wheel mimics the look of an aircraft hand control. In the straight
ahead position, the brushed aluminium finish on the inside of the rim extends
only from The wheel is fitted with audio, telephone and gear changing
functionality. A 'mini-mouse', similar to that found in the keyboard of a
lap-top, is mounted on top of the shift lever. This provides entry to menus on
the main display in the center stack, giving easy control of audio, navigation
and heating and ventilation functions on a simple 'point and click' basis. The disguised handbrake lever at the side of center floor
console, a feature introduced on the 9-3 Sport Sedan, is retained and a small
DVD/video screen for rear seat passengers is located in the rear face of the
central front armrest. A red, recessed starter button is located immediately behind
the shift lever and this is 'armed', together with the instrument displays, by
a transponder when the driver enters the car by a passive keyless entry and
start system. The glass roof adds a light and airy counterpoint to the
close-coupled interior ambience, again echoing a theme from the 9-3X concept,
as well as providing panoramic viewing for the occupants. The rest of the interior resembles the design of the 9-3
Sport Sedan. The leather upholstery is
presented throughout in beige, further highlighting the light and airy feel.
All passenger seat-backs can fold forwards, completely flat, into their fixed
squabs, the two in the rear folding to the same level as the rear cargo deck.
The door trim inserts and handles are finished in brushed aluminium. The Sport-Hatch Concept's advanced 'infotainment' functions
utilize the powerful fiber optic electronic platform from the 9-3. Facilities include satellite navigation,
front and rear TV and DVD screens, Bluetooth connectivity with e-mail, Internet
and WAP access. Lars Falk, Head of Interior Design at Saab, says the 9-3
Sport-Hatch Concept's cabin is intended
to demonstrate how Scandinavian design values can be adopted to simplify the
appearance of the interior. “In overall design terms, the central translucent
'clear zone' brings a part of the exterior inside the car and unites the front
and rear areas. It also allows us to provide information in an attractive way
without lots of visible buttons and fixed cut-outs for screens,” he explains. “The principle of information on demand has also provided an
opportunity to introduce a lot of interaction for the driver, reinforcing the
feeling of being in control,” he adds. “A number of systems checks can be programmed for the
central driver display with some interesting graphics. Together with the
keyless entry and a starter button, the whole experience of getting into and
driving off in the car can be rather more rewarding and involving than usual.” On the move: In keeping with Saab's tradition for sporty and easily
accessible engine performance, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is powered by a
highly-developed 184 kW (250 bhp) version of the 2.0-litre turbo unit
introduced in the 9-3 Sport Sedan, now with direct injection, variable valve
timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger. It is mated to a 'Sentronic +2'
automatic transmission, which includes manual gear selection via steering wheel
buttons and two intermediate ratios on kick-down. The front-wheel-drive format incorporates a multi-link rear
suspension and Saab ReAxs, a passive rear-wheel steer characteristic designed
to increase driver involvement by preventing excessive understeer and improving
'turn-in'.
The abilities of the powertrain and
chassis are focused on delivering a level of performance and driving
satisfaction that belies the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept’s more functional
abilities. Sophisticated
power unit Saab is recognised as a ' Engineers have focused on improving performance at low
engine speeds whilst retaining exceptionally strong mid-range torque, for so
long a key Saab driving characteristic. This has been achieved without
impairing the powertrain's outstanding mechanical refinement and driveability. The introduction of direct injection
improves combustion and fuel consumption. In this application, it also raises
low-end torque by about 15 per cent up to 1,500 rpm. Breathing is improved by the use of
Continuously Variable Cam Phasers (CVCP) to control both inlet and exhaust
valves. Apart from improving fuel consumption on full and part-load throttle by
up to five per cent, CVCP also further contributes to better low-end torque. Another 'first' for Saab is the use
of a twin-scroll turbocharger. This more effectively harnesses exhaust pulse
energy by separating the gas flow into two channels, instead of one, which
drive the turbine wheel, now made of a titanium-aluminium alloy turbine for
low-inertia. The end result is an improved throttle response which, together
with better low-end flexibility, gives the Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept driver
a particularly 'user-friendly' control of the strong performance on tap. In this form, the engine retains its
maintenance-free chain-driven camshafts, counter-rotating balancer shafts, dual
mass flywheel and integrated oil cooler. As in the Sport Sedan, the
turbocharger is located in-board behind the engine. For the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept, a water-cooled
turbocharger, operating at 1.2 bar, is fitted. 'Sentronic +
2' for greater driver control The ‘smart’ five-speed automatic
transmission includes Saab 'Sentronic +2’.
Apart from giving the driver a choice of sequential manual gear
selection, via the shift lever or steering wheel-mounted buttons, in automatic
mode there are two intermediate ratios on 'kick-down'. In full automatic mode, the
transmission is adaptive to both the driver and road conditions and is
programmed to fully exploit Saab turbo power characteristics. It can sense changes in engine performance,
engine load, road gradient or altitude and will quickly find the ‘right’ gear
without any irritating ‘hunting’. And for rapid overtaking, one of two
intermediate gears - '2.5' and '3.5' - is automatically engaged on kick-down to
maximize engine response and acceleration. For even closer, manual involvement,
the shift lever can be moved across the gate to Sentronic mode, giving
sequential ‘up’ or ‘down’ changes at will with full lock-up in 3/4/5th
gears. This process is taken a step further by the provision of steering wheel
buttons, which bring gear-shifting control right to the fingertips of the
driver. Fun To Drive As seen on the 9-3 Sport Sedan and
9-3 Convertible, the four-link rear suspension layout, using toe-links and ball
joints instead of rubber inboard and outboard suspension bushings, has allowed
engineers to dial in a unique, passive rear wheel steer characteristic, Saab
ReAxs. When cornering, the
elasto-kinematics at the rear axle induce a very slight deflection of both rear
wheels in the opposite direction to the steering input, ie. toe-out for the
outer wheel and toe-in for the inner wheel. Depending on the radius of a bend
and the consequent loadings at the rear axle, one degree of movement at the
front wheels would typically produce a small but significant response of about
one hundredth of a degree at the rear. This is sufficient to prevent
excessive understeer, where the driver is forced to apply progressively more steering
lock to turn the front end of the car, increasing the scrub angles of the front
tyres. The ReAxs characteristic overcomes this ‘crabbing’ effect, helping the
tail of the car follow the direction of the front wheels, instead of its nose.
For the driver, this gives the car a better balance, helping it turn in and
respond more closely to steering inputs. Versatility: The
interactive enjoyment offered to Saab owners extends beyond the pure driving
experience to include everyday functionality. Put simply, that means Saab
engineers and designers are concerned with providing elegant solutions so that
Saab owners can enjoy the process and execution of a function, as well as its
direct benefits. At Saab, this philosophy is called 'emotional functionality'.
It brings an extra dimension to the provision of what may be a relatively
straightforward operation. In this way there can be an unexpected bonus, a
'smile factor' brought about by design elegance that stops well short of
gimmickry. The innovative CargoWing for the Saab 9-3 Convertible –
which uses an adaptable boot lid rear spoiler to provide unlikely ski stowage –
is a good example. So, too, is the way instrument illumination can be
restricted by the Saab Night Panel function to ease the strain of night
driving; or the way the windshield wipers are programmed to provide an extra,
delayed sweep in wash/wipe mode to remove any residual streaks. And in the Saab
9-5 range, the highly-geared action of a swiveling cup-holder as emerges and
retracts from the front fascia offers a level of enjoyment, as well as pure
functionality. The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept showcases a number of such
'Saabish' features, in this instance focused on satisfying the varied lifestyle
and leisure needs of potential owners: Hidden Bike Carrier The tailgate can be opened and closed while carrying two
bicycles mounted in upright positions (the display car demonstrates a fixing
for one bicycle). Neatly integrated lugs, just below the rear screen on the
tailgate, combine with swiveling points on the trailing edge of the roof to
accommodate mounting brackets for the bikes, once the front wheels are removed
(which are then stowed inside on storage brackets). This is a far more
user-friendly carrying solution than roof mounting and produces less
aerodynamic drag. Hidden
rear floor An extra load-carrying dimension is offered by an additional
compartment under the rear cargo deck, which can be glimpsed through the
translucent floor. An access hatch springs open on gas struts to reveal a useful
120 liters of extra luggage space. This area can stow sports equipment, such as
roller blades, or wet and muddy items so they are kept separate from the rest
of the trunk. Integrated
roof carrier Just like its 9-3X forebear, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept
offers load carrying on the roof without the need for longitudinal roof bars.
Four flush-mounted fixing points can accept a number of roof boxes and adaptors
for safe and reliable stowage. Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept owners could, for
example, safely carry two mountain bikes and a large roof box at the same time. Powered
tailgate The hydraulically-powered tailgate is remotely operated for
ease of use and extends down to floor level for easy loading. It remains fully
operational when being used as a bike carrier. Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept Technical specifications and Performance Body: Five-door format, four-seat, powered tailgate, monocoque construction Engine: Front, transversely-mounted, 2.0-litre, 16-valve, all aluminium,
turbocharged. Saab Trionic 8 engine management system. Direct injection, variable
valve timing, twin-scroll turbocharger, 1.2 bar maximum turbo boost pressure. Maximum Power: 184 kW at 5,500
rpm Maximum Torque: 350 Nm at 2,500 rpm Transmission: Five-speed automatic with manual Saab Sentronic selection. Steering
wheel buttons. Two intermediate gears on kickdown. Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion. 2.5 turns lock to lock. Suspension: Front: MacPherson Struts, lower A-arm, gas-filled shock absorbers, coil
springs, anti-roll bar. Rear: Independent, 4-link, gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs,
anti-roll bar, Saab ‘ReAxs’ passive rear wheel steering. Brakes: Front: 378 mm ventilated steel discs, 4-piston
calipers Rear: 328 mm ventilated steel discs, 2-piston
calipers Wheels / Tyres: 20 x 8.5-inch, five-spoke alloy 245/40R 20 Kerb weight: 1580 kgs External dimensions: Length: 4659 mm Height: 1547 mm Width: 1801 mm Wheelbase: 2700 mm Front track: 1580 mm Rear track: 1566 mm Loadspace: Volume: 410 litres (rear seats up), 1350 litres (r
seats folded) Under floor: 120 litres Performance (projected): Top speed: 250 km/h (limited) 0-100 km/h: 7.1 seconds |
 Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept |