KEY POINTS:
Finally, a Saab 9-3 to really get excited about. The model billed as the "ultimate Saab performance machine", the 9-3 Turbo X, will be launched next month.
It's based on the top-line 2.8-litre V6 model, but in place of that car's front-drive layout comes a high-tech, all-wheel-drive system.
Aside from curing the V6-powered 9-3 chronic torque steer - where the force of hard acceleration pulls the front of the car to the left or right - the Turbo X powertrain should also give the 9-3 an element of desirability that has been sadly lacking in recent years.
It won't come cheap.
At $98,900, the Turbo X sedan commands an $18,000 premium over the 9-3 Aero with the same engine. The same applies to the $101,800 SportCombi.
But a bigger problem is that the Turbo X really isn't coming at all.
With just 30 cars allocated to Australia and New Zealand - 25 sedans and five SportCombis - this is destined to be one of the rarest new cars on the road. And with total Saab sales of less than 50 last year, don't expect too many of those to cross the Tasman.
That's a shame, for the Turbo X's XWD (cross-wheel drive) technology has been highly praised in Europe.
It's an intelligent, active all-wheel-drive system that continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles, and also between the rear wheels.
To optimise traction at take-off, the XWD has pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels. Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems, this eliminates the need to detect front wheel slip before rear drive is activated.
The Turbo X also has an active rear limited-slip differential as standard, which can transfer up to 50 per cent of maximum rear torque between the rear wheels, to whichever has more grip.
It also features exterior styling tweaks and cabin enhancements, including a turbo boost gauge that's a replica of the dial in the original 900 Turbo.
There's also a unique "Ready For Take-off" message in the main instrument display, enabling the owner's name, with the car's edition number, to be programmed into the screen by the supplying dealer.
