Saab Turbo X test drive since 2008 sedan
Ready to take off!
Ready is right, it makes sense and justified. Firstly, because Saab cars have always been associated with aviation. Until now, Saab Technologies produces planes, the most powerful of which is called a Gripen fighter-interceptor operating in some armies of the world. That's exactly with him, this is secondly, associations arise after meeting with the new Saab Turbo X. Finally, this piece product of such cars will produce only two thousand. So, come to me, would never have changed the first message to something like hello, buddy!. Although it is easy to do it. He will make himself respect
Already one of its appearance Saab Turbo X, you see, forces himself to respect. As a matter of fact, the usual 9-3 looks quite dynamic, but the Turbo X compared to it is the last beast. The designers turned out to be enough separate strokes and details to achieve amazing metamorphosis and change the visual perception of the model.
Firstly, all two thousand Turbo X are painted only in black by a kind of tribute to the glorifying brand in the 70s Saab 900 Turbo.
Secondly, some details of the exterior, like the radiator grille, are finished under the titanium that goes well with the black color.
Thirdly, the front and rear bumpers are original, like smoky cast discs.
Finally, fourth-fourth aerodynamic body kit with chrome-plated exhaust systems completes the aggressive appearance of the model.
The new exterior elements are also quite functional. So, the large lower lining of the front bumper and built -in air intakes contribute to a decrease in aerodynamic resistance, in addition, they increase the air flow entering the engine and intercooler of the turbocharged. As for the back of the car, here the new forms of the bumper lining and a special panel resembling a diffuser lower the point of disruption of the air flow. As a result, the aerodynamic resistance coefficient is further reduced and the stability of the car when moving at high speed increases. Naturally, a small spoiler on the trunk lid reduces the lifting force, which is important, taking into account the dynamic potential of Turbo X. In the interior, the theme of black turbo is further developed. Sports seats with developed lateral support are covered with black skin. They are endowed with all the necessary electrical adjustments and, despite the apparent softness, tenaciously hold the body in corners. A thick trunk with characteristic protrusions under the grip is also covered with genuine leather. Naturally, it is regulated both in height and in departure, and no problems with the correct and convenient planting arise. True, the diameter of the steering wheel is not small, but the traditional aircraft combination of devices that would be overlapped by a rim does not allow it to reduce it. By the way, on the shield, an accurate pressure indicator has an exact copy of the original device, which was equipped with 900 Turbo. Sportsivity of the decoration is emphasized by carbon fiber decoration of the door panels, a glove box and a panel of an exclusive gearbox lever for Turbo X.
Flapped! Turn the key, and on a small display under the speedometer, the same inscription Ready for Take Off. Promising. Under the hood at this moment, a mighty gasoline V6 with a turbocharged. His bass growling is heard not only to others, but also to you, which in fact does not mean at all that the machine has a bad sound insulation. The configured sound of a new exhaust system is intentionally strong. However, we will return to the motor: this is a 2.8 -liter gasoline engine that is well familiar from other models of the company, especially for Turbo X a little modified. As a result, its power increased to 280 hp, and the maximum torque has grown to 400 nm, which are available in a fairly wide range of revolutions from 2150 to 4500 rpm. Moreover, in the test car, the motor was aggregated with a mechanical 6-speed gearbox, although you can order an automatic machine.
But the most important thing is that Turbo X is equipped with a branded all-wheel drive transmission SAAB XWD, which is based on an electronically controlled coupling type Haldex. In fact, this is an adaptive system that allows redistributing the torque of the engine not only between two axes, but also between the rear wheels. Under ordinary conditions of movement, all power is directed forward. But it is worthwhile to slip out, or if the electronics, having received data from the sensors about the speed of rotation of each wheel, the lateral and transverse acceleration and angle of rotation of the steering wheel, will decide that the machine may get out of control, then part of the moment will immediately go back. Plus, in the rear axis, Turbo X set a 40% differential of increased friction, which allows you to realize the potential of the motor even more efficiently.
In fact, all this works very well. So, at a sharp start from the place of no loss for slipping. Of course, on the slippery coating of the wheel, they can still be described, which will lead to the operation of the ESP stabilization system. It will reduce the supply of fuel, and in a critical situation it is able to brake one or more wheels. And I would not advise anyone to disconnect it. Still, under the right foot there is always a large supply of traction that you need to have quite good driving skills and the habit of owning powerful cars, so as not to focu at the time when the same flight begins. It is not difficult to maintain a quick pace thanks to the clear course of the IAA lever. True, the clutch pedal is not too informative, and you can’t call it short in any way. Nevertheless, you quickly get used to it, starting with your body to feel the behavior of the car. A clear steering and, of course, pendants, which are noticeably tougher than the usual 9-3 everything is tuned to an active ride. By the way, compared with 9-3, the TURBO X road clearance is reduced by 10 mm, and on the rear axle there are special shock absorbers that support constant clearance, regardless of the load.
Only after you feel the rather evil hole of this fighter, you should try strength by turning off the ESP system. Then, of course, you can enjoy honed controllability. If desired, it is not so difficult to make the car go sideways, although it should remain on the alert: the thrust of a turbocharged motor requires a very accurate operation of the accelerator pedal. However, without dangerous experiments, Turbo X is able to give real pleasure. After all, the eSP operation threshold is quite high, and the electronics, which throws the moment between the axes, works very quickly, so you experience non -blind side overloads in vihi. Of course, the brake system with ABS and EBD is in full compliance with the potential of the machine.
Flight fee
After several days, only one indicator of the average fuel consumption was upset at the wheel of Turbo X. I had a chance to ride mainly in the city, when it was possible quickly, so in the end the Turbo X consumed about 18 liters per 100 km. I think that in the 10.7 liters declared by the manufacturer, he can only meet the highways, or in a quiet Swedish town, where there are no traffic jams. On the other hand, do other fast machines with similar characteristics eat less? I don't think.
But the fact that Saab Turbo X is a relatively affordable car fact. Only 1 million 650 thousand for an almost completely equipped fighter.
Andrey Osipov
Photo Saab
