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New Saab 9-5 Aero Sport Sedan to Make U.S. Debut

7 October 1999

New Saab 9-5 Aero Sport Sedan to Make U.S. Debut At South Florida International Auto Show

    MIAMI, Oct. 6 -- On the heels of introducing the potent Saab
9-3 Viggen, another Saab high-performance variant makes its U.S. debut on
Friday, October 8, 1999 at the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami
-- the new Saab 9-5 Aero.  This luxury sport sedan builds on the performance
heritage of its predecessor, the 9000 Aero, while adding all of the innovative
technologies and luxury amenities of the current 9-5 model line.
    The 2000 9-5 Aero features a high output turbocharged, 230-horsepower 2.3L
4-cylinder engine that is available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed
automatic transmission.  When mated to the
5-speed manual transmission, the 9-5 Aero engine develops an impressive 258
lb.-ft. of torque from 1,900 to 3,800 rpm.  With an automatic transmission,
the engine develops 243 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,900 all the way up to 4,600
rpm.
    Its performance character is complemented by sporty exterior and interior
styling changes, including flared rocker panels, a front chin spoiler, a rear
valance and a sport steering wheel.  Saab engineers have also integrated a
sport chassis with performance-optimized suspension, upgraded brakes and 17-
inch alloy wheels with low profile tires.
    Also at the South Florida International Auto Show, Saab will showcase new
9-3 Viggen Convertible and 5-door models.  The 2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen, first
introduced as a Coupe model last spring, now delivers 230 horsepower at 5,500
rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque from a low 2,500 rpm all the way up to 4,500
rpm.  All three 9-3 Viggen models are available in two new colors, Black and
Silver, in addition to the previous Viggen exclusive Lightning Blue.  Less
than 3,000 Viggens will be produced for the world in model year 2000, with
1,000 of them coming to the U.S. market.
    The 9-5 Aero and 9-3 Viggen deliver the unmistakable thrust of Saab turbo
performance while retaining traditional Saab character traits, including
world-first safety features.  They continue Saab's tradition of  producing
"hot rod" variants -- cars like the 900 Turbo SPG and 9000 Aero that mixed
muscular acceleration with sport suspension and aerodynamic finesse.