The Motor Report Auto News Blog

The first apparently ‘genuine’ photos of the new Saab 9-3 have surfaced on the internet thanks to the guys at Saab Scene. The new Saab 9-3 will be officially unveiled on the 10th of June this year.

These pictures are of the new Saab 9-3 SportCombi and very clearly show you the new more aggressive face of Saab. Rather unbelievably in my opinion some of the ‘Saabites’ at the Saab Scene forum don’t appear to be taking kindly to the new styling with the general concern being that it is too aggressive for Saab. I say get over it! You are looking at the first decent looking Saab in the recent history of the Marque. They may even start to sell a few cars again.

It is expected to feature AWD and not a repackaged Subaru system but their very own Haldex system that is being called XWD.

The engine range is reported to include a 1.8-litre turbo petrol and 1.9-litre turbo diesel along with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol as well as the range topping 2.8-litre turbo petrol that will be standard kit in the Aero convertible.

There is rumour of a mysterious project ‘Black Turbo’ that will feature an engine tuned to produce up to 240kw running though the new Haldex all-wheel drive system. Thankfully, overpowered torque-steering FWD Saab Aeros will be consigned to history which is where they belong. Look for the new super Saab to surface around mid 2008.

There is no word yet on Australian release dates but we will provide details when they become known.