2008 Saab Turbo X Review

Saab is set to unveil the limited edition Saab Turbo X for the first time in North America at the 2007 New England International Auto Show in Boston. The Turbo X celebrates the 30th anniversary of the first Saab 900 turbocharged car and will be flanked by the black 1985 Saab 900 SPG!

As an anniversary edition, the 2008 Saab Turbo X is based on the new Saab 9-3 range, with Saab promising that the Saab Turbo X “delivers levels of driver involvement and dynamic chassis control never experienced before from Saab.”
The first turbocharged model offered by Saab was the 1977 Saab 99 hatchback that debuted in the third quarter of 1977. With the new Turbo X, Saab hopes to evoke the iconic appeal of the first black 99 and 900 Turbos. Like the original Saab 99 Turbo, the new Turbo X will only be available in black, in metallic jet black to be more exact, with matte gray trim.

Powering the Turbo X is a 24-valve, 2.8-liter turbocharged 60º V-6 engine that produces 280 hp at 5,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft. of torque from 2,150 to 4,500 rpm. Power is transferred to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with the option of a six-speed automatic transmission also available. The 280 hp 2.8-liter engine gives the Saab Turbo X a brisk 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of just 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

The new car will also feature Saab’s innovative XWD all-wheel-drive system combined with the car’s sport-tuned suspension, brakes and electronic control systems. The XWD system is designed to control drive torque, not only between the front and rear axles but also between the rear wheels, to optimize handling and stability. An electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the two real wheels, depending on which wheel has more grips. The suspension and brakes have also been uprated. The suspension has been lowered by 10 mm, with the coil springs and dampers tuned to minimize body roll. Together with 18-inch light alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires these modifications ensure excellent grip.


The 2008 Saab Turbo X will be available in four-door Sport Sedan and five-door SportCombi forms with only 600 of them being made available in the U.S. from the second quarter of 2008. Pricing will starts at $42,510 for the Sport Sedan and $43,310 for the SportCombi.