The information follows the previous reveal of the new restyled fron end.

ccording to Saab, "The distinctive frontal styling, inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car, is designed to reinforce the range’s sporty appeal."

The gasoline units are the 150 hp and 175 hp 2.0 turbo units - both capable of running on bioethanol E85 fuel - and the top-of-the-line 2.8 liter V6 turbo, which produces an output of 280 hp.

The range of diesel engines includes two 1.9 TTiD versions (delivering 120 and 150 hp) and the new 1.9 twin-turbo unit which features an output of 180 hp and a max torque of 400 Nm.

Among the technical highlights is the new all-wheel drive system (Saab XWD - ‘cross wheel drive’), a fully automatic, on-demand system that usese uses an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential, which is capable of sending up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels whenever necessary.

The new 9-3 range is expected to go on sale this September. The model year 2008 (MY08) 9-3 line-up will be offered with a set of four trim levels: Airflow, Linear SE, Vector Sport and Aero.

From the official Press Release:

Design

The new 9-3 range is visually distinguished by all-new bodywork forward of the A-pillar, with new bumper mouldings and light assemblies front and rear, as well as new doors and  handles for the Saloon and SportWagon.

Flared side sill extensions become standard across the range. All these elements combine to give the car a clearer Saab identity and a bolder, more assertive stance.

For the Saloon, for example, 70 per cent of the external body panels and parts are all-new.

The styling strategy brings together contemporary and classic Saab design themes in a progressive, modern expression of the brand’s distinctive character.

The deeper, more prominent evolution of the Saab grille adopts a theme first seen on the Aero X concept car.

This is complemented by all-new headlight lenses and light units that now incorporate a thin ‘eyebrow’ lighting zone designed as a brand specific ‘signature’ feature.

These wraparound units culminate in an upswept rear edge, introducing a Saab design theme from the 9-5 range and classic 900 model.

The grille’s central wing motif, referencing Saab’s aircraft heritage, is, of course, retained.

The new look sees the adoption of another Saab signature feature: a ‘clamshell’ bonnet, closing across the top of the front wings.

The bonnet pressing incorporates a sweeping, U-shaped styling line, as first seen on the Aero X, which echoes the curvature of the windscreen.

The swept-back frontal lines are complemented by a front bumper and splitter assembly with a deep, trapezoidal air intake, even more pronounced on Aero versions.

This is flanked by deep black vents which are framed, like the grille, in a matte chrome finish. As with the Aero X concept, these represent a metaphor for the intakes of a jet engine.

At the rear, the Saloon and Convertible now feature smoked white light clusters.

The new bumper mouldings are much deeper with curved, uninterrupted surfaces.

The boot lids of the Saloon and Convertible are also altered to accommodate a new matte chrome life handle trim with an integrated badge, similar that on the SportWagon. 

The removal of all external rubbing strips from bumpers and doors (colour-keyed on the Convertible) contributes to a cleaner and more cohesive overall appearance.

New door panels now adopt a simple, uncluttered form with redesigned and colour-keyed handles.

The sill extensions are visually integrated front and rear with the scalloped corners of the new bumper mouldings. 

Other external enhancements include the introduction of flat wiper blades for reduced wind noise, and new alloy wheels with an 18-inch design now offered as an option on all variants apart from 1.8i models.

Two new colours are added to the range, including a Snow Silver metallic paint finish similar to that seen on the Aero X.

(Source: Saab)