SaabsUnited.com

I’m not a big fan of the word ‘infotainment’. It conjures up visions of 30-minute late night ‘infomercials’ and things.

Be that as it may, the 9-5 information continues, with this.

Please note, once again, that this preliminary information is for certain European markets and may not be applicable to where you are (though most of it will).

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The all new infotainment system starting point of a new era

• Standard radio with CD monochrome display
• Standard 9 speaker sound system
• Optional harman/kardonbranded true 5.1 surround sound as top-of line offer
• Standard AUX input and optional USB connector for mp3/iPod player sound and control
• Optional 8″ touch screen navigation system with hard disk drive for map data and 10 GB music jukebox
• Bluetooth based hands-free calling
• Optional dual 8″ screens rear seat entertainment system

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EU map coverage includes the following: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Vatican City State

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Bluetooth:

Automatically connects a bluetooth-enabled phone with the infotainment system. Allows the user to operate the phone with the buttons on the steering wheel or by voice control. Also integrates phone book from phone into the car, for easy accessible contacts.

A similar system as can be found in today´s 9-3, but with improved functionality and sound quality. Phone functionality will differ between phone models (often depending on phone software version) but the system will always be able to connect, and handle inbound and outbound calls. Phone book integration may vary between phones.

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Premium Sound System – A high performing entry sound system with 9 speakers. Includes a center speaker and rear door tweeters to give you a complete sound system experience.

harman/kardon Surround Sound System – A high powered, highly advanced 11 speaker sound system with dedicated surround speakers and subwoofers. The system is capable of delivering true 5.1 Surround if combined with the Saab Infotainment Navigation head unit.

Additionally equipped with HK Surround™ technology that will let you experience a surround sound from 2 channel tracks (CD/DVD , AUX/USB , DAB , HDD*)

*HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for MP3 storage and playback available only with SAAB Infotainment Navigation

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Rear seat passengers have audio controls and can choose any source not used in front seat.

• DVD inserted in IP or via RSE
• AUX inputs from stand alone
• DVD / Camera / game console
• Audio via wireless headphones.

Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
Sources

• Radio (AM, FM, XM or DAB), CD, DVD, HDD, AUX, USB
• Different source than used in the car sound system
• Example 1: FM radio in car sound system e.g. FM radio in RSA can’t be selected
• Example 2: FM radio in car sound system e.g. CD in RSA can be selected
• Controlled via RSA unit
• Sound through wired headphones (not included)

Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
Sources

• DVD inserted into High Nav
• RSE AUX video and audio inputs on rear side center console. For e.g. stand alone DVD player, game console, TV tuner, etc
• Sources can independently by select for left and right screen
• Controlled on radio faceplate or via remote control
• Audio through wireless headphones (included)

The next generation Hella Vario Xenon system will be offered on the new Saab 9-5. This system is the most advanced headlamp system in the industry. The vehicle adapts to the driving situation to enable excellent light performance. Input for changing modes is speed, radius and time.
In addition during MY11, a High Beam Assist is included. This automatically switches from high beam down to low beam when meeting oncoming traffic or approaching a slower vehicle. The driver can maximise driving with high beam on and no need to “fiddle” with the light stalk.
The system provides increased forward lighting at night by an automated high beam control through the use of a digital camera . This camera detects vehicle specific light and ambient light (oncoming and leading traffic). Depending on the light level the system switches high beams on and off. It switches to low beams until:

• -the preceding or approaching vehicle is out of view
• -the ambient light level allows high beam usage

In the new 9-5, during MY11 high beam assist is standard with Bi-Xenon Smart beam (but not available with Lane Departure warning)
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Availability
System is optional for all forms. Requires Auto dimming inside mirror and Rain sensor
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Light modes

1. Town light – at 0-50km/h
2. Country light – at 50-100km/h
3. Motorway light – at >100km/h
4. Adverse weather light – Wiper/rainsensor

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Town Light
This feature will be automatically activated in situation with ambient light and vehicle speeds situated up to 50 km/h. Town-light is wide and without asymmetry, adjusted to lighted town roads.

The illumination is significantly broadened so that pedestrians and objects situated on every side of the road can be better and earlier recognized. The special beam pattern has been designed to avoid glare affecting other traffic participants.
Benefits

• Wide spread light pattern specially for urban road / intersections / pedestrians.
• Short range due to low speeds.
• No glare of other traffic.

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Country Light
Country light is relatively similar to the current low-beam but uses new possibilities to improve the illumination of the road and the side areas when driving overland. In addition to the longer illumination of the driver’s own lane, the oncoming traffic will be de-glared. Country Light is activated between 50 and 100 km/h.

A special feature is the improved illumination of the area beside the road so that dangers (e.g. deer) will be recognized early.
Benefits

• Improved visibility on left and right side.
• Improved visibility range, minimizing glare for oncoming traffic.

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Motorway Light
The aim of the motorway light is to bring an illumination adapted to the higher speed driven on motorway. Due to the fact that there is no directly oncoming traffic, the viewing distance on the own side of the motorway has been increased. The visibility range rises from 70m to 140m so that very distant objects can be recognized across the entire width of the road. There is no drawback for road-users that have been passed.

Safety and driving comfort are considerably improved. Motorway Light is activated above 100 km/h with a steady driving pattern.
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Adverse Weather Lighting
The adverse weather light is activated at rain and snowfall and is controlled by the wiper, rain sensor or rear foglamp.

The wide light distribution -slightly swiveled to the outside -enables improved orientation at the edge of the road. The intensity of the light in the far distance is increased in order to recognize objects and markings on the right road side and obstacles on the lane despite the weather condition. Additionally, dazzling of oncoming traffic is reduced by lowering of reflection on the wet road.
Benefits

• Increased safety during rain, snow and fog.
• Reduced glare for oncoming traffic.

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Dynamic Bend Lighting
The dynamic bending light is controlled via the steering angle and is activated automatically whilst the vehicle is in motion. During this, the projector of the main headlamp swivels.

Depending on the direction of travel, the speed of the swiveling is adjusted automatically to the speed of the vehicle. This happens with the AFL-light modes and the high-beam lighting functions as they are all realized by the same projector which includes a drum responsible for the different light distribution.
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Hi-Beam Auto On/Off
Click to enlarge:

Engage all of your senses
DriveSense allows the driver to change the chassis characteristics between 3 different modes:
Comfort – Maximum comfort settings and Minimum body excitations. Is set for best fuel economy, smooth pedal characteristics and optimized balance between handling and ride comfort with focus on a smoother ride in rougher road conditions.
Intelligent – Monitors the car’s performance characteristics and simultaneously adjusts for optimized Performance. Detects driver behavior and adjusts accordingly.
Sport – Provides a very sporty and responsive performance. The involved functions are accelerator pedal mapping, shift pattern for automatic transmission, maximized wheel and body control, increased steering efforts as well as maximized rear axle drive torque resulting in a more nimble, responsive and fun to drive experience.
User Benefits:

• Driver can change car characteristics individually
• Offer the driver excellent driving dynamics

Dynamics

• Better control and handling during lane changes
• Continuous adjustment in real time
• Faster steering response

Comfort

• Comfortable and relaxed travelling
• Driving with reduced vibrations
• Optimal damping on all street profiles

Safety

• Optimal vehicle control in critical driving situations
• Shorter braking distances thanks to better road contact
• Increased vehicle stability
• Optimized road contact

Available

• Optional all forms, all engines (excl. 2.0TiD 160hp, 1.6T 180hp)

Following on from earlier information, we now have some information on the chassis of the new Saab 9-5.
Please note that this information is still preliminary and may be subject to some change. It is based on a European market segment but contains information that will be applicable to most markets.
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Main points…..

• Very competitive ride and handling enabled by three different front and rear suspension combinations offered in base and sport versions
• First Saab application of Real Time Damping (RTD)�First Saab application of Real Time
• DriveSense allows the driver to change the damping, steering, rear axel drive torque, pedal map and AT shift points in various modes
• For optimum steering effort at both low and high speed Variable Effort Steering (VES) is offered
• Industry leading XWD with optional eLSD for ultimate performance

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The details….
Saab Sports Chassis
The Sport chassis is optional on FWD version and standard on XWD versions and features:

• 10 mm lowered ride height for lower centre of gravity
• Larger diameter stabilizer bar for reduced roll angles
• Increased spring stiffness for higher response and limited body motion
• Firmer tuned Shock absorbers for improved body control
• Top mount with increased lateral stiffness for better response and on center steering feel and precision
• The optional 18″-19″ wheels are fitted with high performance low profile tires

The sporty tuned 10mm lowered chassis provides a clearly overall enhanced stability, cornering and body control. The higher steering response and the improved on-center steering feel with better precision gives the New Saab 9-5 the sporty performance for a true Fun To Drive experience.

Following on from the information presented earlier about Forms and Colors on the new Saab 9-5, we have some information on the interior configurations that will be available for each form.
Please note that this information is still preliminary and may be subject to some change. It is based on a European market offering but contains information that will be applicable to most markets.
Click to enlarge.
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Firstly, the Linear form’s interior options….

Second, the Vector interiors…..

And finally, the Aero interiors. Please note that the green clear-zone dash panel won’t be available until the 2011 model year.