Press Release: Saab Independence Edition
February 23, 2011 in News
UPDATE – Photos added….. and holy cow! that’s one good looking convertible!!!!! – SW
——
Limited Edition Saab Convertible Celebrates First Year of Independence
• Saab celebrates year of independence with launch of numbered limited edition
• Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition based on Aero specification
• Unique color and interior trim features
• Choice of three turbo engines: diesel, gasoline and BioPower
Trollhättan, Sweden: Saab is celebrating the first anniversary of its independence by launching an exclusive Independence Edition of its 9-3 Convertible. Just 366 examples will be produced, one for each day during the first year and one extra for the start of a second year.
Unveiled at Saab’s assembly plant in Trollhättan as part of a day of celebration, the Independence Edition features a unique, Amber Orange metallic paint finish. It is based on top-of-the-line Griffin Aero specification and includes a limited edition number etched into the rear side windows.
The Independence Edition is further distinguished by:
• Five spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels with a satin chrome/black finish
• Orange trimmed beige sports leather seats and glovebox
• Carbon-fiber look leather finish for the instrument panel, handbrake, gearshift molding and door handles
• Driver ‘welcome’ message in instrument display, unique turbo boost gauge
• Orange stitched sports leather steering wheel and carpet mats with grey piping
The powertrain choice comprises a 180 hp, 1.9-liter two-stage turbo diesel; a 220 hp, 2.0-liter gasoline turbo with direct injection and variable valve timing, and a Biopower version able to run on any combination of gasoline or E85 fuel. All engines are available with six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.
The Independence Edition follows a successful tradition of special Saab Convertible models launched at springtime. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the start of sales for the first Saab Convertible.
Saabim said on February 23, 2011
Nice, it would be nice see the pictures
)))
Toby said on February 23, 2011
Today is impressive.
Would anyone know the performance figures for the regular petrol turbo @ 220BHP
top speed and 0-60 times maybe even the 50-70 and 50-100 times?
Good for safe overtaking?
WooDz said on February 23, 2011
Sorry Toby but only the driver knows if it’s safe to overtake.
The engine is more refined than the 2.3 cast Iron lump sat in my Viggen. It’s only 5hp short of but has the same torque and virtually zero turbo lag; unlike the Viggen. I don’t think you’ll be finding too many situations where overtaking will be a problem.
Just looking at the 9-5 Spec.
0-100kmh = 7.9sec (maybe 7.6 in the 9-3)
80-120kmh in 5th gear = 10.6 (so expect less for the 9-3 too)
Although the 80-120kmh time is irrelevant as most people will drop into 3rd and give it the beans. : D
OddJob said on February 23, 2011
Sorry no mph figures, but anyway sedan/manual:
top speed 240 km/h
0-100 km/h 6.9 sec (XWD 6.8)
80-120 km/h 11.5 (XWD 9.8)
Toby said on February 24, 2011
Thanks OddJob-that’s good-back on “proper old Aero form then-with the sporty 6.9 times (My old 2002 Aero is the same) A really exilherating drive-I can’t wait to see them in the UK.
xlx said on February 24, 2011
210HP 9-3 convertible makes 0-100kmh in 8.0 sec , 80-120kmh in 11.9 sec (official data). This one is only a bit stronger + depends also on manual/automatic transmission.
Gunnar said on February 23, 2011
Damn…have to agree…that is a good looking convertible…
Baah said on February 23, 2011
The interior really looks superb. That Hirsch dash should be standard on all Aero versions…
matsvbg said on February 23, 2011
Great looking car, but I fear 366 are too many….should have been 99 made only….
baas900i said on February 23, 2011
365 [one year] + 1 = 366 [independence day]
Toby said on February 24, 2011
But 374 Cakes?? so what happens on Day 374?? Maybe some more pre-release info for Geneva?? Maybe I am reading to much into the numbers here…:-)
Toby said on February 24, 2011
I now know it’s a hint at the day the 9-3 concept will be unveiled
Pedro said on February 23, 2011
Wonder how far a twin turbo setup would take this engine…
Mike C said on February 23, 2011
Just outstanding…
Patrick said on February 23, 2011
Does anyone knows what the button should do next to the cupholder? On the Griffin version it is not visible, only on the Convertible. Anyone?
Erunas said on February 24, 2011
Is it the onstar system you are talking about?
Seen in this picture:
John Carter said on February 24, 2011
That’s the OnStar button set. I’d imagine the Griffin editions pictured are Euro-spec.
John Carter said on February 24, 2011
Those are definitely NOT 5 spoke wheels…lol. I definitely want a set, though! I’ve been bugging our rep to let me order one since I saw the first photos, he finally admitted we’ll be able to order one next month. With so few being made for the world market, I’m just hoping we can get one!
Erunas said on February 24, 2011
Messed up the link: Picture
GerritN said on February 24, 2011
Wow, sharp looking car and even available with a diesel (in Europe only I assume).
The dash looks a bit un-Saaby crowded, though. Too many buttons.
Saabman900 said on February 24, 2011
Un-Saaby? Since when was it un-Saaby to have too many buttons? Personally, it looks just like the current 9-3 dash, same layout and everything. The only difference is the carbon fiber leather dash and slightly different leather stitching and of course the orange paint above the glove box..
GerritN said on February 24, 2011
Un-Saaby because you won’t be able to hit the right button with mittens on. Ergonomics is one of the corner stones of Saab design. Too many small buttons are simply not ergonomic, it’s actually dangerous if you have to start hunting for the right button while driving. I think GM is fully to blame for this.
GerritN said on February 24, 2011
Sorry, let’s not have this discussion because it’s pointless. The new 9-3 will show how the new Saab dash is going to look like. No point in criticizing the old GM dash.
Toby said on February 24, 2011
GerritN I for one know exaclty what you mean. I would have thought “900″ might have deferred there since 900′s right up to og (2002) 9-3 had simple giant buttons you could hit with a reindeer fur mitten!! I remeber when my father got his 2005 9-3 and the panel on that looked like a mini computer keyboard, there must have been 50 buttons on the mid console alone=ergo “unsaabyness” they’ll get back I’m sure…slowly but surely.
xlx said on February 24, 2011
did anyone see the colour of the soft-top roof ?
Toby said on February 24, 2011
That dash is AMAZING! Carbon Fibre Leather??? very innovative however they do that!
till72 said on February 24, 2011
In fact these carbon leather parts are sourced here. I have them in my 9-3x, too.
JH said on February 24, 2011
I must agree that this Independence Edition convertible is very good looking!
I think it is very good to make these limited editions since they work like an image booster for Saab and gets a lot of attention from the press and enthusiasts. The only bad thing is that this colour is not available for the normal 9-3 Griffin models… 
lensaffair said on February 24, 2011
Simply amazing… I would sell my grandma for
But I am wondering about the soft top colour…? I hope its beige..
74stingray said on February 24, 2011
I for one love that color and love those wheels! I can see one of those parked in my garage!
Teddy said on February 25, 2011
I’m in love again.
Is it polite to say that about a car?