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by Red J

400+hp 9-3 trackdays

March 12, 2011 in Saabology

In mid February Swade posted about a 9-3 tuned by Maptun performance to 415hp.

Last weekend the car was tested at the trackdays at the Snetterton circuit(GB).

The test went quite well, as the biggest incident took place in Holland, where the driver behind the Maptun 9-3 was too interested in the car and rear ended the car.

The guys from Maptun(white car) where invited by NeoBrothers(yellow-black livery).

You can get more details of the whole story at the new Maptun blog.

RedJ

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by Swade

Hirsch release 180hp upgrade for Saab 9-5 TiD

February 26, 2011 in News

If you’ve got the single turbo 160hp version of the new Saab 9-5 diesel, then Hirsch have just released the upgrade to bring some extra boost into your life.

180HP Performance upgrade for the Saab 9-5 2.0 TiD with automatic and manual transmission.

The enormous development and testing effort invested by Hirsch Performance in diesel engine calibration is delivering results.

The high torque of 400Nm is available from remarkably low rpm’s. The harmonius power delivery and wide rpm band provide larger reserves when overtaking and markedly improved performance for the 2.0TiD with variable geometry turbocharger. The fuel consumption remains very low, and the emissions are Euro 5 – certified.

Extensive testing in test benches and on the road ensure the high quality and durability that is expected of a Hirsch Performance product.

Available for installation at your Saab dealership now!

There some extra data here (UK market used).

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by Swade

Maptun crack 400hp for T8 tuning

February 15, 2011 in Saabology

Here’s one for the hi-po buffs.

Maptun have broken the 400hp barrier on a T8 tuned Saab 9-3 2.0T. The car is actually a 2005 Saab 9-3 but it’s been updated with 2010 panels and lights for the front and rear.

I love the carbonfibre detail work on the front there, too.

Enough about how it looks, though.

From the Maptun website…..

MapTun Performance is proud to claim the performance crown in T8 tuning – The magical 400 hp limit has now been broken.

The test car, a 2005 9-3 Aero equipped with our Quaife gearbox, reached an impressive 415 bhp and 450 nm of torque in our Rototest facility. A lot of time and effort has been spent fine tuning the software to limit the torque to a level that is suitable for the setup.

The car will be driven to England to participate in a trackday on the redesigned Snetterton Cirquit the first weekend of March. There it will face strong competition from Porsches, Ferraris and other supercars. In other words, a great opportunity to put much more expensive cars to shame. You will be able to follow the whole endeavour on the upcoming Maptun Blog.

It’s good to see Maptun planning for a blog to keep people up to date on the their latest products and achievements. But that aside…..

Performance like this doesn’t come easy. The list of engine changes is considerable….

  • Maptun Individual software
  • GT2871R
  • Tubular exhaust manifold
  • 630cc injectors
  • Maptun IC
  • Maptun inlet pipe
  • Ferrita downpipe
  • JT 3″ catback twinpipe
  • Wössner pistons
  • Maptun 450 Nm clutch
  • Quiafe 6-speed gearkit

And that’s before you get to the cosmetic/aero changes. There are still more changes to come, with upgraded brakes and interior being added to the car soon.

Keep an eye out for that track day video. I think it’s going to be a cracker!

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by Swade

SU Hi-Po Challenge – entry #1

January 31, 2011 in Saabology

This is the first submission received in the SU Hi-Po Challenge.

It comes from Eric H, in California.

The first sentence sums up the dilemma nicely, but Eric does go on to elucidate how he’d think about doing a higher performance model.

——

I’d love to see a high performance option from Saab but they need to have a solid model lineup across the board first, so until the new (or at least extremely refreshed) 9-3 is introduced in a year or so I wouldn’t introduce a new performance trim level on the current car. Also given the time it takes for things like durability and emission testing we probably won’t see a high performance halo car before that time anyways unless it had already been in the works which doesn’t seem likely and I haven’t heard of anything planned in this regard for the new 9-5.

Looking at the model lineup within the next couple years we’ll have a heavily refreshed/new 9-3, the 9-4x and the recently introduced 9-5. For a performance “halo” type car we can probably rule out the 9-4x. While the 9-5 is a great car it’s also pretty big and on the heavy side. To significantly improve performance would require a dramatic increase in power which would come at the expense of fuel economy and increased emissions which goes against what Saab is moving towards in their goal of responsible performance. We can also speculate there’s a chance for a new 9-1 or 9-2, and while I’d love to see one sold that has a performance trim level such as an Aero model, it wouldn’t make sense to have your base, entry level model as the halo car.

That leaves us with the 9-3. This next car may be using what Saab calls their Phoenix platform but in reality it’s still just the original GM Epsilon architecture* which Saab had already tweaked enough to be somewhat different from other GM models (for example the internal controversy of the 9-3 convertible not being able to share parts/platforms when Pontiac was developing their G6 convertible due to the changes Saab made). With GM still retaining a major stake in Saab and with part sharing and other agreements still in place that opens up a wide range of components that Saab could use to build a next generation Turbo X-like halo vehicle, but instead this time backing it up with a true performance increase.

* Phoenix is a fully Saabified platform using Epsilon as a starting point. It will be fully customised to Saabs needs, and be extremely flexible, underpinning future 9-3, 9-4x and 9-5 vehicles. I’m personally very wary of calling it “just the original GM Epsilon architecture” – SW

Assuming that at least for the next couple years Saab will continue to use some or all powertrains sourced from GM and the current 9-3 and 9-5 are already using the 2.0L Ecotec, if I were building a performance 9-3 I’d start with a high output version of the GM “LNF” 2.0L direct injection, turbocharged four*. The current LDK/LHU variant that powers GM cars as well as the 9-5 produces only 220hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque and is less than the older LNF’s 260/260 ratings when it was used in cars like the Cobalt SS Turbo, the HHR SS, and the GM roadsters. The reduction in power in for the LHU version used in the 9-5 and other cars was more than likely for emission and economy reasons although the Buick Regal GS is expected to get a version of the LHU making 255hp and 295 ft-lbs or torque.

*Note: According to RedJ, the LNF will not pass Euro5 emissions, making this engine a no-go for Europe. The car will need to be sold around the world. Not dead yet, though……- SW

As the turbocharger and Bosch direct injection system didn’t change on these new variants and GM could continue to use the LNF or have an updated version of the LHU supporting similar power (like the upcoming Regal GS), all that would be required for say 300 hp and 335 ft-lbs of torque would be a recalibration of the Bosch engine management system. GM already spent the development dollars testing and certifying this when they released a dealer installed sensor upgrade and computer reflash for the LNF engine via GM Performance Parts that brings it up to 290 hp and 340 ft-lbs of torque and aftermarket tuning has shown it can support power levels significantly higher than that.

Read the rest of this entry →

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by Swade

Update – Hirsch in the US and Canada

January 26, 2011 in Saabology

There are a couple of updates to be posted following yesterday’s publication of a Hirsch dealer list for the United States.

Timing

People should note that Hirsch won’t be available in the US until the second quarter of 2011. A more exact date is not known. The publication of a preliminary dealer listing doesn’t mean it’s available now.

The reason why it will take until Q2 is that certain equipment is needed to do the software updates and they’re trying to secure adequate supply and distribution before things get underway.

Completeness

As mentioned, the list was a preliminary list and in fairness, it was too early to place it online. It had a good list of Saab dealers, but there are more who are very likely to jump on board (it’s a dealer’s choice as to whether they opt in).

Hopefully a complete list will become available in Q2.

Canada

Questions were asked in comments to that post about availability in Canada and whether or not Canadians can go south of the border, get tuned and still be covered by warranty. From what I’ve heard, the answer is “No” to that particular scenario….. BUT……

The good news is that SCNA are currently working with Transport Canada and plan to launch Hirsch products there (no timeframe given) and of course, they’ll be covered by warranty there just like everywhere else.

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by Swade

USA Hirsch dealer listing

January 25, 2011 in News, Saabology

Hirsch recently loaded up the dealer listing for the United States on their website. As you can see, it’s a small selection of dealers, but most of the Saab-populated areas should find themselves with some coverage.

The Hirsch website’s listing seems to be sorted by the name of the town the dealership exists in. I’ve organised this one by state, which hopefully might give you a quicker reference.

UPDATE: Whilst this list does appear on the Hirsch website, since posting it here, I’ve been advised that it’s a preliminary listing and may not be a complete representation of dealers that will carry Hirsch products. More may opt-in in the near future.

Also note that Hirsch products won’t be available in the US until the second quarter of the 2011.

Thanks to Sapan for the tip.

——

California
Continental Motors, 617 South Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA-92054, Phone +1 760 722-1868

Connecticut
Mitchell Saab, 384 Hopmeadow Street, CT 06070-Simsbury, Phone +1 860 408-6065

Iowa
Meyer Garage, 2687-480th Street, IA 50455-McIntire, Phone +1 641 737-2239

Massachusetts
Charles River Saab, 570 Arsenal Street, MA 02472-Watertown, Phone +1 617 923-9230

Shaw Saab, 22 Pond Street, 22 Pond Street, MA 02061-Norwell, Phone +1 781 982-7222

128 Sales Inc., 614 North Avenue, MA 01880-Wakefield, Phone +1 781 224-3700

Hyannis Saab, 600 Yarmouth, MA 02601-Hyannis, Phone +1 508 760-2700

Pioneer Valley Sales & Service, P.O. Box 254, MA 01373-South Deerfield, Phone +1 413 665-2140

Maine
Stetson Auto Sales, 1174 Eastern Road Route 131, ME 04864-Warren, Phone +1 207 273-2345

O’Connor Saab of Augusta, 268 State Street, ME 04330-Augusta, Phone +1 207 622-6336

Michigan
Saab of Troy, 1819 Maplelawn, MI 48084-Troy, Phone +1 248 205-1333

Trio Motors, Inc., P.O. Box 190178, MI 48519-Burton, Phone +1 810 742-7250

Minnesota
Morries’s Cadillac – Saab, 7400 Wayzata Boulevard, MN 55426-Minneapolis, Phone +1 952 544-0096

Montana
Dana Saab, 2046 Grand Avenue, MT 59102-Billings, Phone +1 406 656-7654

New Jersey
Reinertsen Motors Inc., 295 Route #53, NJ 07834-Denville, Phone +1 973 627-0616

New York
Sports Car Centre of Syracuse, Ltd., 3105 Erie Blvd. East, NY 13214-Syracuse, Phone +1 315 446-5010

Checkpoint Foreign Car S&S Inc., 487 Kenmore Avenue, NY 14223-Buffalo, Phone +1 716 836-2033

Brownell Motors, Inc., P.O. Box 413, NY 12524-Fishkill, Phone +1 845 831-3000

Pennsylvania
Kunkle Motors, RR 1, P.O. Box 386, PA 18612-Dallas, Phone +1 570 675-1546

Virginia
International Motors Ltd., 540 S. Washington Street, VA 22046-Falls Church, Phone +1 703 534 0770

Vermont
P J’s Auto Village, 2073 Williston Road, VT 05403-South Burlington, Phone +1 802 862-0875

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by Swade

Hirsch Performance: Saab USA upgrade availability

January 13, 2011 in Saabology

I have received a list of vehicles for which Hirsch Performance – Saab’s official tuning house – have received the OK to provide vehicle ECU upgrades.

To give you an idea of the process involved……

This list comes from an Executive Order issued by the California Air Resource Board. Each of the vehicle congiurations on this list had to be tested and certified in order to be given the tick by CARB. This is a lengthy and expensive process, especially with this number of vehicles involved.

If your car is on the list, then you should be able to access a Hirsch ECU upgrade (costs for which are as yet unknown) from your local Saab dealer if that dealer is one that’s been approved for Hirsch distribution.

Here’s the list (click).

——

Congratulations to Hirsch for finally making it over the pond an into the US market. It’s been a long time coming, and is a breakthrough that’s well deserved.

Saab performance by Hirsch

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by Swade

Images from the Sno Hus – Hirsch Performance in USA

January 11, 2011 in Saabology

UPDATE – Kevin’s article, along with extra imagery, is now online at Autosavant.

——

Kevin Miller from AutoSavant (and also a Saab owner, I might add) is attending the auto show in Detroit. He made his way along to the Saab press event outside the main show.

The big press event there was concerned with Hirsch Performace coming into the US market. It should also be noted, though, that Saab announced a $100,000 donation to the Make-a-Wish Foundation as a result of their recent test-drive promotion, which is a great result (full release at SaabWorld).

Kevin will be writing more about the Hirsch Perfomance announcement over at AutoSavant. Keep an eye on that link.

Until then, he’s given me the OK to show you these images, which he posted to Twitter earlier today. They show the 9-3 and 9-5 on display, with Hirsch modifications. They also give us a glimpse of how the Sno Hus setting was presented (looks good).

First, the 9-5…..

Saab performance by Hirsch

Saab performance by Hirsch

And the 9-3 as well…..

Saab performance by Hirsch

Saab performance by Hirsch

——

My thanks to Kevin for the glimpse, and keep your eye out for more on-the-spot reporting from AutoSavant.

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by Swade

Hirsch Performance comes to the USA

January 11, 2011 in News

It’s been a long time coming. Good news for many of the Saab owners who’d like factory covered tuning options for their new Saab.

The press release from Detroit:

——

Saab Cars North America and Hirsch Performance AG Join Forces to Boost Performance of Saab 9-3 and 9-5

DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Saab Cars North America and Hirsch Performance AG of Switzerland announced today that Hirsch Performance aftermarket products will be available for the 2007-11 model year, Saab 9-3 and 2010-11 model year 9-5 cars through select Saab dealers in the US beginning in the spring of 2011.

John Anderson, director of aftermarket sales and new business for Saab Cars North America, said, “Saab has had a long relationship with Hirsch in Europe and now we can offer performance enhancements for Saab customers’ vehicles in the US. The advantage to Hirsch Performance parts is they are installed at authorized Saab dealers, do not affect the warranty or emission system performance of the vehicle and are high quality systems designed especially for Saab cars. Installation of the Hirsch Performance parts within 60 days of sale of the new vehicle will give the consumer the same warranty as a new vehicle, an advantage for our customers.”

Manfred Lenherr, Sales & Marketing Director, Hirsch Performance AG, said, “Hirsch engineers worked hard to put together a performance engine calibration for the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 2.0L and 2.8L engines that provide an additional 30 horsepower for those who desire even more spirited performance from their cars. Hirsch offers a wide range of performance products specific to the 9-3 and 9-5, including wheels, exhaust systems, aero kits and interior appointments to enhance the already pleasurable Saab experience. The other advantage of Hirsch products is they only enhance the vehicle and do not affect sophisticated safety or emission systems.”

Hirsch Performance aftermarket products include engine mapping performance upgrade, +30 hp, performance spring set, dual performance exhaust system, rear deck lid spoiler, carbon fiber aerodynamic ground effects kit (front splitter and diffuser), 4-piece grille set, Aluminum pedals, leather interior set and carbon instrument panel. Some Hirsch components are restricted to specific Saab models.

Pricing information and participating dealers for the Hirsch Performance parts will be available on: http://www.SaabUSA.com and Hirsch-performance.com in the near future.

About Saab Cars North America

Saab, or Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company), was founded in 1937 as an aircraft manufacturer and revealed its first prototype passenger car 10 years later after the formation of the Saab Car Division. In 1990, Saab Automobile AB was created as a separate company, jointly owned by the Saab Scania Group and General Motors, and became a wholly-owned GM subsidiary in 2000. In February 2010, Spyker Cars N.V. of the Netherlands, acquired the company from GM as an independently-run business.

Saab cars reflect the brand’s unique Scandinavian design ethic, which is fused with its aircraft engineering heritage. The company is a global premium car maker with a distinguished history of innovation. It is recognized for its pioneering role in turbocharging, as well as occupant safety and the introduction of flex-fuel technology through Saab BioPower. Saab Automobile AB currently employs approximately 3,800 staff in Sweden, where it operates world-class production and technical development facilities at its headquarters in Trollhattan, 70 km north of Gothenburg. http://media.saab.com

www.hirsch-performance.ch

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by Swade

Does the Saab 9-5 V6 have more power than stated?

December 7, 2010 in Saabology

BSR are one of the Swedish aftermarket tuning companies that deal with Saabs (and many others).

They’ve released a tune for the Saab 9-5 V6 Aero and as part of their website documentation, they include their dyno results in both stock and tuned form.

The interesting part about this is that Saab quote the 9-5 Aero V6 as having 300hp and 400 Nm (295 lb ft) of torque. BSR’s dyno results tell a slightly different story.

The solid black line, to be measured by the axis on the left, is the standard power measurement. As you can see, it drifts well above the 300hp measurement.

The dotted black line – representing standard torque – also spends a reasonable amount of time above the 400Nm (295 lb ft) measurement.

The measurements BSR get for this engine in standard form are actually 317hp and 438Nm (323 lb ft) – a significant increase over the stated factory maxima.

Peter S, the guy who emailed me about this today, figures the following is the reason why:

My guess is that Saab indeed got the same induction and exhaust changes that the Insignia OPC received, but that the agreement with GM requires that the “official” numbers tilt in GM’s favor for some certain timeframe.

I don’t know any different and I assume BSR haven’t just cut n pasted the results from one car to the other. BSR’s test of the OPC definitely lends some support to the suggestion that Saab got the modifications, even if they can’t talk about it officially.

It’s good to see 9-5 buyers are possibly getting more for their money than they first figured, according to this Swedish test, at least.

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by Swade

Hirsch Performance Saab 9-5 at Zurich Auto Show

November 11, 2010 in Saabology

Marcel has very kindly sent through some photos from the Zurich Auto Show.

The car featured is the Hirsch Performance Saab 9-5, fitted with the following:

  • 330hp /430Nm (2.8T V6 XWD)
  • Forged 9×20” aluminium wheels
  • Stainless steel sports exhaust system
  • Brake upgrade (Saab accessory)
  • Lowering spring kit
  • Centre console upgrade
  • Aluminium pedals

Of course, most will be cusious about the upgraded center console, which hirsch have covered with leather. These photos were taken in show conditions, so the lighting’s a little harsh, but you’ll get the idea.

Click.

Thanks Marcel!

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by Swade

Hirsch Saab 9-5 to show in Zurich

November 2, 2010 in News, Saabology

Hirsch Performance, Saab’s official tuning house, have fitted a Saab 9-5 with some of the upgrades that will become available very soon.

The car will show at the Zurich Car Show from the 11th to the 14th November.

Hirsch Saab 9-5

The car is fitted with the following:

  • 330hp /430Nm (2.8T V6 XWD)
  • Forged 9×20” aluminium wheels
  • Stainless steel sports exhaust system
  • Brake upgrade (Saab accessory)
  • Lowering spring kit
  • Centre console upgrade
  • Aluminium pedals

I really hope I can drive one of these one day. It looks absolutely superb.

Well done, Hirsch!

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by Swade

MapTun – Quaife High Performance gear kit

November 2, 2010 in sponsors

Maptun are total performance Saab nuts who are 100% dedicated to Saab tuning. They’re a company that I’m very proud to have as supporters of Saabs United.

Those of you who are practiced gearheads know that Saabs can be vulnerable in the gearing department when you put the power down. To cater to those who seek higher performance, Maptun have teamed up with Quaife.

I’ll let them explain:

——

Throughout the years, we have tuned a large number of Saabs, some of which have left our shop with extreme levels of power. A recurring question has been how long the gearbox is going to last. That it will not last forever both we and the owner have been well aware of, the only question has been how long. Those times are finally over!

Together with well renowned Quaife in the UK, MapTun Performance have developed a gearkit adapted to the extreme demands of a high performance Saab. The kit has now been tested rigorously for over two years in cars with 485-540 hp and 600-700 (!) Nm.

Neither of the cars have noted any problems whatsoever with the gearbox, despite drivers being instructed to push the cars to the limit in a variety of driving conditions, grip conditions and tire choices. Unlike previous straight cut gearkits from Quaife, this one is adapted to street use and not pure racing applications.

The kit therefore features helical cut gears, which give a much better noise level, and a gearing which actually gives slightly higher top gears. Everyday functionality is thereby preserved.

Gear ratios:

  • 1st 12,21
  • 2nd 7,87
  • 3rd 5,57
  • 4th 4,25
  • 5th 3,39
  • 6th 2,85

The gearkits are manufactured by Quaife. The complete kit including a number of custom fabricated parts, such as bearings and input shaft. The kit also includes the output shaft and crown wheel, so it is a true 6 speed kit rather than a bolt on 6th gear.

The kit is only available from MapTun Performance!

We recommend a complete overhaul of the gearbox while installing the gearkit and that a Limited Slip Differential is installed.

——

The gearkits are available to replace the 5-speed gears in the following vehicles:

  • Saab 900/9-3 94-03,
  • Saab 9000 94-98,
  • Saab 9-5 98-10
  • Saab 9-3 SS
  • Get in touch with Maptun for more information and pricing.

    Avatar of Swade

    by Swade

    Hirsch upgrade for Saab 9-5 2.0T

    October 27, 2010 in News, Saabology

    Hirsch Performance – Saab’s officially approved tuning house – have released some details about an upgrade that’s been whispered about for a while now – the 2.0T from the new Saab 9-5.

    This engine produces 220hp and 350Nm in its standard guise. Hirsch bump that up by just short of 20% with the usual Saab warranty intact.

    The 2.0T is already more fun than a houseful of puppies. This upgrade will make it the most fun you can have in a 5 meter, 5 person car.

    ——

    260hp Performance Upgrade 2.0T ’10 FWD / XWD Automatic

    For the second generation Saab 9-5, the reliable 2-litre engine from the Saab 9-3 has been developed further, and equipped with direct injection and a modern twin scroll turbocharger. Perfect conditions for a performance upgrade! With the improved charge cooling with the direct injection, more power and torque than before can be generated; 260hp and 400Nm, and thanks to the twin scroll technology, the throttle response is significantly faster.

    Built for the Autobahn

    With the performance upgrade from Hirsch Performance, the maximum power is not only available for short bursts of acceleration, but can be maintained, just like the top speed of 250km/h, for hours at a time. Should it be necessary.

    No compromises

    Just like all other Hirsch Performance upgrades, this performance upgrade is compliant with the same emission regulations as the original car. A world first is therefore that just like the original car, the performance upgrade meets the extremely stringent Euro 5 emission requirements. Service intervals remain unchanged. Vehicles upgraded with Hirsch Performance upgrades remain covered by Saab Original Warranty.

    Hirsch Performance Saab 9-5

    Hirsch Saab 9-5

    ——

    Hirsch Performance products are only available in certain markets. Check the Hirsch Performance website or Saab in your country for availability.

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    by Swade

    Saab 9-5 by Hirsch in Denmark

    June 24, 2010 in Saabology

    UPDATE: Pause.

    ——

    I believe there was some stuff in comments about this a few days ago. I just got this spec sheet via email as well (thanks Rayman!), so figured it was appropriate to put something on the front page as well.

    Danes who can scrimp together enough to buy a new car (the taxes are killers) have an extra option to choose from – Hirsch Performance.

    Click to enlarge.

    For those who don’t want to wait…..

    The 220hp 4-cyl gasoline engine moves up to 260hp with Hirsch tuning.

    The 2.0 TiD engine moves from 160hp to 190hp.

    The 2.8T V6 moves up from 300hp to 335hp

    ——

    I’ll hopefully hear soon if there’s anything else coming for the 9-5 and will post here when information is forthcoming.

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