2006 Saab 9- 3 and 9- 5 60th Anniversary Editions review

Saab 9- 3 and 9- 5 60th Anniversary Editions review:

Saab, the Swedish-born automaker that got its wings from aviation, is celebrating its diamond anniversary in 2007 by introducing two special models that are sure to fly out of dealer showrooms – 60th Anniversary Editions of its 9-5 and 9-3 models.

Taking cues from its birthplace, the 9-3 Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible, and the 9-5 Aero Sedan and SportCombi 60th Anniversary Editions, will be offered with unique content – a glittering Ice Blue metallic exterior finish; dazzling 17-inch alloy wheels; solid black leather sport seats with gray inserts and embossed with "SAAB"; exotic dark walnut interior trim; and not to be outdone underfoot, black floor mats with gray binding detail.

Additionally, the 9-3 2.0T Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible 60th Anniversary Editions include premium audio that features XM Satellite Radio and a six-disc CD changer; dual-power front seats; and front fog lights. On the 9-5 Aero Sedan and SportCombi, the 60th Anniversary Editions include the Visibility Package, which consists of Saab Parking Assistance, rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlamps and auto-dimming outside mirrors.

"We are looking forward to leading Saab's 60-year anniversary celebration in the United States," Saab USA General Manager Jay Spenchian said. "The 9-5 and 9-3 Anniversary Editions are a great way to mark the occasion, and they provide an excellent and a unique value to customers.

"On Aug. 23-26, 2007, Southeast Michigan will host the Saab Owners Convention, where we will continue the celebration."

The 60th Anniversary Edition option will be available at Saab dealerships across the country in early 2007. On the 9-3 Sedan (MSRP: $26,915), SportCombi (MSRP: $27,915) and Convertible (MSRP: $37,515), the 60th Anniversary Edition option is offered for a modest $1,825, which is nearly $1,000 less than its MSRP value of $2,823. On the 9-5 Sedan (MSRP: $35,115) and SportCombi (MSRP: $36,115), the 60th Anniversary Edition option is offered for $1,595, with an actual MSRP value of $2,245.

Diamonds, in addition to being associated with timeless beauty and quality, and getting Marilyn Monroe's famous endorsement as "a girl's best friend," are judged by the four Cs – Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. Similarly, Saabs are judged by the four Es – Exciting, Entertaining, Engaging and Endearing.

Exciting:
Inspired by its aircraft heritage, the Saab 9-5 and 9-3 lines are high-performers. About 30 years ago, Saab revolutionized turbo technology and has been working toward perfection since. The 2007 lineup is the best yet. Turbocharging enhances the driving experience with rapid acceleration of miles per hour and heartbeats per minute – while yielding smile-enhancing fuel economy at the same time. Drivers of the 9-5 Aero risk contracting "perma-grin" after they attend the Saab Aero Academy, an exclusive two-day performance-driving program offered at no charge to customers who buy or lease select Saab Aero models.

Entertaining:
Who says the marriage of form and function cannot produce amusement? Certainly not Saab designers and engineers. A six-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio and premium Bose speakers enhance driving delight in the cabin. Even the integrated cup holder has entertainment potential as it disappears into the fascia and reappears with the push of a button.

Engaging:
For many years, Saab automobiles have appealed to the intellectual set – and with good reason. Award-winning safety innovations, such as Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) and side-impact protection systems, helped Saab stand out from the pack in its early years. Most recently, Saab has added the OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system; seven vehicle variants that produce an EPA-rated 30 mpg or better on the highway; an industry-leading five-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty; and no-charge maintenance.

For those who buy vehicles with their head as well as their heart, Saab offers great looks and equally great performance to match.

Endearing:
The driver controls and interior orientation are intuitively borne from Saab's aircraft heritage. Building off that heritage, Saab automobiles use simple good sense and take advantage of every space to bring forward an efficiently packaged vehicle to consumers. It's this efficiency that has endeared automotive pilots to the brand since 1947, and it continues to win over test pilots all around the country.

In 1946, Svenska Aeroplan (SAAB) faced a post-WWII economic shift driven by the military-industrial complex to the consumer-based market. Looking to diversify, the primarily military aircraft and engine manufacturer gave 16 aircraft engineers licence to create the company's first automobile. In 1947, the automotive division of Saab was born. The spirit of those engineers lives on today.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and the 9-7X SUV for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden . For the 2007 model year, Saab markets seven car variants that perform at an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.