Global Vehicles

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August 2002
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New Saab 9-3, the first of a family

Saab's new 9-3 sedan is the first of a new family of models that will include an SUV.

Saab describes the advent of its all-new 9-3 as heralding the first step in "the biggest product development program" in the company's automotive history. Releasing preliminary details of the first model in the 9-3 range—a four-door sedan—Saab says it introduces a new family of cars. These are expected to include a cabriolet and an SUV based on the 9-3X concept. The production 9-3 sedan has front-wheel drive, a five- or six-speed manual gearbox depending on version, and a five-speed automatic with Saab Sentronic manual section and optional steering wheel paddle shifts.

Saab has paid particular attention to chassis dynamics. The 9-3 has passive rear-wheel-steer characteristics called ReAxs; a four-link independent rear suspension with the accent on high lateral stiffness but longitudinal compliance (for improved ride characteristics); and a MacPherson strut front suspension with lower A-arms mounted on a hydroformed subframe. Electronic chassis support includes ESP electronic stability control tuned to what Saab describes as a "user-friendly" level, EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), and TCS (Traction Control System). To reduce unsprung weight, hub carriers and lower rear suspension links are of aluminum, and antiroll bars are of hollow steel section.

Since its first production turbocharged model in the second half of the 1970s, Saab has steadily developed its turbocharger technology. It is now the center of excellence within General Motors for the development of turbocharged engines. The 9-3 is offered with a choice of a new 2.0-L all-aluminum turbocharged gasoline engine with three levels of output, plus an established 2.2-L turbodiesel. All internal components of the gasoline engine are unique to Saab and include balance shafts and a dual-mass flywheel to reduce harshness and vibration. Power levels produced by the engine are 110, 129, and 147 kW (148, 173, and 197 hp). Saab 32-bit Trionic 8 engine management is fitted, and "Pendulum" engine mountings are used to reduce vibration. The car incorporates Bluetooth wireless technology and second-generation active head restraints.

- Stuart Birch

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Chrysler concept to reality

The Dodge Razor concept would have a $15,000 target price using off-the-shelf components if it led to a production model. The concept has a 2.4-L turbocharged engine and a Mercedes-Benz six-speed gearbox.

Many automotive manufacturers are increasingly serious about concept design, none more so than Chrysler.

The company calls it "concept-to-reality tradition," and it has resulted in the production of many models including the Viper, Neon, Prowler, and PT Cruiser. Other company concepts have pointed the way to significant design paths for production models, including the distinctive cab-forward design philosophy. Currently, the Crossfire concept is being developed for production using Mercedes-Benz platform elements including the 3.2-L V6 engine and six-speed manual gearbox of the SLK.

Now there are other concepts that may have production potential and which Chrysler permitted this AEI editor to drive. Particularly interesting was the Dodge Razor two-seat hardtop. Target price for a production version would be around $15,000 making extensive use of off-the-shelf components, and, like the Crossfire, the car appears to have potential for both North American and European markets. The exterior was designed by a woman, Akino Tsuchiya, who has followed the unusual course of becoming a qualified designer having first taken a sociology degree in Japan: "My sociology background has influenced my car design. I have learned how to look at the market, to pay attention to what people need."

Although the Razor has some hint of the Audi TT about it, Tsuchiya says that she was inspired by late 1950s and early 1960s European sports cars. There are certainly hints of early TVRs, a little of the Porsche 911, and, around the windshield, something of the Facel Vega HK500. The result is indisputably interesting: a high-sill, low-slung, short, and wide sports coupe. As driven in concept form, the Razor is powered by a 2.4-L turbocharged version of Chrysler's DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 187 kW (251 hp), although a production version would probably have the less powerful core 2.0-L engine. The concept, like the Crossfire, uses the six-speed SLK gearbox. Most mechanical elements, though, are Chrysler sourced. Theoretical performance claims for the Razor concept include a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time of 6 s. The high sills give a snug driving position within a minimalist interior; there is provision for a radio but one is not fitted. There are no powered windows or mirrors, and the dashboard ventilation nozzles look like something out of an early jet airliner, more about engineering than aesthetics. There is an integrated tachometer/speedometer with analog reading of engine revs and digital readout of speed. The Razor's interior is finished in body color and extruded aluminum.

The production version of the Chrysler Crossfire features a 3.2-L V6 Mercedes-Benz engine.

When driving concepts, it is always necessary to appreciate that although they may be a strong indicator of aesthetic direction and packaging, mechanically and structurally they are invariably crude to the point of fragility, at best giving only some feel for what a production version might be like. From a European aspect, the Razor was a concept that felt "right," managing to avoid overt "retroism," which some may now regard as distinctly pass, but with styling inside and out that imbues the car with an interestingly neo-classic ambience. The Razor concept also has a touch of humor; instead of a spare wheel, there is a scooter to get you home if you suffer a flat.

If it reaches production, the Razor might complement the Crossfire, which was developed from an early sketch in 2000 by Chrysler designer Eric Stoddard. His work has been extrapolated to production standard under British design manager Andrew Dyson, who has ensured that it has retained a strong art deco signature. "The car was inspired by the Chrysler building in New York," said Dyson, who joined Chrysler after 10 years with Volkswagen, where his work included the new Touareg SUV developed in collaboration with Porsche. "Audi looked at the Bauhaus school of design for inspiration for the TT; we looked at our own art deco building for the Crossfire," Dyson added.

Chrysler is one of the few U.S. companies whose products for the North American market have found favor in Europe—notably the Jeep range, Neon, and PT Cruiser. Crossfire is very much a pan-national program, with its design managed by a Briton based in the U.S. The car makes extensive use of Mercedes-Benz mechanical elements, will be built by Karmann in Osnabruck, Germany, and is engineered to be sold on both sides of the Atlantic in right- and left-hand drive forms. Like the Razor, the Crossfire is highly distinctive. Dyson says the term "being slightly uncomfortable" with a design is used at Chrysler: "You have to be a little shocked by something, otherwise when it reaches production it will not be on target." He even extends that philosophy to his hobby: furniture design. The large circular dining table at his home near Detroit comprises an outer section of cherry wood with an inner of granite, which can be smoothly turned: another practical art deco form on the theme of the wheel.

- Stuart Birch

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