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2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Yellow Edition: Saab Builds Another Wasp-Looking Drop-Top

Apparently the angry brand born from jets has a little bit of a secret — when it comes to pretty, happy and sunny colors, Saabophiles everywhere see the color yellow as some kind of a "code word." No, it's not like a foot-tapping-in-a-stall kind of thing — and we're pretty sure it's not a "P***y Magnet" kind of thing. No, apparently they just think "extra sunny" when they see it. That's what we're told anyway in the new release from the General's little Swedish meatball of a brand. While we're not sure what that means, we do know is the first-ever yellow version of the Saab 900 Convertible issued in 1991, as well as well-kept copies of the '97 version, both enjoy collector car status with meatballophiles. And now there's another little, yellow and different pill for the lovers-of-
Scandinavia to lust after — the all-new 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Yellow Edition. This new and angry wasp of a Saab's based on the 2.0T version of the 9-3 drop-top. In addition to the Lynx Yellow paint, this special edition of the 9-3 also gets some "Aero-look items" like 17-inch, five spoke alloy wheels and a subtle hint of a rear spoiler. We're expecting to see more of the new bumblebee later today, but check out the exclusive pic up top and some classic jet-birthed action in the gallery below. Of course you can always hit the jump for the full press release from the General.

2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Yellow Edition: Return of a Classic

DETROIT — While all Saab Convertibles are popular among car aficionados, owning one in yellow is an extra sunny experience. The first-ever yellow version of the Saab Convertible, issued in 1991, now enjoys collector car status, just as well-kept copies of the 1997 version are starting to get equally sought after. Yet for those preferring the attractions of an all-new open Saab, the third time may be the charm. This spring, yellow is back in a limited edition that is unprecedented in the current generation Saab Convertible - without a doubt, a future classic.

The Saab Convertible Yellow Edition is based on the 2.0T version, its turbocharged four-cylinder combining spirited performance with excellent fuel economy. In addition to its Lynx Yellow paint and a long list of standard equipment, including XM radio and OnStar, this special edition features Aero look items such as 17-inch, five spoke alloy wheels and a subtle, yet effective rear spoiler while the premium audio system will be music to all ears. The 2008 Saab Convertible Yellow Edition has a MSRP of $ 42,830, including destination charges.

Top Safety Pick
Saab pioneered the concept of a 'four season, four-seater' soft top with the launch of the first Saab Convertible in 1986, which was initially exclusively sold in the United States and immediately created a cult following. Now in its third-generation, the Saab Convertible leverages more than two decades of experience in designing an open-top car that is as practical as it is stylish and safe.

The current Saab 9-3 Convertible has a level of structural integrity, build quality and running refinement that places it at the very top of its class. Like the 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi, the Saab 9-3 Convertible was named a "2008 Top Safety Pick" by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, following its first-ever crash tests for open cars last year.

The Convertible' DynaCage system helps provide rollover protection with pop-up rear roll bars, strengthened A-pillars and sills, and automatic seat-belt pre-tensioning. Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) are fitted to the front seats as standard to help counter the risk of neck injury in rear-end impacts.

Innovative product features further develop the Saab concept that an open-top car should be 'more than a Convertible' by offering effective transport all the year round. Saab 'ReAxs', a unique rear wheel steer characteristic in the kinematics of the suspension, contributes to the responsive chassis dynamics, as does the reinforcement of the front, rear and side structures to compensate for the absence of a fixed roof.

On the road, the Convertible delivers all the fun-to-drive qualities of the widely-acclaimed 9-3 Sport Sedan chassis. The all-turbo powertrain line-up is led by a 2.8-liter V6 rated at 255 hp in the Aero model, while the 210 hp 2.0-liter four cylinder shines with great fuel economy.


Scandinavian design 
Scandinavian design ensures the styling is clean and flowing. This is an open-top car that looks like a unique model in its own right, free from any awkward styling compromises - regardless whether the top is down, or up.

The hydraulically-powered, triple layer roof automatically latches to the windshield header and deploys just 20 seconds, making it among the fastest in its class. The innovative CargoSET function connects the roof operation to a flexible, 'concertina' storage well in the trunk. When the roof is up, the well automatically retracts, releasing useful stowage space. 

The interior shares the cockpit feel and driver-focused themes of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi. Particular emphasis was placed on styling that integrates the rear passenger area, including a light colored, near seamless headlining that gives a fixed-head interior ambience. A U-shaped, Surround Trim extends from the base of A-pillars along the top of the doors, rear side trims and tonneau cover, further integrating the interior and exterior.

For ease of use and convenient rear access, the Saab Convertible front seats have an extended travel and integrated seat-belts, which eliminates the need for attachment to the B-pillar. Other interior features include profiler personalization of cabin functions as well as Night Panel 'need to know' instrument illumination.


Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. As of the 2008 model year, all Saabs have XM Satellite Radio and OnStar as standard equipment. Additionally, all new Saabs have no-charge scheduled maintenance, and the Saab 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. Visit HYPERLINK "http://www.saabusa.com" www.saabusa.com for more information.

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[Classic Saab 900 Yellow Convertible Photos, Info: Spirit of Saab, Shmee]

7:20 AM on Thu Apr 24 2008
By Ray Wert
1,907 views
34 comments

Comments

  • Not so much pussy magnet yellow,more pussy infection yellow. (enjoy your breakfast!)

  • Still one of the very few interesting 4 seat convertibles, but i am not curious yellow.

  • Image of UDMan UDMan at 07:46 AM on 04/24/08 *

    A 10 Paragraph Press Release on a Special Edition of a Saab 93 Convertible. You know, GM could save a lot of money by getting rid of half of the Marketing Departments who writes this crap, and maybe start making a few cars that are press worthy.

    As far as Waspish, the early Saab Convertibles were just that. I remember when I worked for a Swedish Multinational Company, the President of the division (If you ever wanted a textbook WASP, Roger could have been used as the WASP of all WASPS) had to have one, only in Red. Of course these were Company Cars, and it was OK to have a Swedish Car, when the rest of the company cars had to be American Sedans or SUV's. These were the best looking Saabs of all time, IMO.

  • Does anyone else get the creeps when GM is deciding what you "Need to Know" on your nighttime instruments?

    SAAB Active Head Restraint = we install an eyebolt in the back of your head which we can attach to this convenient hook. Also useful in chainsaw massacre movies!

  • The Swedish team designed a beautiful 93 in 2003. Then, big brother GM came out and lashed at them, "what are you trying to do, design a car far more beautiful than our entire line up of nasty looking Pontiacs and Chevys, oh no you don't, you better make it look as ugly as the Grand Am once was". And hence, you have the latest nasty facelifted 93.

    I used to own a 2003 93, what a beautiful car from the outside. This, you couldn't pay me to drive it with it's fugly front and cheap ricer looking tailights.

    But in general, the car is really a POS, spent more time in the shop than on the road.

  • A friend of my dad had an early 900 covertible in yellow.(He might still have it...) I don't really like convertibles, but this one was rather pretty. It had a black leather interior with yellow piping. For a yellow car, it was surprisingly understated.

  • I'm probably in the minority here, (I usually am), but in my opinion, the list of cars that can get away with being yellow is very, very short. The list of cars that actually look good in yellow is practically microscopic.

  • What is not to love....

    If i go back in time....last weeks... It is almost like swedish cars have increased in popularity...At least on Jalopnik. Now you Americans. Go and buy these cars. My future as a swedish engineer is threatened as Volvo and SAAB don't make any money shipping cars to the US thanks to the $. Buy the cars. Save a swede.

    Oh...It is the international hug a swede day today...what about that [www.facebook.com]

    Even more

    What can a swede do to make americans choose a swedish car. What are we doing wrong? Seriously. I am quite curious. They are a bit dull and quirky in some opinions but. Forget the past. What can we do over here?

  • Image of POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO at 08:14 AM on 04/24/08 *

    So basically what they're saying is, zee Seeb Cunferteeble-a Poossy Megnet Yelloo Ideeshun is besed oon zee 2.0T ferseeun, its toorbucherged fuoor-cyleender cumbeening spureeted perffurmunce-a veet ixcellent fooel icunumy. In eddeeshun tu its Lynx Yelloo peeent und a lung leest ooff stunderd iqooeepment, incloodeeng XM redeeu und OonSter, thees speceeel ideeshun feetoores Eeru luuk items sooch es 17-inch, feefe-a spuke-a elluy vheels und a soobtle-a, yet iffffecteefe-a reer spueeler vheele-a zee premeeoom oodeeu system veell be-a mooseec tu ell iers. Zee 2008 Seeb Cunferteeble-a Yelloo Ideeshun hes a Maasserrpee ooff $ 42,830, incloodeeng desteeneshun cherges.
    Bork Bork Bork!


  • @POLAЯ И PAЯIS Я BFF: SEEB?......I understand the rest.

    @layabout: It match the flying vag

  • Image of danio3834 danio3834 at 08:28 AM on 04/24/08 *

    Its about time someone made a W.A.S.P edition vehicle.

    It must Drive Like a Beast.

  • Image of Ash78 Ash78 at 08:30 AM on 04/24/08 *

    I hope they make a Catholic edition, which seems better suited to flogging.

  • I don't think I've ever seen a company work as hard as Saab to promote cars they don't sell anymore.

  • @JantheMan: From my perspective, don't "forget the past". Simply convince your countrymen that discontinuing the Volvo 240/740 was the worst automotive tragedy since the Dodge Dart got the ax.

    But then, I have never, nor will I ever, bought a new car, so I'm probably not the one to ask.

  • @danio3834: It MUST drive like a beast... But the yellow is not working for me.... Maybe if it was black or red!

  • @slantsick: We already know that. And it hurts

    I think that was a semi american result. When the 480 appeared and sooner 850 we still sold RWD Volvos. The new looks that came with the S80 have already been shown on different conepts. RWD....is that the main flaw at Volvo if you concerning having the same model range of that we have today?

  • If it is of a family of flying products, but is itself bound to the land, and is a wasp, then it should be RED and black.
    [images.google.com]
    Or BLUE and black.
    [images.google.com]




  • Image of danio3834 danio3834 at 09:00 AM on 04/24/08 *

    @ceokhan: It should also have a saw blade protruding from the hood. That would make it a lil more authentic.

  • @JantheMan: I won't buy the new 5-cylinder Volvos because the S60 I drove had the turning radius of an aircraft carrier. I'd rather have a Saab. The only thing that worries me are the stories about poor build quality and expensive repairs, but then again you hear the same stories about every European car.

  • @slantsick: I've given up on that line - as soon as the last bit of dirt was tossed on top of the 960's grave, their execs started touting how the new designs had nothing to do with those old horrible boxy designs and how people should forget about them. That's why the old RWD bricks are so durable, they're cursed to roam the Earth for eternity as a constant reminder to those clowns in Goteborg about what a Volvo should be.

  • @TurboBrick:

    I bought a 9-3 sedan last summer and love it. 26 mpg in town and 33 mpg on the highway is awesome considering the performance the car offers. Mine has had intermittent squeaks and rattles in the interior but no mechanical problems. I can't say the same for my office neighbor with the convertible model. He's had a garage-worthy repair needed about every three months for the three years he's owned the car. Out of fear, I did some research and found that the convertible and sedan are not assembled in the same factory so his quality demons probably won't affect my car. So far, so good.

  • In one of the late circa 1998 Seinfeld episodes, Jerry is at a dealership negotiation with Elaine's boyfriend Puddy on an insider deal on black Saab convertible.

    Elaine and Puddy have a fight, she leaves and the "insider" thing is lost. All of a sudden all kinds of packs" have been added to the deal, and the specific black car Jerry wants is not available at the agreed on price.

    Jerry calls Elaine back to the dealership with the classic line:"Puddy is screwin' me on this car, which is yellow now! "

  • @Elhigh: And it should be fuzzy, too.

  • born from jets. ha! i sure as hell hope it wasn't born from the saab3000(or is it 300?). what a noisy piece of crap. if it was born from that, then the car would habitually arrive 20-40 minutes late to whereever it was going. break upon arrival. you'd have to tell one person riding w/ you that they're not gonna be able to go due to weight restrictions. when loading the trunk, you'll have to put a stand under it to keep it from falling back on its ass. oh, and you'll have to leave a couple of bags due to weight restrictions as well.

  • DAR-magnet yellow.

  • @skyln95: SAAB 340 is a piece of crap....yep. The problem is the passenger compartment is excited of every eigenfrequency there is from the two propellars. Both length wise and on the width together with the actual shell. They later installed a speaker system that would phase this noise out. Move your head around the next time you are in a 340. I suggest the feet compartment....Huge difference. It was the first plane with this feature and it is a quite cheap way to correct make flaws in design regarding NVH. It is very common today. I think BMW has a similar system for cars...

    .....ähm....of topic.....sorry

  • @JantheMan:

    Bring back the excitment!



  • @JantheMan: ah. 340. i'm used to seeing them as sf3, so i couldn't remember the actual name. i'm more comfortable in my brazilian erj's and xrj's.

  • Now that's an ugly shade of yellow. The old yellow was nice, but pale yellow? Blech! When I was in highschool, a rich prep school (I was there on scholarship, not rich unfortunately), all the cars were either bimmers, mercs or saabs. The saabs were owned by the more eccentric types as they were super funky in the 80s. They spent most of their time in the shop, I don't think any of them ran for more than a week at a time. I used to call them "Snaabs", not because the owners were particularly snobby (the real snobs had bimmers), but because it sounded funny.

  • Image of Novaload Novaload at 11:42 AM on 04/24/08 *

    @dolo54:"Snaabs" -- so perfect. I don't know how that didn't become standard usage!

  • Image of lascauxcaveman lascauxcaveman at 02:04 PM on 04/24/08 *

    @JantheMan:

    [/gives Jan an awkward, hetero male hug]

  • $43k?????????? for that price you can get a bmw 328i convertible or for 5k more a 335. I'd rather take the bmw. the saabs have horrible reliability and depreciation

  • @lascauxcaveman: Feel warm... thanx

  • What excitement has a Saab to offer lately (or Volvo) just because they are (thought of as) Scandinavian?

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