by Joe LaMuraglia

Saab invited us to Boston this week to be a part of the North American reveal of the 2008 Saab Turbo X. With a yearly volume of only 600 in the U.S. and a price tag north of $40K, one might ask why Gaywheels.com was amongst the few to be part of this event. The answer: Saab recognizes the importance of the GLBT consumer and with their 9-3 a Top Researched vehicle on the site, it made sense to make sure our readers got the scoop. Besides, we all love black, right?

The newest addition the the Saab 9-3 lineup, the 2008 Turbo X is a celebration of 30 years of turbo-charged Saabs and more specifically, a modern interpretation of the Saab “black turbos” of the past. With 280 HP, 295 lb-ft of torque, Saab’s innovative Cross-Wheel Drive (XWD), a lowered sport suspension, unique titanium-colored wheels, carbon-fiber interior treatment and a smaller, thickly padded steering wheel, the Turbo X brings the 9-3 “back to the future” according to Saab’s Marking manager Yanlin Sun. “We’ve targeted the Saab loyalist, especially current Viggen owners as our ideal customer for the Turbo X but we expect to get some conquest customers from other luxury brands now that we have our Cross-Wheel drive” added Sun.

It is always hard to get a feel for a vehicle at an auto show. At the larger events, it is almost impossible to get behind the wheel for fear of being dragged out by an angry mob of journalists. Luckily, the Boston show is much smaller and I was able to spend time around and in the vehicle. The exterior is subtly aggressive with just enough differentiation from other 9-3’s to let other’s know that the owner is serious about performance. The interior builds on the 9-3’s excellent ergonomics and adds the aforementioned sport steering wheel and a whimsical salute to Saab turbos of yore with a replica of the original turbo gauge. Having spent a very brief period of time in a 2008 Saab 9-3 with XWD, I anticipate the Turbo X will thrill Saab enthusiasts and newcomers to the brand alike.
I had the chance to speak to Steve Shannon, Saab USA’s General Manager about the Turbo X and Saab’s overall plan for the U.S. He commented that the Turbo X was just a hint of what is coming from Saab indicating a focus on a new 9-5 and a small crossover to keep them competitive in the market.
Saab will never be a major player in the marketplace but with cars like the Turbo X and a cohesive design language evident in the most recent 9-3, there will always loyal following.
The 2008 Saab Turbo X sedan starts at $42,510 and the Turbo X Sport Combi starts at $43,310. They will be available in mid-spring 2008 and volume is limited to 600 vehicles per year in the U.S. Early orders are being taken at your local Saab dealer
Note: If you purchase a Turbo X between December 1, 2007 and January 31, 2008 you’ll receive an invitation to the Saab Aero Academy at Road Atlanta

Saab is a gay-friendly company