Born from jets, right? That’s what the Swedish-yet-American owned carmaker wants us to think. But despite early advances in popularizing turbocharging and aerodynamics, Saabs have been as jet-like as Jet Dry dishwashes fluid. One third of their model range is an SUV, after all..

The 9-7x stands as a testament that someone, somewhere thought a Saab-branded Trailblazer was a good idea. As nice as it is, if you’re keen on spotting one of the wild, best bet are a local dealer or large art competition.

Even rally-derived brand-engineering failed. Twice. The 9-2x is the most recent example, but even the Saab-Lancia 600 (a Swedish meatballed Delta Integrate) never gained traction in Sweden. And these are versions of the two of the most successful rally cars of all time. What’s not to like.

The secret to a great Saab is to let the Swedes do their own thing. The 93. The 96. The 900 Turbo. And now the 9-3 Turbo X. They’re all models that deliver on engineering prowells, Swedish sensibility, and now, all-weather performance.

Yeah, the Turbo X has all-wheel drive. I mentioned engineering prowess for a reason, because through its history, Saab has pioneered unique solutions for its vehicles. With their low-volume production, Saab makes a perfect candidate to pioneer new GM technology.

For the car’s XWD (cross wheel drive) system, Saab partnered with Haldex to deliver a drivetrain that can split power fore and aft, plus side between the rear wheels. Unlike past Haldex systems, torque is distributed throughout the drivetrain from a standstill. Older systems needed a certain amount of wheel spin to send torque to the required wheel, but XWD is ready instantly.

Performance fiends take note: Saab says the system’s rear eLSD (electronic limited-slip differential) will “increase the performance envelope at high lateral acceleration.” More on that in a moment.

At the heart of the car is a massaged and turbocharged 2.8 litre V6,  good for the mentioned 280 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s torquey, with a strong powerband and turbo surge and not unlike Volvo’s similar-displacement turbocharged six-cylinder engine. There’s a character to all turbo’d sixes, with Saab’s being more raucous than most because of it’s lovely exhaust.

But fastest Saab ever? Zero  to 100 flashes by in 5.5 seconds..so yeah..fastest Saab ever.

Once behind the wheel, Saab is adamant that it has the best integration of the all-wheel-drive with the “vehicle’s various systems.” Which sounds like something you’d say if you’re a Leaf’s fan and know you’re being beaten every week.

But they’re right. Saabs usually handle like they’re on a slope of a roof, fun for a second until you’re on the way down. The Turbo X, in recent memory. High praise.

As it stands, the Turbo X is a great car that shows there is still a lot of potential for future world-beating Saabs.

Unfortunately, for the price you’ve got to really want a Turbo X, because at the time of this writing it’s priced at $11L less in the U.S. And you’ll be able to get all the power and sure footedness of the Turbo X from a soon to be launched 2009 9-3 Aero XWD..but not the sexy exhaust, rims or other small details.

If an all-wheel-drive Saab with 280horsepower costing over $54,995 (and $56,305 for the sexy SportCombi) makes you excited, the queue has already formed behind art teachers with lots of extra-curricular duties.

http://www.resolutionmediation.net

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