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.