The Astra isn't the only GM model getting a new diesel option in Australia. The performance Aero model of the Saab 9-3 is now available with a 177hp 1.9L diesel. The 295lb-ft of torque is apparently enough to motivate the 9-3 Aero TTiD at similar rates to the gas engined version. The gas-fueled model however cannot approach the 41.3mpg (U.S.) rating of the manual transmission model. Even the automatic version achieves 34.6mpg (U.S.). The diesel in the Saab has the two-stage turbocharger setup with a smaller turbo for quick low speed response and a second larger unit for maximum power. Here in the U.S., the Aero with the 2.8L turbo V6 is rated at a mere 16/24mpg by the EPA. Even accounting for differences in test procedures, the diesel is clearly far more efficient than the V6. Unfortunately, here in the States we again don't have this option.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Upcoming fuel economy regulations in the U.S. and carbon dioxide emissions limits in Europe appear set to take a bite out of the next generation Saab 9-3. The current 9-3 is derived from GM's Epsilon platform and the new 9-3 was due to come off the Epsilon II that underpins the new Opel Insignia, but a change may be in the works. GM has reportedly canceled the Epsilon II-based 9-3 in favor of a model built off the Global Compact Car platform that will be the basis of the next Astra/Cobalt and, of course, the Volt. If the new plan, proceeds that would give Saab two cars off the new chassis with the smaller 9-1 being the other. New structural construction technology in the new architecture will apparently help maximize interior space in the smaller car.

[Source: Autocar]

Click the Saab 9-3 diesel for a gallery

At the GM Powertrain technology show, they offered up a new 2008 Saab 9-3 equipped with a two-stage turbocharged 1.9L Family B diesel engine. The engine is another example of modern common rail injection diesel engines. As with all diesels, the engine exhibited no shortage of torque which is the performance parameter that really matters to the vast majority of drivers.

The engine proved to be strong and flexible at both highway speeds and in simulated urban driving. There was no noticeable turbo lag and stepping on the accelerator resulted in immediate response. The engine was as smooth and quiet as a good gasoline engine with no shaking or rattling. The engine has a particulate filter in the exhaust stream but otherwise doesn't meet current US NOx emissions standards. That would require the addition of urea injection or some other treatment system. Unfortunately, GM has no current plans to offer this engine in the US market although that could change if other upcoming diesels do well in the market.

The updated 2008 9-3 is something we will be seeing in the US market this fall. The updated face draws inspiration from the Aero-X concept and has a much more aggressive look than the previous model. The clear lens tail-lights are starting to become a cliche but the overall look is clean and attractive. The driving route was too short to really properly evaluate the ride and handling but the first impression was good and we look forward to a more thorough review of the new 9-3.

As we mentioned last week, Rick Wagoner, chairman and CEO of GM spoke to the crowd at the Geneva Motor Show last week, and here is a video to prove it. He spoke quite a bit about alternative fuels and alternative propulsion. He went on to state that GM is committed to providing vehicles that can operate on many different sources of energy, and that GM supports the EU and their goals of reducing harmful emissions from automobiles. Wagoner highlighted that GM has recently been focusing more heavily on electric vehicles, both powered by electricity from hydrogen fuel cells, and "extended range electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Volt." Extended range being the on-board internal combustion engine powering a generator providing electricity to charge the batteries, I presume. Wagoner said that GM is also pushing forward with their alternative fuel programs such as E85, and working to improve the efficiency of their gas and diesel offerings. GM would like to displace the use of petroleum based fuels with alternatives such as bioethanol, which he mentioned was the fastest growing biofuel. Wagoner showed off the new Saab 9-3 BioPower vehicle that will be available for sale soon in Europe. The new 2.9 liter diesel V6 engine was also on display as well.

Of interest to us here, Wagoner mentioned the GM Sequel, and announced that a test fleet will be released into Europe of ten fuel cell vehicles. Also, regarding their E Flex platform, Wagoner spoke of using many different sources of electricity to power it, and said that there would be new concept vehicles using the platform at the Shanghai Motor Show and Frankfurt Motor Show. These vehicles would likely have nameplates from GM's European brands. That is certainly something to look forward to!

Thanks for the tip on the video, Linton!

[Source: Youtube]

As posted earlier, Saab has released a new concept car at the Detroit auto show, according to The Car Connection. The vehicle looks to be a 9-3 convertible, but underneath is a rather high tech vehicle using three electric motors and a CVT transmission in addition to its E100 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged (whew) engine. The juice for the electric motors comes courtesy of a 42-cell, 300-volt lithium-ion battery bank. The vehicle uses a "modular" design so changes to the donor vehicle (Saab 9-3 convertible) are kept reasonable. One of those three motors powers the rear wheels via a differential and drive shafts, making this vehicle all wheel drive. Pretty high tech stuff, here.

So, what is this follow-up post for? It seems, according to the Saab Weblog, that GM may have put an internal embargo on Saab so as not to upstage their other internal projects. Did they not want the rest of the world to know that Saab had engineered a plug-in hybrid? According to the Saab Weblog, they have uncovered the "smoking gun", proving that GM ordered Saab to glue shut the plug port at the rear and cover it with a plaque that says "HYBRID".

This is to take nothing away from the Chevy Volt concept, which has some amazing hybrid technology of its own, but why not allow Saab to get some good press for themselves? Possible, however unlikely it may seem, is that Saab chose to postpone this new information until Detroit. Who knows? Anyone out there with some other inside information relevant to this story want to give us the goods?

Related:

• Detroit Auto Show: It's here. GM's plug-in hybrid is the Chevy Volt Concept
• Detroit Auto Show: Saab BioPower concept

[Source: Saab Weblog - Trollhattan Saab]