• A new 230bhp range-topping 9-5 Aero model
• Upgraded interior specifications
• Enhanced handling characteristics
• Engine tuning packs
• New driver aids
• Sports bodystyling

More Performance
The Saab 9-5 Aero, available in saloon and estate bodystyles from UK�27,995, offers more power and performance per pound than almost any rival in the sports executive sector. Its 230bhp 2.3-litre turbo engine delivers 258lb.ft of torque from just 1900rpm, in a lowered, sports tuned chassis with distinctive bodystyling and 17-inch alloy wheels. The high standard of interior equipment includes full automatic climate control and leather seating.

Other engines in the range include 2.0, 2.3 and 3.0-litre light-pressure turbo units developing 150bhp, 170bhp and 200bhp, respectively. All can be specified with a 'switchable' electronic traction control system.

For enthusiastic drivers, Saab has now developed approved engine upgrade packs for both its 2.0 and 2.3-litre engines. These raise maximum power from 150 and 170bhp to 192 and 205bhp respectively, with similar gains in torque. They will be available for fitment at all Saab dealerships early next year, when prices will be confirmed.

For improved emissions performance, all Saab 9-5 engines now comply with the US Transitional Low Emission Vehicle (TLEV) standard. Components that influence emissions are monitored by on-board diagnostics.

Comfort
Interior trim improvements include the use of higher quality cloth for price-entry models and leather seating for 'SE' specifications. Leather door trim panels also become standard for 'SE' models equipped with 3.0V6t engines.

All 9-5 models are now shod with 16-inch, alloy wheels: a 10-spoke design for entry models and a five-spoke design for 'SE' variants.

The 9-5 Griffin 3.0V6t luxury flagship is a car where all extras come fitted as standard. Latest improvements include the addition of a six-disc CD autochanger and heated rear seats. The only option now available for this model is a choice of colour!

Enhanced handling
Saab engineers have further honed the 9-5 chassis to give the driver even sharper responses without compromising its excellent ride quality.

Both front and rear anti-roll bars are now stiffer for improved body control and hydraulic mounting bushes for the front sub-frame have been retuned to give better steering precision and directional stability. The MacPherson strut dampers are also uprated.

At the rear, four large elastomer bushes for the sub-frame that carries the multi-link suspension have been made slightly firmer, to give more precise handling.

Driver aids
Parking in confined spaces becomes easier and less stressful thanks to Saab Parking Assistance (SPA). Using advanced ultrasonics, this useful driver aid automatically emits a signal from four sensors in the rear bumper whenever reverse gear is engaged. Inside the car, an audible warning alerts the driver if an object is detected at a range up to 1.8 metres. The frequency of the intermittent tone increases as the car draws nearer, becoming a continuous tone at distances of less than 30 centimetres.

SPA is particularly useful in detecting low walls or posts that may not be visible to the driver. It is available as a �300 factory-fitted option on all 9-5 models and is standard fitment for the 9-5 Griffin saloon.

Dazzle in the rear-view mirror from the headlights of following traffic can make night driving irksome. Whilst drivers normally minimise this nuisance by dipping the mirror manually, Saab has developed an automatic mirror dimming system.

Sensors in the mirror detect the light level in the driver's forward field of vision and the intensity of dazzling light. An electronic control unit then compares the two readings and, if necessary, the mirror is dimmed automatically by a small electrical current darkening a chemical liquid held in the mirror housing. The automatic dimming mirror (ADM) is offered as a factory-fit option at �100 for model year 2000 and is, of course, a standard feature for the 9-5 Griffin.

Sports pack
A comprehensive package to sharpen the handling characteristics and improve the sporting looks of both saloon and estate models is now available as a UK�1,385 factory-fit option.

This includes chassis lowering by 10mm, the fitment of beefier front and rear anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, dampers and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Externally, these modifications are complemented by discreet front and rear bumper extensions, colour-keyed sill covers and a large-bore chromed exhaust tailpipe. Inside, the additions are echoed by a sports leather steering wheel with enlarged thumb-grips and a leather gear-knob and gaiter.

New accessories to further personalise the car include: a genuine carbon fibre fascia insert and automatic gear selector lever, grey side repeater lenses and a new alloy-finish ski/snowboard holder.

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