SAAB ANNOUNCES PRICING ON HIGH PERFORMANCE 9-3 VIGGEN

NORCROSS, Ga. - Saab has announced pricing for the company's new high performance 1999 9-3 Viggen Coupe. For a base price of $37,750, Viggen delivers the highest level of performance Saab has ever produced, yet still retains traditional Saab traits like world-class safety and versatility.

The Saab 9-3 Viggen features a potent 2.3 liter high output turbo-charged engine that produces 225 hp at 5,500 rpm and impressive maximum torque of 252 lb.-ft. from 2,500 rpm all the way through 4,000 rpm. This highly modified powerplant is controlled by Saab's Trionic T7 engine management system for exceptional turbo performance and response. It is matched to a 5-speed manual transmission.

To truly appreciate the performance 9-3 Viggen provides, its base price includes enrollment for one in the Viggen Flight Academy - a two-day intensive driving training session exclusively for Viggen owners held at Road Atlanta. The Viggen Flight Academy will be instructed by professional race car drivers and is designed to teach Viggen owners the best techniques for driving a front-wheel-drive performance car. In addition to classroom sessions, driving exercises will include slalom, evasive maneuvers, braking, autocross and downshifting.

The Saab 9-3 Viggen adds to the long list of standard comfort and convenience features found on the 9-3 SE model (like a power glass sunroof and automatic climate control) with a Rocky black leather interior with textured deep blue leather inserts, front power sport seats with supportive side bolsters and driver's seat memory, and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, shift knob and boot. In addition, Viggen is the only car in its class that features a hatchback design - which provides outstanding loading flexibility and class-leading cargo capacity.

Of course, the 9-3 Viggen upholds Saab's tradition of providing a high level of standard safety features. It offers driver-and passenger-side airbags, side-impact airbags (head and torso type, front seats), Saab Active Head Restraint system (SAHR) in the front seats, four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and 3-point safety belts for all occupants.

Only 400 Saab 9-3 Viggens will be imported into the U.S. for the 1999 model year. All will be Lightning Blue - a color unique to Viggen. In addition, all 1999 9-3 Viggens will feature two factory-installed options - heated front seats ($370) and an in-dash CD player ($180).

The 1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen, developed jointly by Saab Automobile AB's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team and Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), is a worthy successor to a long line of special edition, high performance Saabs like the 900 Turbo SPG and the 9000 Aero. It will go on sale at select U.S. dealers in May 1999.