Frankfurt: Saab Turbo X

Saab has unveiled the Turbo X at Frankfurt, a model celebrating 30 years of the company’s involvement in turbocharging, almost to the day. Engine is a 2.8 V6 turbocharged unit with variable valve timing. To successfully get the 280bhp down to the road a sohpisticated all-wheel-drive transmission is employed (‘XWD’ in Saab speak).

The system features active management which splits torque delivery between both axles and rear wheels. Data from the ABS/ESP sensors – measuring wheel speed, yaw rate and steering angle – is processed by the XWD unit’s control module. Rear drive is instantly applied to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improving stability and roadholding. An electronically controlled rear limited slip differential uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 per cent of torque between the driveshafts, to whichever wheel has more grip.

Saab’s Turbo X will be available in Saloon or SportWagon bodystyles.