The Hot Color

The Saab Turbo X pays homage to its predecessors but charges ahead

When Jerry goes to a Saab dealership in a classic episode of Seinfeld, Elaine’s boyfriend, just-promoted Saab salesman David Putty, gets Jerry a sweet deal on a 900 Turbo. “It’s black,” Putty says, squinting like Clint Eastwood. “That’s the hot color.”

Putty knew his stuff. Black was always the quintessential color for Saab’s iconic 900 Turbo. In homage, the Swedish automaker’s limited-edition 2008 Turbo X comes only in metallic jet-black.

Based on Saab’s 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan, the Turbo X adds all-wheel drive, more power, and a stiffer suspension to the company’s best-selling model. A mere 600 (of a total production run of 2,000) are destined for the U.S. market. The black color theme also permeates the interior and extends even to the accents on the striking three-spoke, 18-inch wheels.

Drivers will definitely notice how far the Turbo X has come in terms of performance. Equipped with a 2.8-liter turbocharged engine that generates 280 horsepower, the Turbo X races from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds. The car’s predecessors — the original 900 Turbo, which debuted in the 1980s, and more recent 9-3 sport versions — were also fast but were tougher to handle; equipped only with front-wheel drive, the cars tended to pull to the left or right under hard acceleration.

The Turbo X’s XWD all-wheel-drive system eliminates that problem, automatically apportioning torque to the front or rear wheels — or to the right or left side — to stabilize the ride, even when a heavy foot is applied.

But another old trait of the Saab turbo — a power lag between the instant you depress the gas pedal and the moment the turbocharger responds — is still evident in the Turbo X, particularly in versions equipped with automatic transmission. We’re not talking late-1980s, “mash the gas pedal, sip your coffee, and then feel the turbo power” kind of lag, but it’s still there. However, the lag diminishes when you select gears yourself and thus control the engine’s RPM. You can do this even with the automatic transmission, which can be switched to a manual mode via the gearshift or paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. But the six-speed manual transmission — which would be my choice — offers drivers maximum control over turbo lag.

Ultimately, the overall feel of the Turbo X is one of competence. A 100-mile drive from just south of Baltimore to the Delaware shore near Rehoboth Beach demonstrated the car’s cruising comfort, thanks to comfortable front seats and a good driving position. The steering wheel feels thick and substantial in your hands. The firm, sporty suspension offers a solid balance of control and ride quality, even on the highway, and the low dash and window lines produce excellent visibility. The carbon-fiber trim pieces on the dash, shifter console, and doors give the interior a rich, distinguished look (though it’s disappointing that the turn signal and windshield wiper stalks are so flimsy). Sitting in the back is no penalty — there’s ample room and support for rear passengers. The trunk is big enough to accommodate two big suitcases and an overnight bag, and the Turbo X’s safety features, including antilock braking, stability control, and side-curtain airbags, are the same ones that have won the Saab 9-3 top honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the past three years.

As Saab’s premier 9-3 offering, the Turbo X comes loaded with nearly every option. On the car I drove the $42,000 base price was bumped up only by the comfort package and automatic transmission included. The Turbo X gets a run for its money in similarly priced competitors, such as BMW’s more powerful 335xi and Audi’s handsome A4 3.2 Quattro. But the Turbo X offers a sporty, upmarket driving experience, and it scores points for its rarity. Chances are you won’t pass another Turbo X on your way to work — and anyone who knows Saabs will know that you’re driving the “hot” color.