Saab's limited edition 2008 Turbo X sedan and wagon previewed next-generation technology to be applied to others in its 2009 lineup.

Saab built 600 black-on-black, 280-horsepower Turbo X models as a tribute to 30 years of turbocharging and the company's first all-wheel-drive system for passenger cars. That's not a bad way to tell a story, at $43,000 to $46,000 apiece.

Loyalists who ordered their cars were treated to the Turbo X Driving Academy, a two-day event at Road Atlanta racetrack in Braselton, Ga. And that might have been the best way to realize and appreciate this car's precision.

It is a high-performance car, but the power doesn't come screaming out as it did in Saab's recent Viggen line of fast cars. The Turbo X is more subtle and soaks into the driver, guiding him or her to a higher level of competitiveness.

The starting price of the SportCombi wagon is $43,310; the test wagon was $46,205 with options, which includes free scheduled maintenance for three years/36,000 miles and a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, with courtesy transportation and roadside assistance.

If that seems pricey, consider the smallest BMW 1-series coupe can run cost $47,000 with options.

The 2008 Turbo X is sold only in Jet Black metallic paint and a black, leather-trimmed interior with carbon-fiber accents. Under the sinister-looking exterior are large disc brakes, lowered suspension and a no-fear engine tone.

As a performance icon, the 2008 Turbo X introduced the company's first use of all-wheel drive on a car and a limited-slip differential. The ride height is 10mm lower in comparison with the standard 9-3, springs and shock absorbers are tuned to minimize body movement and self-leveling shocks at the rear maintain a constant ride height. The brakes are 13.6-inch inner-ventilated discs at the front and 11.5-inch, externally ventilated discs rear. Beautiful, 18-inch Pirelli P Zero tires (235/45) keep it all stuck to the pavement.

The Cross Wheel Drive system is predominantly front-drive until just about any amount of wheel slippage occurs and traction is sent to the rear wheels.

Applied with the electronically controlled, rear limited-slip differential — eLSD — up to 40 percent of the power can be moved between the drive shafts to whichever wheel has more grip. In hard cornering, the limited-slip system helps the rear of the car follow the direction of the front wheels.

There's a lot going on electronically to keep the car on track, but it doesn't get in the way of having a good time.

There will be no Turbo X for 2009, but the same performance features will be standard equipment in the 2009 9-3 Aero sedan and SportCombi. The XWD all-wheel drive system will be introduced as an option in the base Saab 9-3 2.0T in time for winter.

The 9-3 convertible will remain front-wheel drive. It has a different floor pan that won't fit the driveshaft. The turbocharged V-6 will go to the Aero models and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential will be standard on the V-6 XWD.

Another 40 horsepower wouldn't hurt the Turbo X, but it is a pleasing driving experience. It's a package of how the padded steering wheel fits in the hands to the nicely bolstered sport seats. And there's great promise when the engine fires and holds an elevated idle for about 30 seconds. Then an "All Systems Go" message flashes in the main gauge display.

The car moves out with dignity and presence. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but the test car had the optional ($1,350) six-speed automatic. It moves easily through the gears, upshifting for maximum fuel economy. The manual mode gives quick downshifts but doesn't give a blip of throttle.

A 2.8-liter V-6 isn't all that big and the fuel mileage isn't all that bad for an all-wheel-drive, high-performance wagon. he EPA estimates 15 mpg city and 24 highway. I was getting 18 in combined driving, according to the onboard computer. BMW's all-wheel-drive X6 gets 20 mpg highway and it isn't nearly as much fun to drive as this Saab.

SPECS BOX

2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X SportCombi

Body style: five-passenger, all-wheel-drive compact wagon

Engine: aluminum, high-output-turbocharged V-6 with dual overhead chain-driven camshafts, four valves per cylinder and continuously variable inlet valve timing

Horsepower: 280 at 5,500 rpm

Torque: 295 foot-pounds at 2,000 rpm

Transmission: six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode and steering wheel shifters

EPA fuel economy estimates: 15 mpg city, 24 highway; 91 octane recommended

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: XWD all-wheel drive, large disc brakes (13.6-inch front, 11.5-inch rear), Pirelli P-Zero 235/45 R18-inch tires and alloy wheels, eLSD (electronically controlled, rear limited-slip differential), cornering headlights, front and rear fog lights, sport-tuned chassis with rear leveling, power moonroof, remote locking, cooled glove box

Safety features include: six air bags, including head curtains; anti-lock brakes, mechanical brake assist, cornering brake control, front active head restraints, electronic stability program, traction control

PRICING

Base: $43,310, including $745 freight charge

Where assembled: Trollhattan, Sweden

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com.

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