V-8 WITH DISPLACEMENT ON DEMAND, AWARD-WINNING INLINE-SIX PULL SAAB 9-7X AHEAD OF THE PACK

A choice of two all-aluminum Vortec engines providing impressive horsepower and torque
Standard automatic transmission
Quietness engineered in for premium character

The Saab 9-7X is especially well-equipped for the demands of the American market for which it was developed. The V-8 model, incorporating the new Gen IV Vortec 5300 5.3-liter that delivers 300 horsepower (224 kw) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 Nm) of torque, is particularly destined to be an attractive offering among its peers. The vehicle is also offered with an award-winning, newly enhanced Vortec 4200 4.2L inline-six that produces 290 hp (217 kw) and 277 lb.-ft. (375 Nm) of torque.* Both all-aluminum engines are coupled to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

The Saab 9-7X V-8 receives the new Gen IV version of GM Powertrain’s hallmark small block 5.3L. This engine is distinguished from other Vortec 5300 engines by its cast-aluminum engine block. It has pressed-in iron cylinder liners, similar to the 5.7L LS1 and LS6 aluminum Corvette V-8s. Because of the lighter block, a fully dressed engine weighs 100 pounds less than a comparable iron-block V-8.

The V-8 is equipped with high-flow, cast-aluminum cylinder heads similar to those in the famous LS6 Corvette engine. This, plus larger intake valves and an increase in valve lift (to 12.2 mm from Gen III’s 11.6 mm), result in significantly increased engine airflow. A new, flat-top piston profile combined with the chamber volume of the new cylinder head increases the compression ratio from 9.5:1 to 9.9:1. Flat response knock sensors mounted on the engine block allow optimal spark and knock control during hot conditions and/or with poor fuel quality conditions.

The 5.3L V-8 features GM’s Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology. DOD enables fuel economy gains of up to 8 percent in certain driving conditions by reducing the number of cylinders engaged in the combustion process. A sophisticated, next-generation engine controller determines when to deactivate cylinders, allowing the engine to maintain vehicle speed in conditions such as highway cruising. When the cylinders are deactivated, the engine effectively operates as a four cylinder, with every other cylinder in the firing order disabled. The engine seamlessly returns to V-8 mode the instant the controller determines that vehicle speed or load requires additional power.

Another distinguishing feature is what engineers call a “pan-axle” oil pan. Both the Vortec 5.3L and the Vortec 4.2L engines share this unique design, saving undercarriage space while reducing interior noise. The all-wheel drive system is bolted directly to the engine's oil pan (rather than the chassis), and a half-shaft passes through the pan via a cast-in passage. Typically, the differential shaft crosses underneath the pan, and in turn, the engine must be raised. In this application, the shaft is designed to pass through the oil pan, which helps in engine packaging and, as a result, styling, visibility and noise reduction. This design helps to eliminate the noise transmission path for axle/driveline going into the vehicle compartment.

Both engines feature an algorithm called Smart Start that prevents the starter from engaging when the engine is running.

Among its advanced features are technologies such as variable exhaust valve timing (cam phaser), electronic throttle control, coil-on plug ignition, a state-of-the-art powertrain control module, a roller follower valve train, and the unique oil pan axle configuration mentioned above.

The Vortec 4200 4.2L inline-six, standard on the 9-7X, is updated for 2006 and impresses with a dramatically extended torque curve through the majority of the speed range. Peak torque is 277 lb.-ft. (375 Nm) at 3600 rpm, with 90 percent of peak torque already available at 1200 rpm.* EPA fuel economy numbers are estimated to be 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, which are fully competitive with primary competitors.

The 4L60-E Hydra-Matic electronically controlled automatic transmission is standard on all versions of the new Saab 9-7X. It is noted for its smooth operation, performance across the full torque curve, rugged durability, precise shifting and economical operation. The four-speed transmission is electronically controlled with automatic overdrive and a torque converter clutch.

Quietness reinforces premium character
An important element of quality is ride quietness. The Saab 9-7X engineers incorporated insulation measures, including:
An acoustically laminated windshield
Laminated front door glass
Door primary seal designs that address sealing and wind noise
Passenger compartment mat assembly, constructed of both a sound barrier and a sound absorber
Engine-side front-of-dash sound absorber
More than a dozen sound absorbing insulators in the doors, pillars and panels made of composite and/or fiberglass materials (strategically located around speakers, door handles or body structural gaps and openings)

The Saab 9-7X uses a special acoustic water deflector assembly, consisting of both a barrier and an absorber, for exceptional sealing/noise attenuation. This assembly is used on the inside of all four of the doors on the Saab 9-7X to absorb noise and provide a protective seal against water and dust intrusion.