Saab Automobile Australia Pty Ltd put together the final pieces of its plans for a fully turbocharged engine lineup when it revealed its 1999 range of 9-3 models in November.

In keeping with its Ecopower philosophy, Saab will be equipping its entire 9-3 range with turbocharged engines.

This means the introduction of a new engine; the low-pressure turbocharged (LPT) Ecopower unit that will be standard equipment in three, five-door and convertible 9-3 S models and will supplement the existing 136kW turbo engine that powers 9-3 SE models.

Announcing the 1999 Saab 9-3 range, managing director Bob Maron said the move to a fully turbocharged range completes a cycle that really started 20 years ago, when Saab introduced the first turbocharged regular production passenger car, the 99 Turbo.

"Saab has come a long way with turbocharging since those early days. The 99 Turbo was strictly a no-compromise performance car. Today, turbocharging is used in a much wider group of applications. Although it still stands that a high power output for a given engine capacity is an intrinsic characteristic of a turbocharged engine, other aspects of engine design, such as fuel economy and exhaust emissions, also benefit."

"In the case of the 1999 Saab 9-3, we offer different levels of turbocharging to meet two specific driver requirements."

"The new LPT engine used in the 9-3 is designed to provide a balance of high fuel economy and low exhaust emissions with outstanding accelerator response, on-road smoothness and flexibility. The 136kW engine - already familiar as standard powerplant in Saab 9-3 SE models - is more focussed on performance characteristics and provides the traditional surge of turbo acceleration."

"Turbocharging has evolved considerably since 1978. The componentry now equals other major engine components such as the alternator, or the starter motor, in terms of reliability and operating life, and driveability is as smooth and progressive as a powerful normally aspirated engine. The days of turbo "lag" - that sometimes annoying delay as the turbo winds up to effective boost speed - are long past."

"In fact turbocharging has become so accepted that today it is being adopted even by conservative car companies. The advantages of high power output for a specific engine capacity are not to be ignored and the majority of worldwide car-makers recognise this."

"Saab pioneered the use of turbocharging in volume production cars - now it is taking the technology to new levels. This new range provides Saab with a strong advantage in the prestige segment and will add considerably to the dynamic flavour of the 9-3 series. It also enhances qualities such as high safety standards, outstanding space efficiency and distinctive design that are already part of the Saab image."