The Swedish automaker subsidiary of General Motors, Saab producer of Saab Brake dust shields has recently released a statement claiming that it has made around 2157 changes to its 2008 9-3 lines of vehicles. Although it's going to be quite impossible to verify such number of improvements fortunately the changes are made obvious making them much easier to see.

In terms of looks, the new Saab 2008 lines of 9-3 vehicles has taken some of its styling cues from one of Saab's good looking creations, the Aero X concept. The styling from Aero X is evident starting from the A-pillar, completely new 9-3 sheetmetal, the aeronautically inspired grillework, ominous headlights, and last but not the least is the clamshell hood which is distinctly Saab. The five-spoke, 17 inch alloy wheels together with the one-of-a-kind bumpers with matter finish fog lamp surrounds boost the striking appeal of the 9-3 lineup.

Saab has also said that the new lines of 9-3 models have an added power of five-horsepower although again impossible to distinguish but the 9-3 Aero's 2.8 liter twin-scroll turbocharged V6 sure pulls smoothly which will make you think that it does have an additional horsepower. The 9-3's optional six-speed automatic firmly hold any gear at redline and shift quickly back via the steering-wheel-mounted thumb switches however if you want to go for a more spirited drive the standard six-speed manual is the one to choose.

Despite all the promotional chitchats made on the 9-3 Aero it's more of biz-jet rather than a fighter jet. There were also no latertaions made on the suspension which means that it's on the soft side of sporty. When driving at highway speeds, the 9-3 would seem a little light so those who prefer something with an added weight might just as well go for its other German rival brands.

Inside the 9-3 reigns Scandinavian minimalism styling. The 2008 9-3 would have an industrial black instead of gray with parchment as the optional color. The Aero models will also get silver plastic trim instead of the usual wood which matches its minimalism interior styling. The seats as expected are comfortable, the cabin textures and tolerances although not class leading are acceptable. The 9-3 models are also navigation capable.

Other features found on Saab's 2008 9-3 lineup includes OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, low profile, rain-sensing wipers, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Overall the greatest effort and expense were placed on the improvement of the models exterior.

The 2008 Saab 9-e Sport Sedan and SportCombi are scheduled to go on sale in mid-September and will be followed by the released of the 9-3 convertible a month later. Both of the sedan and wagon will feature Saab's latest generation Haldex XWD "cross-wheel drive system" but will be offered in later part of 2008.