2010 Saab 9-5 comes with a 300-horsepower motor

Aero models have a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6. This 24-valve, DOHC engine, known as the LP9, is part of GM's High Feature family, manufactured in Australia. It is all aluminum, with a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, a variable intake manifold, and continuously variable timing for both the intake and exhaust valves. The version in the 9-3 has a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and an intercooled, twin-scroll turbocharger, with a separate inlet from each cylinder bank to reduce turbo lag. In 2008, Saab raised maximum boost pressure from 7.3 psi to 11.6 psi, increasing output to 280 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

A funny thing happened on the way to bankruptcy court for General Motors. As part of a bid to have its red-stained slate wiped clean, it moved to divest itself of a number of brands in its bloated portfolio, with Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Saab all earmarked for sale or closure. However, only one brand inspired sufficient passion among both owners and those with the financial wherewithal to rescue it from GM's 'wind-down' apple polishers. Oddly enough, it was the tiny Swede that successfully swam out to the life raft. Saab, the marque with the smallest and oldest product lineup, lowest volume, and the poorest brand recognition among American consumers somehow found a way to survive.