Don't mess with Saab!

[runrowsam]

Don't think an RS4 will run too well on that Conti! It's a ridiculous idea. The reduction in octane can't make much difference to CO2 emissions (I assume the reason for such a change), but it will destroy performance engines, reduce power, increase fuel consumption, and piss me RIGHT off! I've heard nothing about that, anyone else able to confirm it?

Rock on
Sam [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

[daddyjohal]

Don't think an RS4 will run too well on that Conti! It's a ridiculous idea. The reduction in octane can't make much difference to CO2 emissions (I assume the reason for such a change), but it will destroy performance engines, reduce power, increase fuel consumption, and piss me RIGHT off! I've heard nothing about that, anyone else able to confirm it?

Rock on
Sam [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

it's news to me mate. i think if it was the case, there would have been complete and utter uproar by now. we're ripped off with the price of our fuel as it is, but to have to pay inflated prices for piss poor fuel really is taking the mick. this sort of news would have been all over the UK motoring press by now and manufacturers would have thrown a wobbly too. very unlikely IMHO.

[daddyjohal]

I have nothing against a good handling AWD car, I just wish Saab could get the smoothness, power, and reliability from that Subaru engine that they got from their own engines.

Saab has been mass producing turbo engines for a very very long time, and I just think they could bring a lot to the table when developing an engine.

I might be biased though, the last Subaru I drove had horrible turbo lag, no power below 3,500 rpm, and got less than 20 mpg. I just don't want this WRX/Subaraab to be too much like that last one. [img]images/graemlins/soapbox.gif[/img] When they start co-developing the engine and chassis then give me a call. (yes Saab makes good chassis, the current Saab cars are GM chassis, not Saab, look at the older 900's, great handing cars especially for FWD, and even more so for a chassis designed in the early 70's)

[img]images/graemlins/rant.gif[/img]

Anyway, yes our gas sucks here. [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] But soon your gas will be the same as ours. New regulations going into effect through Europe before 2006. Hope you like 91 octane. [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Cheers,
Adrian W

i hear what you're saying about the older Saabs, but we're talking decades ago and the game has moved on siginificantly since then. I'm not saying Saab couldn't produce a great chassis, but after being out of the game for so long, it's unlikely. They probably don't have the relevant R&D funds, equipment and people, and GM are unlikely to provide them with the necessary bits and pieces due to costs. When GM first invested in Fuji Heavy Industries, this move for Saab was widely predicted by most of the motoring press.