24/06/2008 19:02. As engine outputs have risen over the past 25 years, front-drive cars have migrated towards four-wheel-drive to give their over-burdened front tires a break. Even Saab has finally capitulated with this 9-3 Turbo X.

A Haldex 4.0 center coupling shifts as much as 90 percent of the engine’s 280-hp output to the rear wheels via electronically controlled wet clutches. Its little digital brain anticipates when power is needed in back even before the tires slip. An electronically controlled clutch pack in the rear diff prevents side-to-side slip, while the traction control takes care of the front wheels.

To exploit its enhanced traction, the Turbo X gets an uprated version of Saab’s turbocharged V-6. Boost pressure jumps 8.7 to 11.6 psi, pushing output from 255 horsepower to... // Car and Driver