Inspiration : Limited-Edition Concept Car Based on the Saab 9-3

Saab owners are known to pride themselves on their individuality. So for them, IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed developed a limited-edition vehicle that delivers even more exclusivity and driving pleasure.

The team from IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed turned results gained from extensive market research into the IMAGINEERING Inspiration concept car based on a Saab 9-3.

Developing a logo and registering the trademark were among the first steps on the way to the finished custom car series. Simultaneously the IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed design and technology team developed the components for modifying the body, engine and interior.

Chrome is "in" - and for that reason shiny surfaces are the unifying theme throughout the vehicle.

Next the concept was turned into a running prototype. By using highly qualified specialists in cooperation with select OEM suppliers IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed was able to minimize development time.

The IMAGINEERING Inspiration concept car, which premieres at the Geneva Motor Show 2000, represents a development level that allows small-series production to be started up on short notice. The necessary groundwork has been laid by IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed purchasing specialists.

Effective placement of chrome highlights played a dominant part in the development of the IMAGINEERING Inspiration Saab 9-3. The light-alloy wheels sparkle as much as the trunk-mounted wing spoiler, the first ever with a chrome-like finish. In the interior chrome is applied to various elements from foot pedals to loudspeaker covers.

IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed also added its own calculated elements to the technology of the Saab 9-3. To improve appearance and driving dynamics IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed developed a well-balanced ensemble of 17-inch wheels, suspension lowering and high-performance brake system.

The top priority during all development stages of the limited-edition vehicle was achieving the highest product quality and highest technical functionality as well as fulfilling all safety standards. Those goals were attained through close cooperation with the German Technical Inspection Agency from the start to ensure compliance with current EU guidelines.

All IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed developments fulfill the strict quality standards of the DIN EN ISO 9001 Norm.

With just a few parts, like chrome-plated housings for the rearview mirrors, IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed added true luster to the Saab's body. As with all other IMAGINEERING Inspiration chrome parts, the finish was achieved with the help of a new process that makes plated plastic parts as smooth, sparkling and durable as conventional galvanized metal parts.

This new process even allows a chrome finish of the Saab 9-3's trunk-mounted wing, which is manufactured from flexible PUR-R-RIM.

Yet another tough test for the quality of the chrome-like finish are the door handles and their underlying shells, which in the IMAGINEERING Inspiration concept car are treated with the same process.

IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed selected 17-inch wheels and tires for the IMAGINEERING Inspiration automobile to achieve the optimum balance of exciting looks, sporty handling and exceptional tire comfort.

In extensive tests by IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed developers, the German high-performance tire ContiSportContact proved to be the best choice for reshodding the Saab 9-3. The Continental tire with its asymmetrical profile exhibits exceptional handling characteristics on wet or dry pavement and plays a decisive role in the exemplary driving comfort of the IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed concept car.

The IMAGINEERING Inspiration Saab 9-3 is equipped with conventional 8Jx17 rims in five-spoke design with very wide polished drop centers.

Suspension modifications demand technical know-how and care. IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed's engineers and technicians devoted their attention to the suspension of the Saab 9-3 and developed a lowering kit that lowers IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed concept car by a moderate 30 millimeters.

The lowered center of gravity improves handling while the standard dampers guarantee ride comfort at the same high level as the production original.

As an alternative to the standard brake system IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed developed a high-performance brake system for the front axle geared towards more sporty drivers. The IMAGINEERING Inspiration brake system consists of perforated ventilated disks with 322 millimeters diameter and four-piston brake calipers.

A stainless-steel muffler with chrome-plated tailpipe was developed to complete the sporty yet elegant outfit of the IMAGINEERING Inspiration.

Aside from its attractive appearance, the IMAGINEERING Inspiration sport exhaust produces a more striking engine sound, yet always remains within the limits of the strict EU guidelines.

Chrome also provides interesting highlights in the interior of the IMAGINEERING Inspiration concept car. And it is not limited to foot pedals, footrest and gear-lever grip. The new plating process allowed a chrome-like finish of plastic parts such as door handles, door pockets, vents, loudspeaker covers, seatbelt domes and the inside covers of the exterior rearview mirrors.

IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed designers also opted for a new direction in covering seats and door panels with leather. They developed a new type of woven leather upholstery that improves the exchange of air in the seat thus improving sitting comfort.

The interior trim pieces in the IMAGINEERING Inspiration feature a dark granite design and complement the other modifications perfectly.

The new PLAY BOX-X offers entertainment for the rear passengers. It was developed jointly by the IMAGINEERING multimedia specialists and SONY Computer Entertainment, manufacturer of the world's best-selling game console, PlayStation.

The PLAY BOX-X is based on the home system but can be operated via the car's 12-volt electrical system. Both 5.6-inch Mitac LCD monitors can be attached safely and easily to the headrests of the front seats using special clips. The sound is transmitted via two headphones to prevent driver distraction.

The IMAGINEERING Inspiration limited edition displays its name with pride. Custom-designed labels on body, wheels and in the interior together with tread plates sporting the Inspiration logo document the origin of this individualized automobile.

The Inspiration plaque with inscribed serial number identifies the vehicle as a coveted one-of-a-kind model.