What is the history of the auto in the 9-5?[/b]
From 2002 the 9-5 has a new auto box, both this one and the previous one are manufactured by Asin Warner.
From 2002, Automatic Aero models are equipped with a new five-speed automatic transmission. Previously, torque was restricted to 243 lb.-ft. with the older four-speed auto,
*this is an important point, since it means that the gearbox communicates with the torque load sensors on the car, and protects its self from higher torque inputs.. and tells the car to limit the torque. So when tuning it gets interesting.. does the box let the car express the full new torque?
The new five-speed auto- gearbox however allows full utilization of the Aero engine's 258 lb.-ft. torque.
Re-calibration of the management system to take greater advantage of the variable-turbo boost on demand was introduced with the auto aero 9-5.
The box is also available on the arc and linear.
As said, the gearbox is capable of handling the Aero's high 258 lb.- ft. torque figure. The previous four-speed automatic was limited to 243 lb.-ft. of torque.
Saab is one of the first European manufacturers to put this much torque through a five-speed automatic in a front-wheel-drive configuration.
Adaptive automatic reconfigures to changing conditions
The automatic constantly monitors its surroundings, adapting performance and shift points to the prevailing conditions. It "knows" when it's in a high-altitude environment for example, or if it's towing a trailer, and it responds accordingly. The transmission also continues to monitor its own shift quality and will alter shift timings and patterns if it detects any change in its performance or in that of the engine. A high-speed CAN data bus provides the continuous flow of information between engine and transmission to enable this to happen.
However, the five-speed automatic transmission isn't driver-adaptive. That's up to the driver to control, with the choice of normal, sport, or winter settings. To choose the sport setting, the driver engages the "S" button located on top of the gearshift handle. In some other applications, the sport mode engages a closer set of ratios by moving the automatic's mapped shift points.
Saab's engineers have engineered a similar result by using an alternative solution. The drive-by-wire throttle becomes more sensitive to the driver's foot pressure - effectively giving him another set of ratios, and providing a sportier response by concentrating the gearbox's best efforts on the engine's mid-range power.
In winter mode, which has a special shift pattern to suit slippery conditions, the engine starts in third gear to ensure a smooth take-off on icy surfaces, and to help minimize wheel spin.
Slipping lock-up clutch gives greater efficiency
The new five-speed automatic transmission also features a clutch within the torque converter. In higher gears this clutch bypasses the torque converter and directly engages the transmission, eliminating some of the frictional losses associated with traditional torque-converter automatics.
The gearbox is a sealed-for-life unit. The automatic transmission fluid, an extremely high-quality mineral oil, has been formulated to last for the life of the car, cutting down on servicing costs and creating less environmental waste. It's also one less worry for the driver.
*** built from various Saab press releases..