THE 9-3 Aero is powered by a new low-friction 2.0-litre full-pressure turbo engine - a development of the 110kW 2.0-litre engine introduced in 1999 in the Saab 9-5. In the 9-3 Aero it delivers 151 kW at 5500 rpm. An even more important engine characteristic at low and intermediate speeds is that the peak torque of 280 Nm is available at engine speeds between 2200 and 4600rpm. The torque for 9-3 Aeros with automatic transmissions is 250 Nm between 1900 and 5750 rpm. The 9-3 Aero engine is equipped with a new camshaft on the exhaust side, new and sturdier pistons, new gudgeon pins, new and sturdier connecting rods and new fuel injection valves. The exhaust valves are made of Nimonic alloy, a nickel alloy with excellent heat resistance. The 9-3 Aero engine is also equipped with a new emission control system comprising twin catalytic converters. One of these is located immediately after the turbocharger to ensure quicker warm-up to reduce exhaust emissions. The engine management system is the latest version of the adaptive Saab Trionic 7.