Thirty years ago, Saab launched the 99 Turbo at the Frankfurt Show. At this year's exhibition, Saab will reveal a celebratory model called the Turbo X. Based on the recently facelifted 9-3, the Turbo X is billed as delivering 'standard-setting levels of performance for the brand'. That is likely to mean a boosted version of GM's 2.8-litre V6, turbocharged naturally. As fitted to the current model, there is about 250bhp available to the front wheels and the car is no slouch, but we wonder if Saab will endow the Turbo X with four-wheel drive this time around, instantly creating a far more desirable fast saloon.

After all, the X letter is used in the States on Saab's four-wheel drive SUVs... In terms of styling, the new model will feature further sporting enhancements to the new nose with inspiration coming from Saab's original 'Black Turbo' models. The in-your-face press shot shown here is all we have to go by until the new car is unveiled next month.

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