Causing its own stir, Saab is releasing the high performance Turbo X upon the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show today. Harking back to the original black 900 Turbo - complete with boost pressure gauge - it is exactly 30 years to the day (September 11th) that the Swedish car manufacturer showed off its first turbocharged model.

Available in metallic jet black only, the Turbo X oozes Q-car appeal with a subtle rear lip spoiler and matte grey titanium-like finishing to the front grille and exterior detailing. The car features a deeper front lip spoiler and integrated air intake successfully reducing drag, whilst a re-profiled bumper and aforementioned spoiler aid high-speed stability. Inside, the black theme is continued with sports seating in all-black leather, and various cabin trim in carbon fibre.

The figures? With 280bhp on tap, the all-black Turbo X can hit 60mph from a standing start in 5.7 seconds. The 2.8-litre V6 turbo produces 295lb.

ft of torque between 2,150 and 4,500rpm, ensuring cross-country pace will be somewhat rapid. Fitted with sports suspension, the Saab rides 10mm lower than the standard 9-3 and has stiffened springs and rear dampers that are self-levelling, helping to maintain flat cornering. With 18-inch - or optional 19-inch - alloys the increased wheel size allows higher performance brakes to be fitted at both the front and rear (345mm and 292mm respectively), ensuring that on paper at least, the black Saab is a promising prospect.

To further support this assumption, Saab has gone one further than merely fitting an archaic four-wheel drive system to cope with 280 horses, and developed what it calls XWD. The system balances torque between the front and rear axles as well as each rear wheel individually, working in partnership with a segment-first e-LSD, which can transfer up to 40 percent of available torque to one wheel with the most grip.

If like us you're drawn to the Turbo X, Saab is taking orders now, with delivery expected in March 2008, for both saloon and sports wagon variants.

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