To celebrate the arrival of spring and the season of racing, the Saab Special Edition 9-3 Aero Convertible will make its international debut at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

In keeping with the racing theme, the new convertible will be showcased outside Saab’s Flemington marquee in a unique champagne color.

For the first time in Australia, the Aero convertible will feature the 1.9-litre, 132kW TTiD diesel engine in addition to the 2.8-litre, 206kW V6 Turbo and both engine variants can be matched to six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

The 16-valve two-stage turbo engine meets a growing demand from drivers unwilling to sacrifice performance in the interests of fuel economy. Among the best in its class, the TTiD Aero convertible is fuel efficient with 5.9/100km for the manual and 6.9/100km for the automatic.

The Special Edition also features many of the outstanding exterior characteristics which premiered on its stunning stablemate the Turbo X to include 18” wheels in silver, bold front bumper treatments and sports steering wheel.

The interior highlights a modern carbon fibre décor and 60th anniversary floor coverings.

Saab surprised the automotive world when it pioneered the concept of a ‘four season, four-seater’ soft top Convertible more than 25 years ago. Designed to be practical and stylish, the Scandinavian-styled convertible changed the perception of open top vehicles to be used all the year round.

“Saab has sold more than a quarter of a million convertibles worldwide and this latest edition highlights the fantastic design and performance that Saab convertibles have always represented” said Parveen Batish, Director of GM Premium Brands.

The convertible will be available in three metallic colors to include Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne.

On sale in November, the Saab Special Edition 9-3 Convertible will be priced starting at $95,000, plus dealer delivery and government charges.