I took an advanced driver training course in NH last weekend, as it was
sponsored by one of the local Saab dealerships. They supplied all the cars:
9-3s, 9-5s and 9-2s.

Wow...it was incredible day of near constant adrenaline rush. High-speed
braking, steering, accident-avoidance, tailgating, and slalom exercises were
all on the day's docket. All three cars performed amazingly well, even the
9-2. The 9-3 Aero (with the 17" p-zeros) was hands-down the best performer
but the 9-5 wasn't far behind. I think the 9-5's extra 300 lbs of weight
made a slight difference in its handling. They both slightly outhandled the
9-2 as I think the 9-2's weight distribution skewed its performance
somewhat. Was very interesting to see ESP, ABS, and brake-assist at work
(and compare performance w/o ESP use).

I admit, while the 9-2 isn't a true Saab per se, I certainly changed my mind
about its performance capabilities.

I gained a whole new appreciation for these cars. Was very informative to
learn about performance and safety characteristics of these cars and learn
how much these cars can be pushed to the edge under extreme circumstances.

By the end of the day, the tires were completely shredded and needed to be
replaced. Other than that the cars readily sucked up the abuse they took.

I'd encourage anyone who has an opportunity to take this type of course to
do it!

I think everyone here has access to google to find local driver training
companies so I'm not posting any plugs here, unless so requested.

- tex

While it's not really an instructional event (or Saab related), Mazda has a
Summer autocross event called RevItUp throughout the USA. For about $20 or
$30 you get two timed laps on an autocross course plus instructional
"seminars" in slalom, braking and other topics from real racing pros
(usually their unsigned and killing time with RevItUp while waiting for
their next ride). In the past two years they've let you thrash about in the
Mazda6 and the Mazda3. Hopefully this years model will be the new Miata MX.
Oh, and if you can pull it off (that is, act like you're really looking to
buy one), both Jaguar and Porsche run special track-days for prospective
buyers.
--
J.Harris
'01 9-3SE
'97 900SE
'88 9000T (R.I.P.)
"Tex" <tex (AT) aspam101 (DOT) org> wrote

Tex wrote:

Just curious, which New Hampshire SAAB dealer sponsored a driver
training course? I didn't hear a word about it.

TIA,
-Fred W (in NH)

"Malt_Hound" <Malt_Hound@*spam*yahoo.com> wrote

Actually none.

It was sponsored by Charles River Saab in Watertown, MA. It just happened
to be run in NH. I'm guessing it was b/c there were no adequate venues in
Eastern Mass.

- tex

"J. Harris" <jackharris (AT) insect-o-cutor (DOT) comdamnspam> wrote

From what I've heard this sort of thing is already in the works for new Saab
buyers as well.

- tex

Tex wrote:
Ah, that 'splains it. It may also have been because the insurance to
run such an event would have been astronomical in the Communistwealth of
Massachusetts. Up here, you know... it's Live free or Die. With all
the dying it keeps the insurance rates low. ;-)

Did they hold it up at NHIS?

-Fred W

PS - I'm in a self-imposed exile from MA myself. Born and raised there
(Lexington). But we had the good sense to get outta there many years back.

"Malt_Hound" <Malt_Hound@*spam*yahoo.com> wrote

Nope...over at the Concord airport. On an old section of unused runway.

- tex