Looking for a little "something-something" for that new Saab convertible you're planning to order this summer?

Think sand.

	The Saab convertible. Click photo for larger image.

Not the real thing of course. I'm talking about the return of the sand colored convertible top, apparently one of Saab owners' favorite shades, which was only offered in 1993 and 1994 for the first generation convertible.

But Saab officials said after a 13-year hiatus -- and many customer and dealer inquiries -- the company decided to bring the color back.

The Saab 9-3 convertible is offered in Aero and 2.0T trim levels, and is priced at $43,845 and $38,240 respectively.

Available engines for the 9-3 range from a 210 horsepower turbocharged four cylinder to a 259 horsepower 2.8 liter V-6 that gets 250 horsepower. Mileage ratings are 23 mpg city/34 highway and prices range from $26,620 to $42,620.

There are a few other changes for Saab's 9-3 this year, the biggest being the new interior and dashboard. I've always loved the 9-3 but found the controls to be problematic since they are not always where you expect them to be, particularly for the audio and climate control systems. I haven't seen the new design, but I'm hoping for the best.

By the way, if you're looking for things to do this summer, I've got an idea: a treasure hunt.

Earlier this year Saab announced it was making just 500 units of the 2007 9-7X Altitude Edition, and if you search long and hard this summer, who knows?

Among the 9-7X Altitude Edition's special features will be 18-inch alloy polished wheels, side assist steps, a rear DVD player and an exclusive carbon fiber gray metallic paint.

What's even more attractive is that all of these items will be offered at a total savings of almost $1,000 over the cost if you'd ordered them separately -- although you're still talking more than $40,000 for the car.

There are other changes and additions to the 2007 9-7X lineup. On-Star equipped models have a new service called OnStar Turn-ByTurn Navigation, which is the first factory installed fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar.

The system lets consumers talk to a live adviser who, in turn, sends complete step-by-step direction to the vehicle through the OnStar system. Other 2007 changes include a standard tire pressure monitoring system and a new color, Crystal Blue Metallic.

The 2007 9-5 was given a Cinderella style makeover last year, so it's pretty much holding the line on big changes this go-round. The engine is a 2.3 liter 260 horsepower I-4 rated at 21 city/29 highway.

The 9-5 has gotten a special Anniversary Special Edition this year that has Ice Blue Metallic paint, a leather interior and 17-inch wheels. Titan Gray Metallic replaces Steel Gray Metallic on non-anniversary models. Prices begin at $34,820 for the 9-5.

What's Coming in 2008

There's an all-new Saab 9-3 on the way this fall.

Saab says its design is inspired by the popular Aero X concept car, with all new front body work, signature lighting and a lot more new technology. And, if all that's not enough, Saab's classic "clamshell" hood design that was first seen on the 1967 Saab 99, is returning.