[Tribute] we find a rare Saab 9-5 wagon

Saab was way ahead of its time and the proof of this is in the sudden rise and appeal of turbocharged engine technology, while everyone else was using non-turbo designs with large engine displacements. Saab used smaller four-cylinder engine which offered similar horsepower and torque to the larger six-cylinders and some eight-cylinder engines. It saddens us that Saab no longer produces vehicles and well this is another tribute to Saab. We managed to find a 2003 Saab 9-5 Linear Wagon and well we couldn’t resist driving it.

The Saab 9-5 wagon has always been a particular favorite of mine. I love way it’s styled inside and out. It’s a bit of an oddball but in a good way. The styling is still fresh even after all these years. Our tester car had a few scrapes here and there but for what is essentially a thirteen year old vehicle it surely doesn’t feel worn out or out of shape.

The engine that’s equipped in our 9-5 is a 2.3-liter light-pressure turbocharged four-cylinder which pumps out 185hp. There were two other engines available, a more potent 2.3-liter turbo pumping out 220hp and the top of the range high-output turbo four with 250hp. We’ve only driven this engine which was called Linear and the mid-range Arc trim. We loved how classy the Arc trim felt with the burled wood interior and fancier leather seats. The Linear trim which we have here has a lighter wood trim and well the leather seats are still fantastic. The ignition switch is in the center console which is a signature Saab design and the overall feel of the cabin is pretty much straight forward.

The engine is the sweet spot for the 9-5 wagon because it has a turbocharged design. It has oodles of torque at low revs which helps make it very smooth to drive around town and on the highway. Surprisingly this engine feels enough, you’d expect us to complain about how 185hp for such a large vehicle isn’t enough but it really does feel enough. It’s such a comfortable car to drive that you’d immediately forget about horsepower figures and you’re more focused on the driving experience at hand. The dashboard sort of wraps around you and everything is within reach of the hand. We even got a few glances from other drivers, because well let’s face the facts here. The 9-5 is so handsome looking and wagons are such a rare sight on the road that you can’t help but stare.

Highway ride comfort is excellent and dare we say better than most BMWs we’ve driven. Handling isn’t a strong point for the 9-5 but it does hold its own well. Steering feedback isn’t the greatest but it does the job good enough. We’ve tried hard to find fault in the 9-5 but it’s pretty hard to especially with such a rare gem like this. Visibility is actually good too thanks to large windows, which helps make the cabin feel airy and the optional sunroof our tester car had equipped makes things even better. What’s also rare is that most 9-5s we’ve driven had halogen headlights, and this one came equipped with factory installed xenon headlamps which both worked properly. Also in Saab tradition is the headlamps and tail lamps stay on the whole time you drive, whether it’s day time or night time. The headlamps also feature a follow-me-home feature which keeps the headlights on for 60-seconds after the engine has been shut off.

Rear seat space is roomy for three and the boot space is very generous. Fold the rear seats down and you’ve practically got yourself a cargo van. If you run out of space in this you need a Chevy Suburban. During our test we were able to fit a few weeks of shopping in the boot and still carry four aboard with no trouble.

Saab is very generous when it comes to standard kit. Along with xenon headlamps, our 9-5 came with climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, and power-folding mirrors as well as heated front seats. We wish that this also came fitted with Saab’s amazing perforated leather seats. The Arc and Aero are worth paying extra for because they trade the plain exterior looks for body-kit and flashier alloy wheels as well as added features.

Comparing the 9-5 wagon to today’s competition, the 9-5 wouldn’t be class leading but it would offer a very compelling package for those who aren’t swayed easily by everything less in the segment. We really do wish that Saab was still producing cars today because their different perspective on vehicles is a breath of fresh air.

2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 185hp.
5-speed automatic gearbox

History of Saab 9-5

The Saab 9-5 is an executive car that was produced by the Swedish automobile maker Saab.

The first generation 9-5 was introduced in 1997, for the 1998 model year, as the replacement to the Saab 9000. At the time, the car represented a significant development for the manufacturer. In the United States, the 9-5 was introduced in the spring of 1998, for the 1999 model year.

On September 15, 2009, the second generation was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show and production began in June 2010. It was the first Saab to be launched under Spyker Cars' ownership, even though it was developed almost completely under GM's ownership.

Saab badged the model as the Saab 95, but consistently advertised it as the Saab 9-5, pronounced "nine five" rather than "ninety-five". This model should not be confused with the Saab 95, produced from 1959 to 1978.

The first generation 9-5 was available with sedan and station wagon body styles. Aerodynamically, the sedan's drag coefficient is 0.29, and the station wagon's is 0.31 (U.S. version 0.33). Introduced in 1999, the wagon features innovations such as floor tracks to secure cargo and a sliding load floor to make loading easier.

The 9-5 was the first production vehicle to offer ventilated seats, as well as asymmetrical turbocharging in the case of the 3.0L V6 engine.

The last 9-5 sedan of the first generation rolled off the Trollhättan production line at the beginning of July 2009, and the last wagon was assembled on February 1, 2010. Between the summer of 1997, when 9-5 production began, and 2010, 252,236 sedans, and 231,357 wagons were built. The total production 483,593 units, was narrowly beaten by its predecessor, the 9000, of which 503,000 were built.

Production equipment for the first-generation 9-5 was sold by General Motors to BAIC of China in 2009.



The first-generation 9-5 was powered by Saab's B205 and B235 straight-4 engines, and from 2002 in Europe by an Opel Ecotec X22DTH 2.2 diesel engine (Saab D223L), replaced in 2006 by Fiat's 1.9 JTD 16V diesel straight-4. A turbocharged version of the GM 54° V6 engine, designated by Saab as B308, had a unique asymmetrical low-pressure turbocharger and was available from 1999 to 2003. This engine was available only with an automatic transmission, and cars with this engine installed are distinguishable by their twin tailpipes. The V6 was only available on Arc, SE, and Griffin models. In 2004, the V6 engine was replaced by a high pressure turbo straight-4 engine producing 220 hp (160 kW). By 2006 this engine was producing 260 hp (190 kW) even in the non-Aero or non-sport models (US models).

The B205 & B235-based 9-5 models have suffered a high rate of engine failures due to engine oil sludge. This primarily affected the 1999–2003 models. Saab refined the engine's positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV) for the 2004 and later model years and required use of fully synthetic oil, virtually eliminating the problem. Additionally, SAAB created update kits to retrofit to the 1999–2003 cars since they cannot be easily modified to accept the 2004 and later system. Mounting complaints by 9-5 owners forced GM to offer an eight-year warranty on the engine in 4-cylinder models for original owners, provided the owner can produce proof that they followed the manufacturer's oil change intervals. Saab recommended the use of fully synthetic or synthetic-blend oil as a preventative measure.

The 9-5 was available with an Aisin AW 4-speed automatic transmission from 1997 until 2001, when a new Aisin AW unit replaced the dated four-speed automatic with a five-speed automatic. A five-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard to the base models and the Aero. Six-speed manual transmission was not offered in first-generation 9-5s.

In 2005, an updated version of the 2.0 L turbocharged I4 was introduced in the European market together with the 2006 9-5. The engine was sold as 2.0T BioPower, optimized to run on E85 producing 132 kW (180 hp) at 5500 rpm. There was also a 2.3T BioPower version sold from 2007. It was also introduced in Australia.

The 9-5 introduced Saab's Active Head Restraints (SAHR), which moved up and forward to prevent whiplash when the car was struck from the rear. This feature won technology and safety awards in Australia, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. The Saab 9-5 also was one of the first cars to have extensive side-crash protection.

The front seats featured torso airbags and head airbags even on even the earliest models, which few contemporary vehicles did in the late 1990s. The basic structure included a robust passenger safety cage, front and rear deformation zones, reinforced door posts and pillars, as well as the "Pendulum B-Pillar", which combined high-strength low-alloy steel at chest and head height with tailored blank steel at the floorpan, designed to direct the crash forces down toward the floor. The design was proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to protect occupants in side crashes, even without the addition of curtain airbags or rear side airbags. From 2002, ESP (electronic stability control) was included as standard.

Another Saab feature, the "Night Panel", permitted dousing of the instrument panel lighting, except for essential information, for less distraction when driving at night. Once activated, only essential information such as current speed is displayed except, for example, if the car requires fuel or the engine overheats.

In the United States OnStar was available, and provided as standard equipment in selected 9-5's from 2001 onward.

The 9-5 had various comfort features both as standard and cost options over the years.

While early models frequently had dash mounted cassette decks, CD changers were standard features on many cars and in-dash satellite navigation was also available. Factory-fitted phone kits were similarly optional

.

Many models featured leather or part-leather upholstery and both front and rear heated seats were also available. A few models were shipped with the optional ventilated seats.

Cruise control was available on various models and xenon headlamps were fitted as standard on high-end variants.

The performance 9-5 Aero, the earliest versions of which were sometimes referred to as the HOT Aero, was first released in 2000 with a 2.3T B235R engine. The B235R engine of the 9-5 Aero was capable of providing immense torque and, in terms of acceleration, outperformed the contemporary Porsche 911 Turbo from 40-90 mph.

Initially badged as a 230ps engine, Saab later conceded that the 230 hp power figure was quite conservative, with the manual versions rated 250 hp and having more torque than stated. This flagship model had a long list of standard features, a sport tuned suspension, and body side moldings. In 2002 a 253 PS (186 kW; 250 hp) 2.3 turbo engine was made standard, which allowed for more torque after 4500 rev/min. All Aero models from 2002-2005 have an identical engine layout and management system, with the 2002-05 models just having a slightly remapped version of that ECU from factory. The high-powered version of the 9-5 in the final form produces 264 PS (194 kW; 260 hp) and 350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) of torque (370 N⋅m (270 lb⋅ft) with its 20-second overboost function accessible on the manual transmission equipped version.

From model year 2006 to end of production, the 264 PS (194 kW; 260 hp) B235R was the standard engine in the 9-5 in both the 2.3T and Aero trims. 2006 had only one badge designation, the 2.3T and appointments normally found on the Aero could be added via a "Sport Package".

From 2007 onwards, SAAB added an Aero badge to the trunk lid to distinguish from regular 2.3T models. In addition, almost all standard features on the Aero were standard on the 2.3T, the exceptions being sport-tuned chassis, two-tone leather upholstery, "Anniversary" wheels and brushed aluminum interior trim, all of which were standard on Aero and not available on the 2.3T.



The 9-5 was used as a liveried patrol vehicle, as well as undercover, in several parts of its native Sweden, alongside the Volvo V70. Several police forces in the UK also used the 9-5 in their fleets, mostly in Aero specification. The city of Aspen, Colorado, used Saabs as patrol cars from early 1970s until 2005, when the 9-5 was discontinued in favor of Volvo XC90. The town of Vail, Colorado likewise used Saabs from 1980 onwards, but in 2005, the black 9-5 patrol cars were replaced by Ford Explorers, due to budget reasons.

In 2006, Lothian and Borders Police in Edinburgh, Scotland, began operating three Saab 9-5 Aero 2.3T patrol cars as part of a fleet of 580 vehicles. These 9-5s were customised to police specifications by the Saab, Vauxhall and Chevrolet Special Vehicles Operation (SVO) in Papworth, Cambridgeshire. In undercover guise, these cars were outwardly identical to the Linear Sport models, but featured the 260 bhp Aero drivetrain.

In Poland, an unmarked 9-5 is used as a video-pursuit vehicle, in the Płock area.



A next generation 9-5 built on the Global Epsilon platform was presented at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September 2009. The vehicle had its North American debut in October 2009 at the South Florida Auto Show in Miami. On November 24, 2009, the first pre-series Saab 9-5 of the new generation rolled off the Trollhättan production line.

With the announcement of the sale of Saab to Spyker on January 26, 2010, it was confirmed that the new generation Saab 9-5 was already taken into production at the Saab plant in Trollhättan. Full production began in April 2010, with the cars appearing in dealerships on June 19. Saab introduced a wagon variant of the new 9-5, dubbed "SportCombi," at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The Saab 9-5 Sedan 2.8V6 Turbo was named Car of the Year in Singapore by "Wheels Asia".

As Saab's business issues came to a head, production of 2011 9-5 models essentially ended in March 2011, when the production line in Trollhättan was stopped due to supply chain issues that were related to the company's lack of liquidity. Total production numbers of the Gen II Saab 9-5 ended at 11,280 units.

Although some prototype pilots and a number of production SportCombis were produced, the official variant did not enter serial production prior to Saab's bankruptcy in December 2011, and the vehicles never reached dealerships.

Trim/equipment levels vary from country to country.

In the US Saab 9-5 trim levels were: Turbo4, Turbo4 Premium, Turbo6 XWD, and Aero. Turbo4 models come with a turbocharged four-cylinder and features that included power adjustable driver and passenger’s seats, leather upholstery, five-spoke alloy wheels, fog lamps, and rain-sensing wipers. The Turbo4 Premium added a panoramic sunroof, headlamp washers, Saab parking assistance, keyless entry and start, memory seats, and 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Turbo6 XWD was powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and features an all-wheel-drive system. The top trim Aero featured 15-spoke “Rotor” 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed sports seats, a multi-color central information display, Bi-Xenon SmartBeam headlamps, dark titanium-effect interior trim, aluminum sports pedals, a sports-tuned suspension system with real-time damping, and Aero exterior elements.

UK equipment levels for the 2012 model year included the Vector SE and Aero and both sedan and estate. The previous base models, Linear and Vector were replaced by the Vector SE model.

In Australia the base trim (Linear) was not part of the line up, only the Vector and Aero trims were available.

In North America, the engine choices were either a turbocharged V6 or an Ecotec I4. Other countries also had an optional turbodiesel I4 engine. Engine performance upgrades that were available from Hirsch Performance (Saab's only factory approved tuner) increased the power of the V6 engine to 330 bhp (246 kW; 335 PS) from 296 bhp (221 kW; 300 PS) and the I4 engine to 260 bhp (194 kW; 264 PS) from 220 bhp (164 kW; 223 PS).

History of Saab

In 1938, the Saab factory was built in Trollhattan Sweden. At this time, they were not an automobile manufacturer. With World War II on the horizon, the Royal Swedish Air Force was in need of aircraft. On September 1, 1939 war broke out and Saab built bombers and fighters.

The Saab factory was prepared for the task with two previous years of modernizing their production methods. These airplanes were mainly copies of German and American design. Saabs first in-house designed aircraft rolled off the line in 1941, the Saab 17. It was far from perfect, but the bugs were worked out quickly. A Bomber, Saab 18 was also produced.

In 1944, seeing the close of World War II Saab began work on non-military aircraft. The Saab 90 and the Saab 91 were introduced, the 90 was a passenger plane seating 25-30, and the 91 was a small plane for private use. The rest of our timeline will outline only Saab's automotive history. However, Saab to this date still makes the highest quality civilian and military aircraft not to mention trucks, buses, spacecraft and the famous jet fighter Viggen and the latest innovation Gripen.

The Swedish Ur best translates as original and Ursaab was the Saab's first prototype automobile.

Project 92, so-called as numbers 90 and 91 had already been assigned to civilian aircraft, was agreed in 1945. Saab had decided that, with the Second World War ending, there would be a need to diversify away from military aircraft. Ideas included motorcycles, cars, commercial vehicles and even fitted kitchens! Other Swedish companies, however, had the motorcycle market sewn up, Volvo already produced cars, and trucks were manufactured by Scania-Vabis. A Saab had to be the right size, type, construction and price - a small, affordable car. Thus, Saab had found its niche.

A 1:10 scale model Ursaab was tested in a wind tunnel by the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology and gave a drag coefficient of 0.32, an impressive figure even by today's standards. Sister cars 92.002 and 92.003 were driven on every possible type of road surface and with 92.001; they have clocked up over 530,000km (approx 331,000 miles) - equivalent to 13 journeys around the world and typical of Saab's commitment to thorough testing.

Full-scale production of the Saab 92 commenced in December 1949, 700 of which were made. The engine was a 750cc two-cylinder two-stroke, transversely mounted ahead of the front axle. Saab engineers also created a safety cage for the passengers, to protect them in case of accident, one of the first cars ever designed for safety. 

Production cost was critical to Saab at the time and only 17% of the cost was from imported materials, hence the Henry Ford principle of any color you like as long as it's… green in Saab's case!

Saab entered two cars in the 1950 Monte Carlo rally. Both finished the rigorous event. Saab  continued active in rallying until 1980, when some factories began to spend so much on the sport that little Saab could no longer be competitive. 

The Saab 93 was announced in August 1955 in response to press speculation regarding the development of a three-cylinder two-stroke engine. The Saab 93 was the first modelto be officially exported, primarily to the United States. 

At the New York Automobile Show of April 1958, Saab exhibited a car that they called the Gran Turismo 750, a sporty and luxurious model that was pitched specifically at the growing US market.

The GT750 had twin carburetors and the engine had been tuned to develop 50hp. It was the first model to have factory fitted seat belts.

The Saab Sonett was unofficially known as the Saab 94, even though this number had already been assigned to an aircraft project. Only six Sonett were built, the cars being intended as either experimental or competition cars. The Sonett was much in demand by dealers and was shipped to the United States for the Saab introduction in April 1956.

Saab unveiled the Saab 95 Station Wagon in May 1959. The early 95 had the two-stroke engine, but later models carried the Ford V4 engine (the V4 was an instant success). It was equipped with a four-speed gearbox. The last Saab 95 was manufactured in 1978.The Ford 1.5 Liter V4 engine delivered 65hp at 4,700rpm and saw 100 Km/h from rest in just 16 seconds. 

The new Saab 96 was revealed at a Stockholm press conference in February 1960. This model lived on until 1980 equipped with the V4 engine. The Saab 96 was for Swedes what the VW beetle was for Germans.

Diagonally divided brake system with double brake circuits was introduced on all Saabs of 1964 models.

Formula Junior was an international class for single-seat racers with engines from standard road cars. In 1960, some enthusiasts at Saab's combined testing and competition department decided to have a go at Formula Junior, even though the engine was well below the permitted displacement of 1100cc.Taking an approach that was different to the conventional was not unusual for Saab and this case was no different. The engineers at Saab constructed an advanced monocoque car in contrast to the space frame designs of their competitors. 

The Saab 97 project based upon the MFI 13 made good progress. By the winter of 1966, it was on display earlier than expected, and in Stockholm, rather than New York as had been anticipated.

The Saab Sonett II suffered increasing criticism of its awkward lines by both customers and within Saab itself. After just two years of production, Saab contracted the Italian stylist Sergio Coggiola to redesign the Sonett II. Coggiola had a tough task, forbidden by Saab to redesign the complicated central section.

Saab board passed a resolution in April 1964, to develop a new and larger Saab. The Saab 99 was on its way. Despite widespread enthusiasm within Saab for the two-stroke engine, it was decided that a four-stroke unit was the only real choice. Without the means to embark on its own costly development, a contract was signed for Triumph to deliver a 1.5-liter (later 1.7 liter), engine to Saab. The joint engine design was to be inclined at 45° since Triumph was planning a V8 from the same basic engine design. The Saab engine was essentially half of a V8. 

1970 A milestone is passed in February when Saab turns out Car No. 500,000

The Sonett III, the product of the Swedish-Italian cooperation, was unveiled in spring 1970.

Two unique Saab innovations are presented on the 1972 models: an electrically heated driving seat and self-repairing (up to 8 Km/h, 5 mph) bumpers.

The Saab 98 project began just two years after the production of the Saab 99 started. A new concept termed by Saab as Combi Coupé. Saab 98 never went into production, but the Combi Coupe did as a 99.

1976 The one-millionth Saab car comes off the line at Trollhättan in January. Catalytic converter and a lambda sensor are introduced on cars for the US. 

The first Saab 99 Turbo goes on sale as a 1978 model.

This particular Turbo had great success in the Swedish Rally with Stig Blomquist behind the wheel.

In 1979 the new 900 is released.

Yet another world "first" is introduced with the 1979 Saab 900: the unique compartment air/pollen filter.

Beginning with the 1983 models, Saab fits all its cars with asbestos-free brake linings.

The Saab 900 was a model that spanned the entire 1980s, being in production for some fifteen years! During its lifetime over 900,000 units were produced, almost 50,000 of which were the successful and stylish 900 convertible.

Despite being an evolution of the 99, the 900 was not merely a facelift. It had been given a new front section and Saab wanted to exploit new market sectors. This was especially true of the United States.

Another product of the small but perfectly formed design department at Trollhättan, the EV-1 was a sport Coupé based on the 900 Turbo 16. The EV-1, or Experimental Vehicle Number One, was never destined for production.

The front and rear sections of the EV-1 were constructed from Aramid reinforced fiberglass and had the ability to resume their original shape after impact.

The toughest safety standards are satisfied with the lightweight carbon fiber side impact protection within the doors. Continuing the lightweight theme, the front seats are half the weight of conventional seats but retain electronic functionality including the ability to adjust the side supports. With the 0-100 Km/h in just 5.9 seconds, the performance of the EV-1 is comparable to some of the best sports cars.

The Saab 9000 of the 1987 model becomes the first front-wheel-drive car to offer ABS brakes.

Styled by Italian Giorgetto Giugiaro, the 9000, a front-wheel drive with a transversely mounted engine meant that the interior was more spacious than the Saab 900 despite a slightly shorter external length. 

The combination of the folding rear seat and the estate/saloon opening rear hatch made for superb load-lugging characteristics. The Saab 9000 was the only imported car, bar the Rolls Royce, to be classified by the United States authorities as a "large car". 

1986 On 7 October, three Saab 9000 Turbo 16s in guaranteed  standard condition get off the mark on the world's fastest racetrack, the Alabama International Motor Speedway in Talladega, U.S.A. 31 drivers take turns at the controls of the three cars, with stops only for refueling and service. In nearly twenty days of uninterrupted driving they break 2 world records and 21 international speed records. The fastest car covers 100,000 km at an average speed of 213 Km/h, the other 2 average around 210 and 208 Km/h.

1987 The two-millionth Saab is manufactured.

1989 At a press conference on 15 December, GM announces that it is buying 50% of Saab's car operation.

The new Saab 900 made its debut in front of the press and 35,000 residents of Trollhättan, in the town's main square, in July 1993. The new 900 was the first completely new model since GM (General Motors) took a 50% stake in Saab Automobile AB in 1990. 

Saab is the first carmaker to present a Freon-free (CFC-free) air-conditioning system.

In 1994, Saab introduces the first V6 engine in its 900 SE model.

1996 Ten years later Saab returns to Talladega, this time with six Saab 900s, absolut standard cars, powered by different engines: a 2-litre turbo, a 2.5-litre V6 and a 2-litre injection engine. They clock up 40 new international speed records. The fastest car, a 900 Turbo, turns in an average speed of 226 Km/h. 

The Saab 9-3 was launched in 1998 essentially as a re badge Saab 900. There was very little to tell them apart externally, except for a redesigned grill and the relocation of the third brake light from the boot ridge to the top of the rear screen. 

Internally, the 9-3 acquired the innovative SAHR or Saab Active Head Restraint system - as introduced as an industry first on the Saab 9-5.

It was under the body that the changes had been made on the 9-3. Over 1,100 changes including suspension, in an attempt to tighten up the handling characteristics of its predecessor, the Saab 900.

1997, The new Saab 9-5 is presented in Trollhättan, and the three-millionth Saab is produced that summer. 

The development of the Saab 9-5 retained existing Saabisms such as its world famous attention to safety, the curved C-pillar and the ergonomics of the vehicle - especially in respect of the driver. Saab set out to exceed the already high safety standards of the Saab 9000 and design the safest car possible.

Data from Saabs own tests and surveys from Folksam (the Swedish insurer), Euro NCAP and American HLDI all show that the Saab 9-5 is indeed the safest car that you can drive to date.

Saab reintroduced for the 9-5, the return of the floor mounted ignition and reverse gear lock that was absent from its predecessor, the Saab 9000.

Yet, another Saab innovation: ventilated front seats. It is the first time a passenger car, the new Saab 9-5, is offered with this feature.

2000, GM buys the reminder of Saab.

In 2003, the completely redesigned 9-3 SS is released in US.

The new Saab convertible is scheduled to be introduced to the US market in the Fall of 2003 (Swedes have to wait until Feb 2004). It's manufactured at the Magna-Steyr plant in Graz, Austria. It have automatic rollover bars that pops up from behind the rear seat, and the whole convertible frame is built out of Magnesium.

What the future holds may be within what  concept car 9-3 and prototype 9X shows, or the rumors of a 9-2 based on Subaru Impreza.

First official photo of the new 9-2X planned for release on the US and Canadien market early 2004. The 9-2X is built by Fuji Heavy Industries, Japan; which GM holds a 20 percent stake in.

Facts about Saab

Did you know that…. James Bond, special agent 007, drove a Saab 900 Turbo? Or that Grand Prix driver Sir Stirling Moss once navigated for Saab rally legend Erik Carlsson? And that Saab not only produced aircraft, but also a series of ultra-light caravans? Whatever your interest, we hope you’ll find this review of Saab’s first 60 years entertaining, informative, and even a little surprising in places – just as you would expect from the Saab brand. The first Saab car was revealed to the automotive world on 10th June 1947 in a staff canteen at the aircraft company’s Linköping headquarters in Sweden. Such humble beginnings marked the birth of what has become a major international brand, now represented in more than 60 countries all over the world. In celebration of our upcoming diamond jubilee, we’ve assembled a potpourri of 60 little ‘gems’. It’s intended to express something of the passion and tradition for innovative, independent thinking that continues to inspire the Saab brand and the development of its products today. 1. Greta Molander, a Swedish-born woman who began rallying in 1929, was the first driver to win a prize for Saab on the Monte Carlo Rally. She took the Ladies Cup in 1952, driving a Saab 92, ten years before Erik Carlsson achieved the first of his two Monte Carlo victories. 2. Saab once considered going into boatbuilding. In 1944, as war was drawing to a close, Saab the aircraft maker was looking to diversify into other products during peacetime. A number of aluminum-hulled boats, including some with hydrofoils in the bows, were built but, in the end, automobiles were considered to be a better bet. 3. It was back pain suffered by a senior Saab executive that prompted the development of the heated driver’s seat, an innovation from Saab in 1971. The pain was particularly bad on cold, frosty mornings and a colleague devised a means of heating the driver’s seat to minimize the discomfort. As the result was so effective, and also so popular, the solution was put into production. 4. A 1:10 scale model of an early Saab 92 prototype was tested in an aircraft wind tunnel in 1946. Such testing was very unusual for a production car manufacturer of the time but very much second nature for an aircraft maker. The final prototype’s 0.32 co-efficient of drag was exceptionally low for a production car of time and would still be competitive today. 5. Rather like the first T-model Ford, you could have an early Saab 92 in any color you liked – as long as it was bottle green. The paint was readily available in surplus army supplies left over from the war. Saab did not offer a color choice until 1952. 6. In 1993, Saab adopted a feature commonly found in aircraft cockpits when it introduced ‘need to know’ instrument and information illumination on the new Saab 900. The innovative ‘Night Panel’ feature on Saab cars allows the driver to eliminate potential distraction by switching off main fascia displays, except the speedometer and essential warning lights. 7. Saab engine guru Dr Per Gillbrand – often described as the father of the production turbo – has a very simple explanation for his commitment to turbocharging. “All engines have an oil pump, a fuel pump and a water pump”, he said. “So why not an air pump, which is all a turbo really is? I think it’s odd that all engines don’t have one!” 8. Saab staged what is probably the world’s highest car launch when it presented the Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon in 2000. At an airstrip near a New Mexico ski resort in the United States, 2,650 meters (8,700 ft) up in the Rockies, journalists were invited to carry out acceleration runs with the new Saab and other high-powered cars from premium class competitors. The results demonstrated how Saab Trionic engine management was able to maintain the turbo engine’s performance, despite the thinner air of high altitude, while the other cars that were left behind. 9. In 1966, to keep the arrival of the upcoming Saab 99 secret, endurance testing of prototypes was carried out inside an old aircraft hangar. Non- stop runs were conducted as the prototypes circled round and round for several days at a time to test driveshaft durability. 10. The best selling Saab of all-time is still the first generation ‘classic’ 900. A total of 908,817 were built between 1978 and 1993, of which 48,888 were Convertibles. Widely viewed as one of the most charismatic Saabs, many 900s are still seen on the road today, 13 years after production ceased. Some are treasured by collectors, but most are used for regular daily transport. Saab reliability and durability has enabled them to clock up extremely high mileages. 11. In 2006, 20 years after its launch, total sales of the Saab Convertible passed the quarter million mark, confirming Saab’s prominent position in Europe’s premium soft-top segment. In many markets, the Saab convertible has been the best-selling model in its class. 12. When the cameras roll and the action begins, it is the Saab Convertible that often gets the part. Jack Nicholson (As Good As It Gets), Matt Damon (The Bourne Supremacy), Richard Gere (Final Analysis), Paul Giamatti (Sideways), Jerry Seinfeld (Seinfeld TV show) and Reese Witherspoon (Sweet Home Alabama) have all appeared in a Saab Convertible on screen. 13. As early as 1952, Saab set an industry standard in locating the Saab 92’s fuel tank low down, between the rear wheels – for good impact protection and improved weight distribution. 14. In 1991, Saab set another industry design standard by introducing handy, under thigh, storage pouches on the leading edge of the front seat squabs on the new Saab 9000CS. This feature has now been commonly adopted by other manufacturers. 15. The smooth, choreographed action of the Saab 9-5’s cup-holder so impressed a UK journalist from the Times newspaper, he likened it to watching a Saab Gripen fighter rolling out of formation and lowering its undercarriage before coming into land. 16. Saab engineers love to ‘talk torque’ when discussing turbocharging, referring to the effortless, tidal wave of pulling power that is on tap without needing to ‘rev’ the engine hard. In fact, the long, flat torque ‘curve’ of a typical Saab turbo engine has frequently been likened to the plateau-like profile of Ayers Rock in Australia. 17. Gunnar Ljungström, the aircraft engineer who led the Saab 92 project, maintained a spirit for innovation long into his retirement. In his 80s, he designed a wooden chair that converted easily into a step ladder for elderly people in the home. It was produced for a time by a firm in Trollhättan, Saab’s home town. 18. There are several good reasons why the ignition in Saab cars is traditionally placed between the front seats. Good ergonomics, inherited from the cockpit design of Saab aircraft, dictated an easy-to-use location adjacent to the handbrake and gearshift lever. This position also reduces the risk of knee injury in a crash impact. And it is no coincidence that the central console is where most controls can be found in aircraft. 19. In 1985, long before green energy became an agenda item, Saab’s first concept car, EV-1, featured solar roof cells to power a ventilation fan to keep the interior cool when parked in hot temperatures. It also included integrated, self-repairing bumpers and an instrument ‘Night Panel’ facility, both features to appear on later production cars. 20. The design of the innovative rear cargo tracks on the Saab 9-5 SportCombis was inspired by the seat-mounting rails used in the cabin floors of passenger aircraft. The tracks are strong enough to support the entire weight of the car, as once demonstrated at a 1998 UK press launch, when the complete vehicle (minus fluids) was suspended on a crane from just two hooks in the tracks. 21. The stunning 2006 Aero X concept car draws on Saab’s aviation heritage to provide the driver with a clear, 180° field of vision by adopting an aircraft-style canopy to completely eliminate the need for windshield pillars – and even doors. Inspirational design that won US Autoweek magazine’s ‘Best in Show’ honors on its world debut at Geneva and Autocar’s ‘Concept Car of the Year’ award in the UK. 22. The brand name ‘Saab’ is an acronym for Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget, Swedish Aircraft Company Limited, founded in 1937. A stylized aircraft wing, a feature of early Saab car badges, can still be seen in the grille design of today’s cars as homage to Saab’s unique aircraft heritage. 23. According to popular myth, none of the 16-strong project team behind the first Saab car had a driving license. While that is not strictly true, most of them did not, as they were originally trained as aircraft engineers. We are certain only project leader Gunnar Ljungström and test driver Rolf Mellde had a car license. 24. The ‘92’ model designation was chosen for Saab’s first car as the number was next in sequence for what had until then been civil aircraft projects. The Saab 91 was a two-seater training aircraft and the Saab 90 a 24-seat passenger plane. 25. Sixten Sason, the designer of the early Saabs from the original 92 to the highly innovative 99, was a leading exponent of the emerging discipline of industrial design. Working as a freelance, he also designed the first Hasselblad camera, Husqvarna motorcycles and Electrolux domestic products. 26. The basement of a house in Trollhättan, Saab’s home town, has wall paintings of Nordic scenes, including a large sketch of the Saab 92, signed by Sixten Sason. The mural is dated 1955 and believed to been painted by Sason during a party at the house. 27. The ‘four dimensional’ Saab 9X concept – unveiled at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show – was voted Best Concept Car in the 2002 European Automotive Design Awards by Designers (Europe) members among car manufacturers, design studios and suppliers. The 9X’s innovative design offered coupé, roadster, wagon and pick-up body formats within one versatile architecture. 28. The Toppola Camper is an extraordinary accessory, popular in Sweden among hatchback Saab 99 and ‘classic’ 900 owners. It converts their cars into an instant ‘campervan’, complete with cooker, heater, rear standing room and a double bed. The entire module, resembling an automotive ‘rucksack’, is fitted by removing the car’s rear door. 29. The steel body panels of the first Saab prototype (92.001), built in 1946, were pummeled into shape by panel-beaters working on wooden benches standing in horse droppings. Apparently, this cushioned surface gave them just the right responses and feel for their work. An earlier full-scale wooden mock-up was covered in shiny, black shoe polish instead of paint. 30. The ‘unknown’ Saab models numbers – 94, 97 and 98 – were each used for car projects, one of which went into commercial production. Project number ‘94’ was a two-seater sports car, Sonnet 1, of which six prototypes were built in 1956. ‘97’ was assigned to what became the Sonett II and III sport coupés, produced from 1966-74. ‘98’ was a prototype designed in 1974 as a hatchback version of the 95 wagon. Anticipated sales volumes were considered insufficient to justify commercial production. 31. Erik Carlsson earned his nickname ‘On The Roof’ for early rally exploits in Sweden. It was also inspired by the ‘On The Roof’ Karlsson character in Astrid Lindgren children’s books. And he could even have earned it for a novel ‘roll-over’ technique he developed with co-driver Gunnar Palm to get their car out of the mud on another Safari rally. 32. Sten Wennlo, Saab’s Managing Director in the 70s, was a key supporter of turbo engine development. After a secret night-time turbo test drive, he stopped at a hot dog kiosk and phoned the engineering department to give the green light for production. The kiosk owner later became Saab’s first turbo customer. 33. In 1957, a press advertising photograph illustrating the versatile ‘beddable’ attributes of the Saab 93 caused controversy in Sweden. It showed a young couple settling down for the night on flat-folding seats inside the car – but the woman was clearly not wearing a wedding ring. This caused public objections and a ring was hastily drawn in on the woman’s finger. 34. In 1986 and again in 1996, a fleet of Saabs stormed the high speed Talladega Speedway in United States, setting a string of speed and endurance records for standard production cars. In 1986, the lead 9000 turbo covered 100,000 kms (62,140 miles), stopping only for servicing, fuel, tyre and driver changes, at an average speed of 213 kph (132 mph). Ten years later, the fastest 900 turbo covered 40,000 kms (24,800 miles), achieving an average speed of over 226 kph (140 mph). 35. ‘78 Saab’ is not another ‘missing’ Saab model designation, but the name of a popular Australian ‘soft rock’ band formed in June 2005. The name was adopted because one of the members owned a 1978 Saab when they were thinking of a catchy title for the band. 36. In the early 70’s Saab moved into international sponsorship by backing promising young Swedish athletes, helping to set tennis player Björn Borg and skier Ingemar Stenmark on the road to international stardom. Under the umbrella ‘SuperSwedes’, these two also helped launch the Saab 99 Turbo. 37. James Bond, special agent 007, drove a Saab 900 Turbo in the first three novels written by James Gardner in 1981-85, following the death of Bond creator Ian Fleming. A ‘replica’ of 007’s so-called ‘Silver Beast’ was built by Saab for promotional use and is now displayed in the Saab Car Museum. It features developments such as a built-in mobile phone with text messaging and tear gas ducts. 38. Erik Carlsson is the brother -in-law of GP legend Sir Stirling Moss, who was co-driver to Erik on the 1965 Safari Rally. They got lost and had to retire, but it was not Stirling’s fault – the navigation equipment was faulty. 39. In 1980, Saab produced an innovative promotional video featuring tennis star Björn Borg and rally ace Stig Blomqvist ‘doing each other’s jobs’. It showed Borg coaching Blomqvist at tennis and Blomqvist teaching Borg the finer arts of car control. Afterwards, Björn said it was the most nerve wracking experience he had ever had. But he was far better at rally driving than Stig was at trying to play tennis. 40. During the 60s, Saab produced a small caravan – the SAABO – in limited numbers. Light and simple, yet extremely versatile, several of these have survived and are valued among collectors. SAABOs are often seen at classic Saab gatherings, adding to the spirit of camaraderie among owners – and helping them save on hotel bills. 41. Senior Saab executives are currently participating in user trials of Saab’s AlcoKey, an innovative ‘alco-lock’ device that immobilises the car if the driver’s breath sample reading is found to be over the limit. The Saab volunteers are part of a 100-strong trial program underway in Sweden. The device has already won the Swedish Automobile Association’s 2006 award for innovations that contribute to improvements in safety or the environment. 42. Saab’s core real-life safety philosophy is born from its aviation heritage, where pilot and crew safety is always paramount. Saab’s current database of more than 6,100 real-life road accidents involving Saab cars goes right back to 1948, the first entry relating to an accident experienced by a Saab test driver. 43. The fastest production Saab ever is the current 9-3 Sport Sedan with a 250 hp, 2.8V6 turbo engine, also available in SportCombi and Convertible bodystyles. This sophisticated powerplant represents the state-of-the-art in turbo technology, drawing on Saab’s vast experience accumulated over almost 30 years since the launch of the first 99 Turbo. 44. In 1982, Saab was the first car manufacturer to take advantage of new materials to replace asbestos, introducing asbestos-free brake and clutch linings. In 1991, it also led the industry in eliminating CFC’s from in-car air conditioning systems. 45. In 1996, a Sonett 1 sports car from the Saab Museum – with Erik Carlsson at the wheel – set a new Swedish speed record of 159.4 kph (99 mph) for a 750 cc road car, exactly 40 years after it was built. All six Sonett 1’s that were produced still exist today, two of which are at the Saab Museum. 46. The Saab 9-5 BioPower is the only bioethanol-fueled car in the world to give the driver increased engine power and performance – as well as lower fossil CO2 emissions. That’s because its turbocharged engine allows Saab to exploit the higher octane rating of E85 fuel. Flex-fuel cars are able to run on gasoline and/or a renewable fuel, such as E85, which is 85% bioethanol and 15% gasoline. 47. For good roll-over protection, the windshield pillars and header rail on the current Saab 9-3 Convertible are strong enough to support a total weight of 3.5 tonnes, equivalent to 2.2 times the weight of the car. 48. A Saab car is designed to help you survive hitting a wild moose. Saab’s simulated moose crash test, developed in the mid-80s, involves the car striking a 350 kg (770 lbs) dummy moose head-on at 70 kph (43 mph). Hitting one of these large animals is a relatively common occurrence on rural roads in Sweden and the introduction of this demanding test is typical of Saab’s real-life safety approach. 49. In order to win his third RAC Rally in the UK in 1962, Erik Carlsson left a Saab 96 owner rather upset after ‘stealing’ a rear suspension component from his parked car to replace a broken piece on the rally car. The two became good friends afterwards. 50. The most ‘extreme’ development of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is Per Eklund’s 550 bhp entry in the European Rallycross Championship. With all-wheel-drive, it can accelerate from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) in 2.2 seconds, as fast as a Formula One car. 51. Saab’s real-life safety philosophy is also demonstrated by the development of the unique ‘pendulum’ B-pillar design on the Saab 9-3 and 9-5, found to be effective in helping to deflect side impact forces away from the passenger compartment. 52. In 1997, with the introduction of Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) on the 9-5 model, Saab led the auto industry in developing a system to help provide protection against whiplash neck injury in rear-end impacts. A Saab study published in the US Journal of Trauma in 2003 found a remarkable 75 per cent reduction in severe neck injuries when comparing the accident performance of Saab cars fitted with SAHR against older Saab models not equipped with the system. 53. The first hybrid vehicle entirely free of fossil fuel emissions is already here. The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept, based on a 9-3 Convertible and premiered at the 2006 Stockholm Motor Show, combines electric power generation with a turbo engine using 100% pure ethanol fuel. It is also the world’s first hybrid soft-top model. 54. Saab has already developed a flex-fuel engine that can run on pure E100 fuel – completely eliminating fossil-based CO2 exhaust emissions. The technology is showcased in the 400 bhp, twin-turbo engine of the award- winning 2006 Aero X concept car. 55. Saab calculates that a Saab 9-5 BioPower driver averaging 15,000 kms (9,300 miles) a year on E85 fuel (85% ethanol/15% gasoline) will consume 1,060 liters (233 gals) less gasoline, thereby significantly reducing fossil-based CO2 emissions. 56. Billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson drives a Saab 9-5 BioPower to demonstrate his commitment to greener motoring. Branson’s Virgin Group is to invest £1.6 billion over the next 10 years in the research and development of biofuels, including bioethanol, for transport. 57. Innovative Saab concepts that did not make production include a thermo-accumulator, designed to store engine heat for a quick warm-up during cold starts, and an exhaust gas storage bag, intended to briefly collect and then recycle exhaust emissions when the car’s catalyst gets up to working temperature. Installation and packaging issues prevented development for commercial production. 58. More than four million Saab cars have been produced since commercial production began in December 1949. The four millionth car, 9-3 SportCombi rolled off the production line in June 2005 and is now on display at the Saab Museum. Production milestones are being reached with increasing regularity. The millionth car – a Saab 99 Combi Coupé – was built in January 1976, the two millionth – a Saab 9000 Turbo – in March 1987 and the three millionth – a Saab 9-5 Sedan – in October 1997. 59. In the United States, a1989 Saab Turbo has clocked up more than 1 million miles (1.61m kms), equivalent to 40 trips round the world. Owner Peter Gilbert plans retiring the car to a local Wisconsin auto museum. 60. Saab enters its diamond jubilee year with global and European sales running at record levels. In 2006, over 130,000 cars were sold around the world, including more than 80,000 in Europe. Innovative concepts, such as the Saab Aero X and Saab BioPower Hybrid, point to an exciting future for the brand. And with new products coming in new market segments, the next 60 years for Saab are likely to be even more eventful.