Photo Credit: Saab History

The 1997 Saab 9000 CS is the first Saab we have had in the family purchased this past June from a private sale in which that owner was fortunately the first and only owner.

This model marks a completion of ownership of all 9000 body styles starting with and an 89 9000 CC, as well as an 89 9000 CD, while the body styles were all different, they were similiar in that they were all 5-speed models complete with turbochargers.

I would like to cover this review by highlighting the areas in terms of significant Saab brand pillars below:

The Durability:

This past weekend I embarked with my wife on a journey through the white mountains of Northern New Hampshire with the 9000 CS that currently has over 227,000 miles on the odometer. It was certainly still up to the challenge as you will read further.

The Performance:

The strong, yet slightly tired 2.3 liter turbocharged engine complete with Direct Ignition provided the just enough power for the hill climbing I needed and expected. The suspension system along with truly directional snow tires on steel wheels, provided the agility to make it around the sharp bends on the highway in the icy and snowy conditions without worrying about ruining summer alloy wheels or creating unnecessary vibrations to the suspension bits that all-seasons tires are notorious for.

The Versatility:

In an effort to reduce fuel consumption while adding more security to our belongings, I removed the ski rack from factory drilled holes, thule fairing and ski adapter in favor of inside storage this time around. The skis & snowboard were placed in the trunk through the 40/60 split seats that went perfectly flat, although not as smoothly and well designed as my 1989 9000CC (no need to remove headrest combined with a steel bracket hold on end of seat on this model). This 9000 also has the plastic trunk mat accessory with the 4″ lip surrounds which helped considerably given the mud, snow and ice mixture that our boots, and additional luggage had etc (the current accessories or 3rd party mats are not up to the challenge). This vehicle’s production year marked the beginning of the end of the incredible accessories such as this that the 9000 came with, so hopefully in the future Saab will decide to return to producing these items, now considered rare. The rubber floor mats that I also located, also sadly now rare, continued to provide at a minimum, stellar coverage of snow and ice for both the passenger and driver as we freqently found ourselves in and out of the car to clear off snow, ice and other debris during our travels.

The Safety:

The safety cage and dual airbags on this late-model Saab 9000 made us feel considerably safe, but just knowing about the two miraculous crashes on the bridge in Maine and with the moose in Vermont with a similiar model Saab 9000 CS, made us feel that much safer in this particular model. The heated seats, mirrors, headlight, windshield and rear wiper wash systems ensured that the driver was alert while also having optimum visibility at virtually all times. The integrated cornering fog lights are much less of a maintenance item than the previous 9000′s I have owned and seem to be more durable as a result of the design. In addition, the rear fog light unavailable in 9000 CC and 9000 CD models only available in the 9000 CS models, made me feel more responsible as I provided even more visibility to drivers in the rear of the vehicle.

The Accessibility:

Everything from the HVAC system to the Audio system, and all other critical systems were immediately accessible to me, ensured that my driving experience was safe, secure even in the extreme snow and ice conditions that I encountered.

The Experience:

The experience driving the Saab 9000 CS qualified and quantified the Saab difference systematically through all of the brand pillars and continues to capture the feeling of what makes me a devoted Saab owner and enthusiast.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

The Saab 9000 CS body style was introduced as a 1993 model year, ending the 9000 CC body style. The 9000 CS body style also was adapted to the 9000 CD in 1995 as well.

The 9000 CS was notable as it had a lower profile nose, complete with a more aerodynamic stance, with integrated fog lights on the front, while it had the largest carrying ability ever with over 55 cubic feet.

The final Saab 9000 – No. 503 087 – rolled out of the factory on 6 May 1998 for delivery to the Saab Car Museum.

This model for Saab came equipped with the following specifications:

Exterior: 5-door hatch, unibody construction, low profile nose, integrated fog lights, painted bumpers front and rear, rear wiper weighing in at 3110lbs.

MY 1994 Heat Absorbing Glass
MY 1995 New Tail Lights
MY 1997 Anniversary Edition, unique aluminum wheels, spoiler and skirts as 9000 aero, wood and leather trimmed steering wheel, two-color leather upholestery, Saab aircraft symbol embossed on backrests.
MY 1998 New Aluminum wheels with Saab Griffin Logo on hub caps

Interior:Cloth & Leather upholestered seats, driver’s & passenger side airbags standard.

Chassis: Long wheelbase, wide track, well balanced, macpherson struts, solid rear axle with shocks and springs

Engine:2.3 liter 16-valve turbo engine with 200hp and 330Nm of torque at 200rpm.

1993 MY Trionic System Introduced
1994 MY 2.3 liter LPT engine introduced
1995 MY 3.0 Liter V6 Now Available
1996 MY 2.3 liter Saab Ecopower engine introduced

Transmission:

5- Speed
Automatic

1994 Improved Automatic

Dimensions:

Wheelbase 105.2″
Front Track 59.9″
Rear Track 58.7″
Turning circle diameter 10.9″
Length 187.4″
Width 70″
Height 55.9″
Performance Max Speed 132mph
Acceleration 0-60 mph

Global Production:

Model Year – Units

1993 37,384
1994 32,196
1995 36,844
1996 32,992
1997 24,201
1998 2,540
Total 503,087

174, 525 CS models produced

The Saab 9000 CD (Classic Design) was first introduced as four-door sedan/saloon model in Nice in 1988.

The 9000 CD took on the facelifted body style of the 1991 9000 CC, however it was without a hatchback. 1992 marked a final “griffin edition” of the 9000 CD. A year later, the model was upgraded to a higher trim level known as the CDE. The CDE model had a CS body style facelift in 1995 where it continued until 1997.

Much like the first 9000 CC’s, three Saab 9000 CD’s took to talladega speedway in 1990 as well.

This model for SAAB came equipped with the following specifications:

Exterior: 4-door sedan, unibody construction, 9000 CC facelifted appearance, slant nose chrome grille, headlights, integrated fog lights in spoiler, darkened tail lights, alloy wheels 6″ width x 15″, 3110lbs

1993 MY Model Converted to CDE
1995 MY Model Converted to CS Body Style, white directional lights introduced except U.S. & Canada

Interior: Fully appointed interior, cloth and leather,full cockpit inspired dash, with dash mounted ignition (departure from console mounted ignition), ski pass through.

1988 MY Automatic seat tensioners
1990 MY Driver’s Side Airbag standard
1992 MY Passenger Side Airbag standard

Chassis: Long wheelbase, wide track, well balanced, macpherson struts, solid rear axle with shocks and springs

1992 MY Traction Control Introduced

Engine:

2.0 Liter 16 valve 175hp Engine, transversely mounted, bosch LH fuel injection system, fuel tank capacity, 17.4 US/68 liters, 9.0:1 compression

1988 MY Water-cooled turbocharger
1990 MY Direct Ignition Introduced
1991 MY 2.3 Liter Engine Introduced, balance shafts present, 150hp, 212Nm of torque at 3800rpm. New Mitsubishi turbocharger
1992 MY 2.3 liter engine turbo introduced with 200hp and 330Nm of torque at 200rpm.
1993 MY Trionic System Introduced
1994 MY 2.3 liter LPT engine introduced
1995 MY 3.0 Liter V6 Now Available
1996 MY 2.3 liter Saab Ecopower engine introduced

Transmission:

1986 MY 5- Speed, front wheel drive
1987 MY Four-Speed Automatic Transmission, front wheel drive

Dimensions:

Wheelbase 105.2″
Front Track 59.9″
Rear Track 58.7″
Turning circle diameter 10.9m
Length 188.2″
Width 69.4″
Height 55.9″
Performance Max Speed 132mph
Acceleration 0-60 mph 8.8 secs

Global Production:

Model Year – Units

1988 52,199
1989 49,556
1990 45,648
1991 45,533
1992 45,906
1993 37,384
1994 32,196
1995 36,844
1996 32,992
1997 24,201

112,177 9000 CD models produced

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

The Saab 9000 was unveiled at the Kolmarden Zoo and game park 24 May 1984, one hour South of Nykoping, Sweden, Saab’s former head office. The 9000 CC was co-developed by Saab-Scania’s Car Division as well as Lancia, Fiat & Alfa-Romeo following the Saab 600.

This model was designed by the Italian, Giorgetto Giugiaro as well as Swedish designer Björn Envall. The 9000 had over 2 million miles of testing and development devoted towards it and was built in both Trollhättan, Sweden as well as Uusikaupunk, Finland

As a tribute to the endurance that this car had, there were numerous tests conducted such as the Talladega “Long Run” in 1986. In 1990, the 9000 also won the guinness book of world records in for distance traveled.

The Saab 9000 began design all the way back in 1974, but was first produced in 1985 and lasted until 1992, until a new CS body style was built. However, some years after the 9000 CC was produced, a 9000 CD showed up in 1988 and was produced until 1997, later to be alongside the CS.

This model for SAAB came equipped with the following specifications:

Exterior: 5-Door Hatchback design with sedan appearance, unibody construction, chrome grille, flat nose, flat headlights, rear wrap-around spoiler, alloy wheels 6″ width x 15″, 3058lbs.

1986 MY Side Marker lenses on fender, spoiler only on hatch
1991 MY New Facelift on model, new forward facing front bumper, grille, headlights and cornering lights, and trimwork is all black from previous aluminum, fog lights integrated into spoiler, reinforced crash protection.

Interior: Fully appointed interior, cloth and leather,full cockpit inspired dash, with dash mounted ignition (departure from console mounted ignition), seats folded flat with brackets for large storage room.

1987 MY Variable Seat Heating
1988 MY Automatic seat tensioners]
1990 MY Driver’s Side Airbag standard
1992 MY Passenger Side Airbag standard

Chassis: Long wheelbase, wide track, well balanced, macpherson struts, solid rear axle with shocks and springs

1987 MY ABS Introduced as Option
1992 MY Traction Control

Engine:

2.0 Liter 16 valve 175hp Engine, transversely mounted, bosch LH fuel injection system, fuel tank capacity, 17.9 US/68 liters, 9.0:1 compression

1988 MY Water-cooled turbocharger
1990 MY Direct Ignition Introduced
1991 MY 2.3 Liter Engine Introduced, balance shafts present, 150hp, 212Nm of torque at 3800rpm. New Mitsubishi turbocharger
1992 MY 2.3 liter engine turbo introduced with 200hp and 330Nm of torque at 200rpm.

Transmission:

1986 MY 5- Speed, front wheel drive
1987 MY Four-Speed Automatic Transmission, front wheel drive

Dimensions:

Wheelbase 2672mm
Front Track 1522mm
Rear Track 1492m
Turning circle diameter 10.0m
Length 4620mm
Width 1764mm
Height 1430mm
Performance Max Speed 132mph
Acceleration 0-60 mph 8.8 secs

Global Production:

Model Year – Units

Year
1984 470
1985 13,721
1986 34,816
1987 49,081
1988 52,199
1989 49,556
1990 45,648
1991 45,533
1992 45,906

Photo Credit: Randolph Herald

In 2003, a Vermont couple survived a crash with a moose thanks to their Saab 9000 CS. According to the Randolph Herald.

We know the Saab 9000 is structurally rigid and a remarkable crash test performer, but this the first I have heard about its strengths during moose encounters. I wonder how they learned about this safety measure in the A-pillar of the Saab, perhaps from watching this film some years earlier?

It is great to hear that yet again, Saabs safety saves lives and makes me and my wife feel a little better knowing that our 9000 CS is also prepared to sacrifice itself to save us in the event of an accident.

I encourage you to read this story below:

Carl and Ann Brandon of Randolph Center credit their 9000 Saab and its moose-proof construction with saving their lives.

A Sunday night collision with a moose on I-89 in Royalton sent the Saab on a brief but harrowing high-speed trip: Carl steering blind across all four lanes of the interstate with his broken windshield covered with moose parts.

In the end, the Saab was totaled, but the Brandons climbed out of it with only a few scrapes and cuts.

Car-moose collisions are often fatal for both the animal and humans, as moose, much taller than deer, will fall onto the windshield and roof, splintering glass and crushing in the metal. There was a fatal crash on the Interstate several years ago, not far from where the Brandons encountered their moose this week.

Saabs, according to Brandon, “are the only car in the world actually tested for moose impact.”

Manufactured in Sweden where there are plenty of moose, Saabs feature heavy-gauge corner posts “designed so the moose will go over, rather than flatten, the car,” Carl explained.

Moose, darker than deer and with little “eye shine” to alert drivers that an animal is in the road, are also notoriously hard to spot.

To Read The rest of this incredible story, please visit the Randolph Herald.

Photo Credit: Saab-Scania

In 1990, the Saab 9000i made the Guiness Book of World Records with the fastest travelled in the shortest amount of time from Skagen in Northern Denmark to Gilbralter, Spain and back again.

The trip of 7230 km in 63 hours and 17 minutes was quite impressive, as if the 1986 Saab 9000 debut at Talladega titled the “Long Run” was not enough to show how much these cars could really endure!

This is definitely one for the record books for Saab’s history here on Saabhistory.com

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

In 1992, Saab Automobile manufactured a limited edition Saab 9000 CD Turbo called the “Griffin Edition”.

This model was limited to 400 for the United States as illustrated by the dash plaque showing what number out of the total production you owned.

This model not only completed the Saab 9000 CD range that began in 1988 and ended in 1992. This model, also completed the 9000 CC body style that began in 1985, continued until 1990, including facelifts to the range in 1991 and 1992.

Here are details that made this model unique in comparison to the other models at the time.

Exterior:

Eucalyptus Green Exterior

Interior:

Burled walnut fascia

Taupe leather & suede combination seats

Portable Celullar telephone

Engine: 200 horsepower Turbocharged engine

Pricetag : $40,000 USD

This past weekend, after an intense collaborative with friends on eliminating all remaining electrical gremlins from the Saab 9000, I managed to visit Sweden, Maine this past weekend!

I thought this visit certainly qualified for a “Saab Sighting of the week” with more of a focus on the location over the Saab itself.

Next June, I will plan on visiting the official villages where Swedish Immigrants arrived from Sweden in Northern Maine, those being “New Sweden” & “Stockholm”, respectively for their Midsommar celebrations June 20th-22nd, 2009. Stay tuned!

As a follow-up to the previous writeup on the past and present Saab designers and their achievements, it was necessary to include a chronological up-to-date listing of Saab projects both production and concepts.

This listing includes each Saab project, year introduced along with each designer and/or engineer that contributed to the given project.

This list is a work-in-progress, so any additions and/or modifications that you see necessary below, please add your comments to ensure correctness and accuracy.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile

Design Contributions by Model

SAAB Scandia 90 (1946-1958)

Bror Bjurströmer

SAAB 91 (1947-1966)

A.J. Andersson

SAAB 92001 (Prototype) (1946/1947)

Sixten Sason

Gunnar Ljungström

SAAB 92 (1948-1956)

Sixten Sason

Gunnar Ljungström

SAAB 93 (1956-1959)

Sixten Sason

SAAB 94 (1956)

Sixten Sason

SAAB 95 (1959-1978)

Sixten Sason

SAAB 96 (1960-1980)

Sixten Sason

SAAB-SCANIA 97 (SonettII/V4 1966-1969) (SonettIII 1970-1974)

Björn Karlström

Sergio Coggiola

Gunnar A. Sjögren

SAAB-SCANIA 98 (Prototype, Cancelled) (1974)

Björn Envall

SAAB-SCANIA 99 (1969-1984)

Sixten Sason

Björn Envall

Saab 90 (1984-1987)

Björn Envall

SAAB-SCANIA 900 (1979-1993/94)

Björn Envall

SAAB-SCANIA EV-1 (1985)

Björn Envall

Saab 900 (NG) (1994-1998)

Björn Envall

Einar Hareide

SAAB-SCANIA 9000 (1985-1998)

Björn Envall

Giorgetto Giugiaro

Saab 9-1 (Speculative Design)

Saab 9-3 (1999-2002)

Einar Hareide

Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan (2003- )

Einar Hareide

Saab 9-3 Hybrid BioPower Convertible (2006 – )

Kjell ac Bergström

Saab 9-5 (1999- )

Einar Hareide (1999-2001)

Tony Catignani (1999-2001)

Magnus Jonsson (1999-2001)

Simon Padian (2002- )

Tomas Ostlund (2006 – )

Saab 9-5 BioPower E85 (2005 – )

Kjell ac Bergström

Saab 9-5 BioPower E100 (2007 – )

Kjell ac Bergström

Saab 9-X (2001)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Ola Granlund

Simon Padian

Saab 9-X BioHybrid (2008)

Anthony Lo

Andrew Dyson

Bryan Nesbitt

Saab 9-2X (2005-2006)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Ola Granlund

Per Jansson

Bengt Persson

Kjell-Ake Eriksson

Saab 9-3X (2002)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Simon Padian

Saab 9-3 SportHatch (2003)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Simon Padian

Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept (2008)

Anthony Lo

Andrew Dyson

Bryan Nesbitt

Kaj Zackrisson (Skier)

Saab 9-6X (Cancelled)

Saab 9-7X (2005-2009)

Per Janssan

Aero-X(2006)

Anthony Lo

Alex Daniel

Erik Rokke

Simon Padian

Was it not 36 hours ago when I posted about the grave matter of sending perfectly good Saabs to the crusher or cars that suffered an unfortunate ownership at the hands of a negligent owner? Yesterday was one of the rare occasions that yielded a happy ending for both the seller and the buyer!

So I was working out in the cloudy, cold and rainy environs of my screened-in porch around lunchtime yesterday when the cell phone started buzzing away flashing “Ryan” on the screen. Well, sure enough it was Ryan and he told me about this guy who had just called his buddy’s shop looking to offload a 1997 9000 CS. By offload, I mean it in the worst possible way… the guy was on the verge of calling the junkyard to have a perfectly running and driving car sent to the crusher for the lack of a “proper buyer”.

Granted, the 9000 is a really nice car, but it’s not for everyone. I had one sitting on my front lawn for four months a few years ago before someone came and bought it on Christmas Eve. The parts can be a touch expensive and hard to find, and that naturally strikes it off the lists of many would-be buyers. This guy selling the car knew that; knowing that the hood was chipped, headlight was cracked and it sat for a year, Ryan and I went to save it from a fate worse than sitting in a driveway for all eternity waiting for a buyer.

When we arrived, the 9000 was purring in the driveway as the clouds started to break. The car was beautiful – black paint in need of a little TLC, sand beige leather interior, manual tranny, 220k miles (hardly broken in!) and nothing of any major significance wrong with it. It didn’t take long to walk around the thing and think up a quick offer. Offer accepted, Ryan called for the trusty AAA Plus tow back to the central part of the state so his mechanic could start fixing it up for road use.

The 9000 is safely in the hands of a trusted Saab mechanic at this time, getting ready for Ryan’s fiancée to drive it as a daily driver.

The rare ASC-built 1989/1990 SAAB 9000 2 Door Concept Car is for sale by a private party.

I believe the ultimate owner of this vehicle should be either the Saab Car Museum in Trollhättan, Sweden or the Saab USA Heritage Collection in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

For those who don’t know, ASC or “American Sunroof Company”, worked with Bob Sinclair to create the first Saab Convertible back in 1983.

If you are interested in buying this car, please inquire within by sending an e-mail directly to info (at) saabhistory.com or contact me directly.

Here are the details from the owner:

Rare opportinuty to own a concept car. This vehicle was shown at multiple auto shows around the world in 1989 & 1990. This is the only one of its kind. No expense was spared in creating this vehicle.

This custom built coupe retains all of the premium amenities and high performance features of the standard four door Saab CD (Turbo). Accomplishing this body redesign required relocation of the ‘B’ pillars, new doors and interior trim panels, fabrication of new side glass, and construction of new side moldings and ‘C’ pillar trim details.

Other modifications include suspension being lowered two inches, 16 inch ROH wheels P225/50 series tires, fabrication of front air dam with integral driving lamps, lower body appliques, a rear valance panel with integral exhuast tip and a rear deck lid spoiler. The vehicle is finished in Black Cherry monochromatic paint with a tan leather interior.

Please contact Saab History if you are serious about purchasing this vehicle and for more details.

Photo Credit: International Motorsports Hall Of Fame

There has always been the understanding that the 1986 Talladega “Long Run” event that Saab Automobile ran, consisted of three 1987 Saab 9000 Turbo models.

This information has always been true until I have made this late breaking discovery. In my recent dialog with the folks at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum in Talladega, Alabama, where the original Talladega event took place, I have found out there has been a fourth model!

This discovery consists of a never before known, super rare 1987 Saab 9000 Turbo designated as #4, whereby previously we all understood there to be only three vehicles that participated in the “Long Run” event at Talladaga Super Speedway back in October of 1986, and what’s more, this Saab 9000 is painted “black”!

This leaves, number 1 which we do not know the whereabouts of, then other two vehicles, numbers 2 and 3 respectfully, which reside at the Saab Museum in Trollhattan, Sweden as well as the Saab USA Heritage Collection in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

I am truly surprised about this recent discovery and hope that there can be more information provided when it comes to this extremely rare, never believed to exist 4th Talladega “Long Run” Saab 9000 Turbo. In scanning both the Saab “Long Run” video as well as the Saab Long Run “The Fastest” Promotional video, I have not seen this “black” 9000 Talladega model at all, so again, I am speechless.

Update: This just in from Saab History frequenter, Peter Hornby:

The English edition of “The spirit of Saab” notes on page 170 that a black 9000T was used for initial testing at the Talledega circuit, and later as a camera car for the main attempt (so not seen in any photos !).

More info :

test manager : Olle Granlund
dates : 29 Sept – 5 October
distance : 20,047 km
Ave speed : 212 km/h (excluding pit stops), 203 km/hr including pit stops
pit stops : included manual refuelling
fuel consumption : approx 30l / 100km (I got 9.9 l / 100km over 45,000 km which included high speed travel in Germany)

9000-#4 donated to IMHOF by Saab Scania of America 1987

If you are interested in seeing this super rare “black” 1987 Saab 9000 Talladega #4 in real life, please visit the International Motorsports Hall of Fame (IMHOF) at the following address where you can even purchase museum tickets online. The IMHOF opened in April of 1983 and offers more than 120 racing vehicles and memorabilia dating back to 1902, spans three buildings and enclosed courtyard, so plan your time accordingly!

International Motorsports Hall Of Fame
3198 Speedway Boulevard
Talladega, AL 35161
256-362-5002

http://www.motorsportshalloffame.com/

Photo Credit: Saab-Scania AB

The remaining 1987 Saab 9000 Turbo Talladega with designation #1 has been historically known to be safely residing at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, however after some time and effort, I can tell you it is not there. The question I now ask the international Saab community is, where is it?

For the record this vehicle along with two others, participated in the “Long Run” event at Talladega Super Speedway in Talladega, Alabama back in October of 1986.

The other two vehicles, numbers 2 and 3 respectfully, currently reside at the Saab Museum in Trollhattan, Sweden as well as the Saab USA Heritage Collection in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

If you are interested in helping Saab History locate this last remaining model, please contact me.

A man driving a later model Saab 9000 in Maine recently was travelling on an overpass and hit ice and consequently launched off of the road and was airborn until he landed about 30 feet below on top of a guard rail alongside Interstate 95.

Once again, thanks to Saab’s safety cage and other innovative safety features this man is alive as a result.

Enjoy the piece below thanks to Maine Today:

Photo Credits: Maine Today

PITTSFIELD — In one of the more spectacular area car accidents in recent memory, a Burnham man in a Saab sailed off an overpass and landed on a guardrail on Interstate 95.

Franz Spiegel, 43, of Burnham, complained of chest pains, but survived. He was the only person involved in the accident, according to Maine State Trooper Derrick Record.

“When I heard the call, I was expecting a fatal,” he said. “He probably wasn’t going a ridiculous speed for the road, but it was probably too fast for conditions.”

Spiegel had been traveling from Burnham to Canaan when he hit an icy patch on the bridge and veered up onto the guard rail around 10 a.m. Sunday. While Spiegel was being loaded into an ambulance, a walk up to the top of the overpass revealed snow and ice that had been packed into rounded bobsled-like chute over the interstate.

It was the ramping effect of the packed ice sloping up to the guardrails, coupled with perhaps a little too much speed, which enabled Spiegel’s vehicle to slide up onto the guardrail, according to another Maine State Trooper, Sean Kinney.

“Luckily, he landed so most of the vehicles” did not have a difficult time avoiding the Saab, Kinney said.

Several drivers witnessed Spiegel’s Saab slide along six sections of guardrail along the Johnson Flat Road overpass — roughly the width of the two interstate lanes plus the areas on the shoulders — before plummeting to the highway below, Kinney said.

No witnesses stayed at the scene long enough to be interviewed, however.

The car landed rear-first and upright, straddling the guardrail along the northbound lanes of Interstate 95, its back end teetering over a snowbank and its front end hanging over the asphalt shoulder.

Both rear wheels appeared to have broken from the axle and dangled at odd angles. Fluids and broken glass collected below the front end of the vehicle before it was lifted onto a flat-bed truck and towed away.

Traffic was light, as it was a Sunday morning. Cars and tractor-trailers backed up perhaps a half a mile while first responders worked to clear the left lane. At about 11 a.m., fire trucks were beginning to pull away from the scene.

Joel Elliott

Source: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/4801830.html

Image Credit: Saab History

As a follow-up to the posting I made back in November of 2006 on the logo history, it is about time that I compliment this information with the following on the correct capitalization and nomenclature of the models of the Saab Automobile brand. I hope this sheds some more light in our dialog about Saabs, SAABs and all of the great products that have been developed over the years.

I have provided a fairly well written piece already done on Wikipedia that I would like to articulate if I may regarding the correct capitalization and model nomenclature as a guide.

It is my hope that as a result of this posting, others will be able to better articulate their writing and speaking when referring to all of Saab’s products from 1947 until present. I also think that this posting will help to end search criteria that is typically entered in Google as follows: (SAAB 93 XWD, SAAB 92 ABS, Saab 94 Ski Rack, 2001 SAAB 95, 1999 93, etc.) If this search criteria was taken literally, as it should as google can only do just that, we would have had Cross Wheel Drive available in the late 1950′s, ABS in the late forties, and two long production runs for the SAAB Ninety Five and Ninety Three. Let’s hope that this clarifies this naming and model nomenclature once and for all.

1947-1969 (Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget)

The Company: When referring to the company in both written and oral communication where the products were produced between 1947 and 1969, it is proper to use SAAB in all capital letters to refer to these vehicles.

The Models: When referring to vehicles model nomenclature in both written and oral communication that were produced during this time, they are written and pronounced as 92 (Pronounced: Ninety Two), 92 (Pronounced: Ninety Three), 94 (Pronounced: Ninety Four), 95 (Pronounced: Ninety Five), 96 (Pronounced: Ninety Six), 97 (Pronounced: Ninety Seven)

1970-2000 (Saab-Scania)

* Note: Although the merger took place in 1990, the original products continued. (excluding NG900, 9-3 & 9-5)

The Company: When referring to the company in both written and oral communication where the products were produced between 1970 and 1990, it is proper & acceptable to refer to them as Saabs in lower case letters or Saab-Scania vehicles, also in lower case letters.

The Models: When referring to vehicles model nomenclature in both written and oral communication that were produced during this time, they are written and produced as 97 (Pronounced: Ninety Seven), 98 (Pronounced: Ninety Eight), 99 (Pronounced: Ninety Nine), 90 (Pronounced: Ninety), 900 (Pronounced: Nine Hundred), 9000 (Pronounced: Nine Thousand), 9-5 (Pronounced: Nine Five), NG900 (Pronounced: New Generation 900), 9-3 (Pronounced: Nine Three).

2001 – Present (Saab Automobile / General Motors)

The Company: When referring to the company in both written and oral communication where the products were produced between 2001 and the Present, it is proper & acceptable to refer to them as Saab in lower case letters and/or Saab Automobile / GM vehicles.

The Models: When referring to vehicles model nomenclature in both written and oral communication that were produced during this time, they are written and produced as 9-X (Pronounced: Nine X), 9-2x (Pronounced: Nine Two X), 9-3x (Pronounced: Nine Three X), 9-3 (Pronounced: Nine Three), 9-4x (Pronounced: Nine Four X), 9-5 (Pronounced: Nine Five), 9-7x (Pronounced: Nine Seven X)

I leave you with a brief summary from Saab Automobile’s entry from Wikipedia.

Saab / SAAB Correct Capitalization and Model Nomenclature:

While Saab is in fact an acronym, and, as with many other manufacturers, the word “SAAB” appears in all-capitals within the corporate emblem and in on-vehicle badging, the current correct capitalization of Saab when in print is “Saab,” and not “SAAB.”[citation needed] Other manufacturers such as Volvo, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, and Chevrolet employ the use of all-capitalized vehicle badging, but they are still considered proper names and capitalized as such when written. Likewise, Saab is treated as a proper name and not an acronym, despite its origins..”[citation needed]

Furthermore, all current Saab vehicles are badged with a large 9 and a smaller 3, 5, or 7x following the 9, such as “9³”. However, the digits are considered separate, and are spoken as, for example, “nine three,” and written as “9-3.” Nearly every Saab model ever produced has begun with the number 9 (Saab 600 being an exception), and Saab’s two models became 9-3 and 9-5 in the late 1990s, which was likely a marketing attempt at positioning the vehicles as direct competitors to the BMW 3-series and 5-series, respectively.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_Automobile

This film is a mix of a variety of films such as Saab Suite, Saab Aircraft Suite and other footage.

I find the promotional film kind of funny to watch, but I do appreciate the good footage of the Saab models it includes. Enjoy.

This film can be found permanently in the Saab Film Archive within the “1990″ section.

This 1985 Saab 900 Aero model is showcased on a beach where a bmw owner witnesses a Saab Enthusiast polishing the Saab, asks for a test drive around the beach with the owner, then goes into the dealership the next day to look into trading in the bwm for a Saab.

This film has been added to the film archive in the “1990″ section, but feature older models like the 1985 900 “Aero” as well as the first appearance of the 9000 that came without side-marker lenses as well a wrap-around spoiler.

I like this promotional video because I think that it shows that a Saab Enthusiast can offer quite a bit to the Saab Automobile brand. I think us Saab Enthusiasts can do an even better job for the Saab Automobile than we do today, by using real metrics when it comes to how we promote Saab with regards to actual sales and other important areas. If we are able to start measuring our success in promoting Saab, we would be able to show exactly how we contribute to the growth of Saab Automobile, leading to a win-win for both Saab and their large following of growing enthusiasts worldwide.

Enjoy the video and lets start brainstorming!

Photo Credit: GM Heritage Collection

1993 Saab 9000 CS Cross-Cut Saab USA Heritage Collection. At this time, Saab History has no additional information on this car other than that it is part of the Saab USA Heritage Collection at this time other than the label on the car and year is totally incorrect.

Photo Credit: Saab History

The Saab Technical Center is located across the street from the Saab Factory in Trollhättan, Sweden.

It is at this facility that there are resources to design, test and develop Saab cars to meet todays and tomorrows automobile requirements in terms of safety, efficiency and environmental standards.

I have provided a video which is the most recent video I have that covers the history of the Saab Technical Center in 1989 while also covering how the design process of a car is designed around the human from concept, design development to the final testing procedures before production can commence at the Saab Factory.

This video focuses around the 10 year research and development of the Saab 9000 from schematic design to design development to final production that was initially unveiled in 1984.

Photo Credit: Saab History

The Saab Factory in Trollhättan, Sweden began production in December of December of 1949 of the SAAB 92. At that time, the factory still exhibited it’s aircraft heritage with an air traffic control tower and wind sock elements that were built back in 1937 when they were manufacturing airplanes. From 1947 until 1949, SAAB built automobiles such as the 92001 prototype (URSAAB) and the SAAB 92 in Linköping, Sweden.

At the time of completion of the SAAB factory in 1949, the space available for automobile production covered approximately 190,000 square feet (17,700 sq. meters). This space consisted of the press, body and assembly, engine & transmission construction, upholstery and paint shops and lastly final assembly and adjustment areas. The SAABs built per day at the time were three to four which resulted in 1,246 SAAB 92 cars built in the first year, model year 1950.

In the 10 years of airplane production and 57 years of automobile production that have taken place at the SAAB factory in Trollhättan, the classic Saab 900 that began production in 1979 and ended in 1993 and 1994 with the convertible still remains the leader in units producted with nearly 1 million (908, 810)

Today, the Saab Automobile factory has increased dramatically over the years to include a number of enhancements, additions and expansions to the press, body assembly and most recently the paint shop in 2000. The inventory system the factory uses today is referred to as “Just In Time” or JIT where all materials and supplies are made available only for what is being produced at the present time, therefore there will be no overstock or wasted materials.

It is also worth mentioning that all vehicles produced in the Saab Automobile factory in Trollhättan, Sweden are all built on specific demand from Saab Automobile dealerships worldwide.

The Saab Automobile cars that are produced at the factory today include the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, Saab 9-3 SportCombi, Saab 9-5 Sedan and the Saab 9-5 SportCombi.

At the recent Saab Festival celebrating 60 years of an automobile manufacturer (3 years in Linköping, and 57 in Trollhättan), I had along with many, the opportunity to tour the factory. Factory tours are available year-round with advanced notice. While there are no opportunities for photos nor videos to be taken during the tours, I have been able to provide you some of the most recent footage of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan being manufactured in the factory from the first model year, 2003.

Sources:

* Saab Automobile AB
* Sjogren, Gunnar A. The SAAB Way, the first 35 years of Saab cars, 1949-1984 Nyköping, Sweden Österbergs Tryckeri AB, 1984.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

2007-06-01

CONTACTS

Saab 60th Anniversary

Carlsson’s Choice: Erik Selects Six Favorites from Saab’s Hall of Fame

The career of Eric (Mr Saab) Carlsson, international rallying’s first superstar, spans six decades. It has taken him from test driving in Trollhättan, to the top of the podium in Monte Carlo and on to a globe-trotting role as Saab’s international ambassador. Here Erik chooses his six favorite Saabs, one from each decade. His recollections, and the cars themselves, tell the story of how the automotive aspirations of an aircraft manufacturer took wing.

As a young boy, Erik Carlsson used to stand on the perimeter of his local airfield in Trollhättan and admire the aerobatics of Saab aircraft flying overhead. Little did he know that Saab would one day start making cars and that he would play a key role in its growth as an auto maker.

Erik’s legendary exploits at wheel of the ‘little red cars from Sweden’ include two back-to-back victories in the Monte Carlo Rally and a hat-trick of wins in the British RAC Rally. His success in the early Sixties launched Saab as a global car brand and today, at 78 years young, Erik still plays an active part in Saab activities.

Preparing to lead the celebrations for Saab’s 60th Anniversary next week, he is happy to take up the theme by identifying his six favorite Saab cars, one from each decade.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

1950s
“I think we all have a special place in our heart for our first car, “ he says. “In my case it was a Saab 92, in green like they all were then, which I bought second-hand from a farmer in Trollhättan. It was 1952, I was 23 and I had started a job at a local garage.

“Saab was the big local company and they had just started making cars. It was an exciting time and the 92 really was something different from other cars, with its streamlined shape and aircraft engineering. Most cars then had a separate body and chassis bolted together, but the 92 had one single body structure, as most cars do these days. It was light but extremely strong, as I found in my rallying.

“It also handled really well with the front wheel drive. It had a small engine but I could go quicker than larger cars that had quite a bit more power.”

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

1960s
Erik’s success in local rallying events at the wheel of his 92 quickly led to full-time employment with Saab as a test and development and works rally driver. His ‘Saab of the 60s’ is the famous Saab 96 that brought international rally success for him and for the company. More than 500,000 examples were to be sold in a production run spanning almost 20 years.

“The 96 had more power, good suspension, disc brakes and great handling. We didn’t have a roll-over cage, but with the 96 you didn’t need one, as I appreciated a few times. Although I got the nickname ‘Carlsson on the Roof’, I don’t think I rolled all that many times. But I remember one occasion when I rolled over in a ditch and water was coming in. It was like sitting in an aquarium but the roof pillars were extremely strong so we weren’t drowned or hurt much at all.”

The aircraft engineering tradition of combining strength with light weight helped establish the popularity of the Saab 96 and in snowy and icy conditions Erik was able to fully exploit its sure-footed handling. But he also has a soft spot for the sister car of the 96, the Saab 95 wagon.

“Quite a few eyebrows were raised when I did the ’61 Monte Carlo with one. It was unheard of to use a wagon or estate car but the 95 handled and drove every bit as well as the 96. I was fourth that year. We used the wagon, together with its aerofoil on the roof, because it had just come out with a four-speed gearbox, which really helped on the steep alpine passes.”

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

1970s
Carlsson’s choice as ‘Saab of the 70s’ is the now iconic, black Saab 99 Turbo. “A lot of people at the time said we wouldn’t get turbocharging to work for passenger cars,” says Erik. “ I would say history has proved them wrong.”

These days, the words ‘turbocharging and Saab’ are as closely associated as ‘peaches and cream’ or ‘bacon and eggs’ , but back in 1977, exactly 30 years ago, when the 99 Turbo was unveiled, Saab surprised the automotive world by declaring that it had succeeded in ‘taming the turbo’ .

“The 99 was a great chassis and with the turbo we had real power to exploit its potential,” says Erik, who remembers secret forest test driving and his first experiences of the explosive performance on full boost. “We had to do a lot of work to control the boost, to stop the engine blowing up and to get the power on the ground. But, of course, we showed it could be done and just about everyone now uses turbocharging.”

The logic behind getting ‘big engine power from a small engine’, or ‘right-sizing’ as Saab calls it, is even more attractive these days, with the need to save weight, reduce bulk and improve fuel consumption. “Our top engineer, Pelle Gillbrand, who led the project, used to put it very simply,” says Erik. “He would explain that all engines have a fuel pump, a water pump and an oil pump – so why not an air pump? That’s all a turbo really is and he thought it was strange that all engines didn’t have one.”

With its wraparound, cockpit-inspired windshield, ‘clampshell’ hood and ‘self-repairing’ bumpers, the bold and distinctive looks of the larger Saab 99 took Saab upmarket, a process continued by its evolution into the ‘classic’ Saab 900, of which more than 900,000 were sold.

“The first production cars in jet black and cardinal red had Inca ally wheels, which were intended to symbolize the turbine of turbo, not a cheese-grater, as some people suggested,” laughs Erik. “It was, and still is, a very distinctive car. We had the ignition key between the seats on the floor and people were always surprised by that. But why not? There were valid reasons for it, to do with ergonomics and good crash impact safety. It’s like the throttle controls of an aircraft, between the seats in the cockpit. We still have it today and that’s another feature where I think we have proved the sceptics wrong!”

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

1980s
Carlsson’s choice for the ‘Saab of the 80s’ – the Saab 900 Convertible – surprised the automotive world when it was revealed as a design study at the Frankfurt Show in the autumn of 1983. “I don’t think anyone was expecting Saab to come up with a convertible,“ says Erik. “After all, it is not the kind of car that that a Scandinavian manufacturer was expected to produce, but it turned out to be an outstanding success.”

Back in the 80s, convertibles were not as popular as they are now and Saab was to play a pioneering role in establishing the attraction of an open-top car as a practical, all-year-round means of transport. “We always had a strong soft-top which was fully automatic, quick and easy to use,” says Erik. “That was an essential requirement and we were able show people this was a car that was good to own and drive in winter as well as summer.”

Initially produced for the US market, the first 900 Convertible soon went into production for global sale. “It was a great looking car, roof up or down, and looked like a completely new car, rather than a version of the 900 three-door model,” says Erik. “I still run a Saab Convertible at different times of the year. Even in winter, when it’s cold, you can have the soft-top down with the heater going and still be very comfortable.”

Over the years, Saab has organized keynote events for the Convertible, such as driving in the Land of the Midnight Sun, a 1,500 kilometer excursion through Sweden into the Arctic Circle to North Cape, the ‘roof of Europe’. Another favorite, led by Erik, has been ‘Rally Monte Carlsson’, which follows a route from the Mediterranean beach in Monaco up through the maritime Alps to a ski resort 2,000 meter above sea level. “You can be driving in warm sunshine with the top down and a few hours later be up in the snow and ice. It’s a great demonstration of what the Convertible has to offer,” adds Erik.

Over three generations, Saab has sold more than 250,000 Convertibles. In many European markets it has often featured as the top-selling car in its class.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

1990s
Fixed roof motoring was recommended in 1986 when Erik had led a team of Saab test drivers at the wheel of three 9000 Turbos on the famous ‘Long Run’ at the Talladega Speedway in the United States. Over almost 20 days, stopping only for fuel, tires and routine servicing, they established a series of.speed and distance records for standard production cars. The lead 9000 covered 100,000 km at average speed of 213.299 km.

In recognition of this achievement, a top sports flagship model, the 9000 Talladega was introduced. In the UK this was known as the Carlsson edition, Erik also lending his name to a 900 series version as well. These performance models were later given their ultimate expression in the Saab 9000CS Aero of 1993, Erik’s choice as the ‘Saab of the 90s’. It set a first template for top-of-the-range Aero models that continue at the pinnacle of Saab’s product range today.

“The 9000 was a great car, very roomy and comfortable. It was a large hatchback that offered all the versatility of a wagon,“ says Erik. “With the rear seats down, you could carry a hell of lot and with the seats up it was just like being in a sedan.”

Saab was also introducing its own engine management system, Saab Trionic. With a processing capacity greater than the computers that put men on the moon, Saab Trionic was an ideal platform for the launch of the more powerful Aero. “The new 2.3 turbo engine gave fantastic torque and the Aero model was the quickest car we had ever produced at that time,” says Erik.

“The engine was extremely smooth with its balancer shafts and gave good power from very low revs. It really showed what we could do with turbocharging. You could be in almost any gear, just put your foot down and go. With the 9000 Aero, we asked everyone to ‘talk torque’ when describing what it was like to drive.

“It was a large car, but it handled very well and everyone appreciated how good the seats were. That is something Saabs has always been known for. Even the seats in my first 92 were very comfortable.”

The Saab 9000 five-door hatchback and sedan range took the Saab brand further into the premium car segment, and more than 500,000 were sold before production ceased in 1998..

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

2000s
When he’s not at the wheel of a Saab Convertible, Erik usually drives a Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi, but this is not a contender for his choice of a Saab for the first decade of the new millennium. That honor goes to the Saab Aero X Concept, shown at the Geneva Show last year.
With its aircraft-like canopy and a V6 BioPower turbo engine capable of running on pure bioethanol fuel, offering the prospect of zero fossil CO2 emissions, the Aero X is a concept in tune with the demands of the new century.

“Sweden has a great tradition of concern of the environment,” says Erik “And Saab was first to introduce improvements like asbestos-free brake pads and CFC-free air conditioning systems. This car follows in that tradition, without sacrificing the sort of turbo performance we all enjoy.

“Looking at the Aero X, I see how far our cars have travelled in 60 years,” says Eric, who drove Saab’s first two-seater car, the lightweight Saab Sonett in 1956.

“But I think this is a good time to be looking towards the future, as well as enjoying the cars of the past,” he adds. “The Aero X is a very modern design and it shows that Saab will be making exciting cars in the future. We did not produce a concept car until 1985, now there have been several recently, which shows the Saab spirit is strong.

“That wraparound windscreen gives it a good Saab character. It is, of course, a design concept, but I’m not sure about the opening canopy without any doors, but then my first Saab did not have a boot lid and the doors opened from the front!”

In a more serious vein, Erik agrees that when his career with Saab began, the company’s cars were almost unknown beyond Scandinavia. And he is too modest to point out that his rallying success played a major part in establishing Saab outside its home country. The brand is now a global player, selling premium cars in more than 60 markets around world. Carlsson and Carlsson’s Choice can both take credit for helping to make it happen.

Erik will be reunited with his Carlsson’s Choice – and many other favorites – at Saab’s 60th Anniversary Festival in Trollhättan, from 7-10 June, celebrating the unveiling of the first Saab car exactly six decades ago.

In what could be the biggest-ever gathering of Saab fans and enthusiasts, more than 30,000 visitors are expected to come from all over the globe to enjoy a packed program of events. (Visit www.saabfestival.se for all the details)

Carlsson’s Choice:
Saab 92 (1950)
Monocoque construction, 2-door sedan, front-wheel-drive
Two cylinder, 2-stroke, 764 cc. 3-speed gearbox
Max. power: 25 hp @ 3,800 rpm. Max. torque: 59 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Max speed: 105 kph.

Saab 96 (1960)
Monocoque construction, 2-door sedan, front-wheel-drive
Three cylinder, 2-stroke, 841 cc. 4-speed gearbox
Max power: 38 hp @ 4,250 rpm. Max torque: 80 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Max speed: 125 kph. 0-100 kph: 25.6 secs

Saab 99 Turbo (1977)
Monocoque construction, 3-door hatchback, front-wheel-drive
Four cylinder, turbocharged, 1985 cc. 4-speed gearbox
Max. power: 145 hp @ 5,000 rpm. Max torque: 235 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Max speed: 198 kph. 0-100 kph: 8.9 secs

Saab 900 Turbo Convertible (1986)
Two-door convertible, powered soft-top, four-seater, front-wheel-drive
Four cylinder, turbocharged, 1985 cc. 5-speed gearbox
Max power: 175 hp @ 5,300 rpm. Max torque: 273 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Max speed: 205 kph. 0-100 kph: 8.7 secs

Saab 9000CS Aero (1993)
Monocoque construction, 5-door hatchback, front-wheel-drive
Four cylinder, turbocharged, 2290 cc. 5-speed gearbox
Max power: 225 hp @ 5,500 rpm. Max torque: 350 Nm @ 1,950 rpm
Max speed: 240 kph. 0-100 kph: 6.9 secs

Saab Aero X Concept (2006)
Monocoque construction, 2-seater coupé, canopy opening, all-wheel-drive
V6 BioPower, twin turbochargers, 2792 cc. 7-speed gearbox
Max. power: 400 hp @ 5,000 rpm. Max. torque: 500 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Max speed: 250 kph (limited). 0-100 kph: 4.9 secs (projected)

These three vehicles now reside at the following locations:

Saab 9000 Talladega #1 – Whereabouts Unknown
Saab 9000 Talladega #2 – Saab Automobile Museum, Trollhättan, Sweden
Saab 9000 Talladega #3 – Saab Automobile USA Heritage Collection, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Saab 9000 Talladega #4 – IMHOF Talladega, Alabama

Here is the original promotional video that provides information about this event. Enjoy.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

1987 SAAB 9000 TURBO “TALLADEGA – THE LONG RUN”

Saab surprised the world in mid-1984 with the all-new 9000. Initially available only as a 5-door hatchback with the powerful turbo 16-valve engine, it was the most luxurious and roomiest Saab ever built.

Given the shortage of funding for such an ambitious engineering project, Saab joined forces with the Fiat group of Italy for the joint development of a range of luxury vehicles, which also included the Lancia Thema, Fiat Croma and Alfa Romeo 164.

Overall, the worldwide launch of the Saab 9000 Turbo resulted in a mountain of novelty for a small manufacturer that had a reputation for far-reaching, yet careful moves on the automotive scene. Though the 9000 immediately captured the attention of the press and public, there were also questions about the long-term reliability and durability of the new car.

Saab’s answer was called “The Long Run.” In the fall of 1986, three Saab 9000 Turbo vehicles were randomly chosen at the assembly line in Sweden by the Federation Internationale de L’Automobile, the world’s sanctioning body for record runs. The cars were sent to a famous American race track, Talladega Motor Speedway in Alabama, to show the world how fast and how long a standard Saab 9000 Turbo could go.

With members of the automotive press participating in the driving, Saab set 12 international or world speed records at Talladega. One 9000 Turbo averaged more than 132 mph (210 km/h) while rolling up 100,000 kilometers (60,000 miles) – roughly the equivalent of three trips around the world. With all three cars finishing in fine running condition, the 9000 demonstrated the stamina and staying power of a true Saab.

Following the successful conclusion of The Long Run, car No. 3 was retained by Saab USA for its Heritage Collection. One of its siblings stayed in Talladega at the Motor Speedway Museum, while the other went back home to the Saab AB Museum in Trollhättan.