Saab 9000
Encyclopedia
The Saab 9000 is an automobile that was produced by the Swedish company Saab
from 1984 to 1997. The 9000 was replaced by the 9-5
in the late 1997.
Saab based the 9000 on the Type Four platform shared with the Fiat Croma
, Lancia Thema
, and Alfa Romeo 164
. The Croma and Thema are outwardly similar to the 9000 while the 164 shares only the chassis. Much of the bodywork appeared interchangeable between the 9000, Croma and Thema; for example, the doors. However, because Saab fitted heavier side impact protection they will not fit. Only seven different parts are actually interchangeable. The 9000's body was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
and Björn Envall
of SAAB .
Despite being shorter overall than the 900
, the 9000 had a longer wheelbase and a great deal of interior space, and was the first vehicle imported to the United States to be classed as a "large car" by the EPA
. Unlike the 900, the 9000 kept the ignition switch in the more conventional steering column position rather than between the front seats.
and Lancia Thema
. Later in 1988, Saab released a sedan variant of the 9000 known as the "CD". This was followed by the 1991 release of a partially redesigned five-door liftback, known as the "CS". At the release of the "CS", the original liftback variant was retrospectively designated "CC" to differentiate it from the newer version, which it continued to sell alongside in some markets as an entry-level model.
With the introduction of the "CD" in 1988, Saab took the opportunity to re-style the front-end for the sedan. This involved smoothing the edges of the headlamps and grille, and sloping the front outwards, marking a departure from the more upright front styling of the 1984 original. From late 1990, the "CC" liftback received this same front-end facelift. A second facelift arrived in 1991 with the launch of the "CS" liftback. Fitted with a much narrower front profile, this facelift made its way to the "CD" sedan in 1994, albeit, with clear as opposed to the amber front turn signals fitted to the "CS". The "CS" was in turn facelifted in circa 1995 gaining these clear lenses that had earlier debuted on the sedan (CD). Therefore, while each body variant received one facelift, they were all applied at different times.
The inspiration for the seats was taken by Björn Envall
from The Muppet Show
's Pigs in Space, a sketch by the late puppeteer Jim Henson
.
Saab Direct Ignition
was fitted to the 9000 CD in 1988 on some models and expanded to all turbocharged 9000s in 1990. As early as 1989, the 9000 was equipped with the larger B234
2.3-litre engine, providing 150 hp in the normally aspirated engine. From late 1990, the B234 became available with a turbocharger, producing 200 PS.
In 1993, the "Aero" was introduced, and was the most powerful Saab to date upon its introduction. The "Aero" was powered by a 225 hp version of Saab's 2.3-litre B234 engine, with more power courtesy of a larger Mitsubishi
TD04 turbocharger. Automatic transmission-equipped "Aeros" were limited to 200 hp and kept the regular turbocharged models' Garrett AiResearch
T25 turbocharger. Aeros were equipped with paint-matched body kit and spoiler, eight-way Recaro
-designed heated sports seats, a sport suspension, and 16-inch Super Aero wheels. The Aero's in-gear acceleration was strongly emphasised; the Aero was capable of accelerating from 50 to 75 mph (80.5 to 120.7 km/h) faster than a Porsche Carrera 4 or a Ferrari Testarossa. The Aero was discontinued after 1997.
An optional trip computer, the SCC, was introduced for the 1993 model year, and provided mileage, speed warning, and alarm functions. A new turbocharger management system, Trionic 5
, was equipped from the 1993 model year onwards. The Trionic system used resistor spark plugs to detect for engine knock in place of the knock sensors incorporated into the engine block in the previous APC
system.
From 1994, all 9000 variants were equipped with a Saab Information Display
(SID) which showed fuel consumption, distance to an empty fuel tank, alternator output voltage, outside temperature, and lowest battery voltage during vehicle start. If the outside temperature fell to -3 °C, the temperature display is automatically selected to warn of possible "black ice" road conditions. A separate pictogram monitored door and hatch opening and exterior light bulb condition.
In the United Kingdom, a limited run of 9000 "Carlsson" models were produced, with a paint-matched airflow body kit, spoiler, and specially tuned turbocharged engine producing 220 hp with a manual transmission or 200 hp with the automatic. A number of the Carlsson editions fitted with the B202 turbocharged engine were sold into the Australian market.
A limited edition "Anniversary" model was introduced to mark Saab's 50th anniversary, featuring leather seats embossed with the classic, aircraft-inspired Saab logo and a colour-keyed body kit.
Only 1,400 9000s were produced for the 1998 model year, and of these only 400 were exported to the United States. In total, 503,087 Saab 9000s were manufactured.
The original 1984 model was powered by a water cooled, turbocharged
, double overhead camshaft, 16-valve inline-four engine, providing 175 hp. Earlier on in the development, the PRV engine
had also been considered. Both a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions were available. Later in 1984, a normally aspirated engine was introduced in the 9000 and 9000 S models, producing 130 hp.
The limited edition 9000 "CD Griffin" was available in 1991 for the 1992 model year in the United States and was highly-appointed with luxury features including all available electric options, special eucalyptus green paint, a separate rear-seat air conditioning system, walnut trim and rear window blinds.
In European markets, a smaller 2.0-litre engine was offered in normally aspirated form 130 hp, light-pressure turbo 150 hp or full-pressure turbo 175 hp. The "CDE" model was offered initially with only the 200 hp turbocharged engine, and later the 3.0-litre V6.
In 1995, a 3.0-litre B308
V6 engine with 210 hp was introduced as standard for the "CDE" sedan and optional for the "CSE" liftback. The V6 was discontinued in the United States after one year along with the "CDE" model, but continued on in Europe until 1997. In some European markets, a high-spec "CDE Griffin" model was offered with numerous luxury appointments. After the 1995 model year, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines were discontinued in the United States.
For the 1998 model year, all manual transmission equipped 9000 CSEs received the 225 hp Aero engine, along with special 16-inch Super Aero wheels detailed with exposed lug nuts.
, the prototype version is currently on display at the Uusikaupunki
car museum near the Valmet factory. Other experiments included fitting of the Yamaha
developed V6 engine
most famously fitted to the Ford Taurus SHO
. This was vetoed by Scania
, Saab's owner at the time, as was the fitment of a VM Motori
diesel engine which had been executed with the aim of increasing Saab's sales in central and southern Europe. A station wagon was never truly under consideration due to the expenses involved, not in the least out of concern for the often tiny Saab importers who were thereby saved the trouble of having to keep a larger inventory.
Saab Automobile
Saab Automobile AB, better known as Saab , is a Swedish car manufacturer owned by Dutch automobile manufacturer Swedish Automobile NV, formerly Spyker Cars NV. It is the exclusive automobile Royal Warrant holder as appointed by the King of Sweden...
from 1984 to 1997. The 9000 was replaced by the 9-5
Saab 9-5
The Saab 9-5 is an executive car produced by the Swedish automobile maker Saab. The first generation was introduced in 1997 as the replacement to the Saab 9000 for the 1998 model year. At the time, the car represented a great leap forward for Saab...
in the late 1997.
Saab based the 9000 on the Type Four platform shared with the Fiat Croma
Fiat Croma
The Fiat Croma is a nameplate used for two automobiles produced by Italian automaker Fiat, one a large family car built from 1985 to 1996 and the other a cross-over wagon built from 2005 to 2011.- Fiat Croma :...
, Lancia Thema
Lancia Thema
The Lancia Thema is an executive car produced by the Italian automaker Lancia between 1984 and 1994, and one of four cars to share the Type Four platform alongside the Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma and Saab 9000...
, and Alfa Romeo 164
Alfa Romeo 164
The Alfa Romeo 164 is an executive car with saloon body, produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1987 to 1998.The 164 was re-badged as the 168 for the Hong Kong and Malaysian markets, as the number "164" had a very negative connotation , and "168" has quite the opposite The Alfa Romeo 164...
. The Croma and Thema are outwardly similar to the 9000 while the 164 shares only the chassis. Much of the bodywork appeared interchangeable between the 9000, Croma and Thema; for example, the doors. However, because Saab fitted heavier side impact protection they will not fit. Only seven different parts are actually interchangeable. The 9000's body was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro is an Italian automobile designer responsible equally for a stable of supercars and several of the most popular everyday vehicles driven today...
and Björn Envall
Björn Envall
Björn Envall, born in 1942, is a retired automobile designer. He was head of the design department at Saab.He started his career in the 1960s at Saab as an apprentice under Sixten Sason, especially helping with the design of the Saab 99 and the ill-fated Saab Catherina sports car...
of SAAB .
Despite being shorter overall than the 900
Saab 900
The Saab 900 was a car produced by Saab Automobile from 1978 until 1998 in two generations. The first generation from 1978 to 1993 is known as the "classic"; the generation from 1994 to 1998 is known as the "new generation" ....
, the 9000 had a longer wheelbase and a great deal of interior space, and was the first vehicle imported to the United States to be classed as a "large car" by the EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
. Unlike the 900, the 9000 kept the ignition switch in the more conventional steering column position rather than between the front seats.
History
The 9000 was launched in 1984 as a five-door liftback only sharing much of its appearance and bodywork with the Type Four platform relatives—the Fiat CromaFiat Croma
The Fiat Croma is a nameplate used for two automobiles produced by Italian automaker Fiat, one a large family car built from 1985 to 1996 and the other a cross-over wagon built from 2005 to 2011.- Fiat Croma :...
and Lancia Thema
Lancia Thema
The Lancia Thema is an executive car produced by the Italian automaker Lancia between 1984 and 1994, and one of four cars to share the Type Four platform alongside the Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma and Saab 9000...
. Later in 1988, Saab released a sedan variant of the 9000 known as the "CD". This was followed by the 1991 release of a partially redesigned five-door liftback, known as the "CS". At the release of the "CS", the original liftback variant was retrospectively designated "CC" to differentiate it from the newer version, which it continued to sell alongside in some markets as an entry-level model.
With the introduction of the "CD" in 1988, Saab took the opportunity to re-style the front-end for the sedan. This involved smoothing the edges of the headlamps and grille, and sloping the front outwards, marking a departure from the more upright front styling of the 1984 original. From late 1990, the "CC" liftback received this same front-end facelift. A second facelift arrived in 1991 with the launch of the "CS" liftback. Fitted with a much narrower front profile, this facelift made its way to the "CD" sedan in 1994, albeit, with clear as opposed to the amber front turn signals fitted to the "CS". The "CS" was in turn facelifted in circa 1995 gaining these clear lenses that had earlier debuted on the sedan (CD). Therefore, while each body variant received one facelift, they were all applied at different times.
The inspiration for the seats was taken by Björn Envall
Björn Envall
Björn Envall, born in 1942, is a retired automobile designer. He was head of the design department at Saab.He started his career in the 1960s at Saab as an apprentice under Sixten Sason, especially helping with the design of the Saab 99 and the ill-fated Saab Catherina sports car...
from The Muppet Show
The Muppet Show
The Muppet Show is a British television programme produced by American puppeteer Jim Henson and featuring Muppets. After two pilot episodes were produced in 1974 and 1975, the show premiered on 5 September 1976 and five series were produced until 15 March 1981, lasting 120 episodes...
's Pigs in Space, a sketch by the late puppeteer Jim Henson
Jim Henson
James Maury "Jim" Henson was an American puppeteer best known as the creator of The Muppets. As a puppeteer, Henson performed in various television programs, such as Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, films such as The Muppet Movie and The Great Muppet Caper, and created advanced puppets for...
.
Saab Direct Ignition
Saab Direct Ignition
Saab Direct Ignition is a capacitor discharge ignition system developed by Saab Automobile, then known as Saab-Scania, and Mecel AB during the 1980s....
was fitted to the 9000 CD in 1988 on some models and expanded to all turbocharged 9000s in 1990. As early as 1989, the 9000 was equipped with the larger B234
Saab H engine
The Saab H engine is a redesign of the Saab B engine. Despite the name it is not an H engine, but a slanted inline-4. The H engine was introduced in 1981 in the Saab 900 and was also used in the Saab 99 from 1982 onwards and the Saab 90. It continued in use in the 900/9-3, 9000, and 9-5...
2.3-litre engine, providing 150 hp in the normally aspirated engine. From late 1990, the B234 became available with a turbocharger, producing 200 PS.
In 1993, the "Aero" was introduced, and was the most powerful Saab to date upon its introduction. The "Aero" was powered by a 225 hp version of Saab's 2.3-litre B234 engine, with more power courtesy of a larger Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors
is a multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. In 2009 it was the fifth-largest Japan-based automaker and the 17th-largest in the world measured by production...
TD04 turbocharger. Automatic transmission-equipped "Aeros" were limited to 200 hp and kept the regular turbocharged models' Garrett AiResearch
Garrett AiResearch
Garrett AiResearch was a manufacturer of turboprop engines and turbochargers, and a pioneer in numerous aerospace technologies. It was previously known as Aircraft Tool and Supply Company, Garrett Supply Company, AiResearch Manufacturing Company, or simply AiResearch...
T25 turbocharger. Aeros were equipped with paint-matched body kit and spoiler, eight-way Recaro
Recaro
RECARO GmbH & Co. KG, commonly known as Recaro, is a German company based in Kirchheim unter Teck in the vicinity of Stuttgart, known for their automobile bucket seats...
-designed heated sports seats, a sport suspension, and 16-inch Super Aero wheels. The Aero's in-gear acceleration was strongly emphasised; the Aero was capable of accelerating from 50 to 75 mph (80.5 to 120.7 km/h) faster than a Porsche Carrera 4 or a Ferrari Testarossa. The Aero was discontinued after 1997.
An optional trip computer, the SCC, was introduced for the 1993 model year, and provided mileage, speed warning, and alarm functions. A new turbocharger management system, Trionic 5
Trionic T5.5
Trionic T5.5 is an engine management system in the Saab Trionic range. It controls ignition, fuel injection and turbo boost pressure. The system was introduced in the 1994 Saab 900 with B204L engine.-Changes:Since 1994 a number of changes have occurred....
, was equipped from the 1993 model year onwards. The Trionic system used resistor spark plugs to detect for engine knock in place of the knock sensors incorporated into the engine block in the previous APC
Automatic Performance Control
Automatic Performance Control was the first engine knock and boost control system that was introduced on turbo charged Saab H engines in 1982 and was fitted to all subsequent 900 Turbos through 1993 , as well as 9000 Turbos through 1989.The APC allowed a higher compression ratio Automatic...
system.
From 1994, all 9000 variants were equipped with a Saab Information Display
Saab Information Display
Saab Information Display, or SID, later also called 'Saab Car Computer' is the name for various in-car computer systems found on most Saab automobiles beginning in 1994 with the Saab 900 NG....
(SID) which showed fuel consumption, distance to an empty fuel tank, alternator output voltage, outside temperature, and lowest battery voltage during vehicle start. If the outside temperature fell to -3 °C, the temperature display is automatically selected to warn of possible "black ice" road conditions. A separate pictogram monitored door and hatch opening and exterior light bulb condition.
In the United Kingdom, a limited run of 9000 "Carlsson" models were produced, with a paint-matched airflow body kit, spoiler, and specially tuned turbocharged engine producing 220 hp with a manual transmission or 200 hp with the automatic. A number of the Carlsson editions fitted with the B202 turbocharged engine were sold into the Australian market.
A limited edition "Anniversary" model was introduced to mark Saab's 50th anniversary, featuring leather seats embossed with the classic, aircraft-inspired Saab logo and a colour-keyed body kit.
Only 1,400 9000s were produced for the 1998 model year, and of these only 400 were exported to the United States. In total, 503,087 Saab 9000s were manufactured.
9000 CC (liftback)
Originally known simply as the "9000", the original liftback variant was later given the "CC" identifier, standing for "combi coupe", to differentiate it from the CD sedan and CS liftback.The original 1984 model was powered by a water cooled, turbocharged
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
, double overhead camshaft, 16-valve inline-four engine, providing 175 hp. Earlier on in the development, the PRV engine
PRV engine
The PRV engine is an automobile petrol V6 engine that was developed jointly by Peugeot, Renault and Volvo Cars – and sold from 1974 to 1998. It was gradually replaced after 1994 by another joint PSA-Renault design, known as the ES engine at PSA and the L engine at Renault.-Corporate history:The...
had also been considered. Both a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions were available. Later in 1984, a normally aspirated engine was introduced in the 9000 and 9000 S models, producing 130 hp.
9000 CD (sedan)
At the Birmingham Motor Show in September 1988, Saab premiered the four-door sedan body style with a slightly more aerodynamic nose. Known as the "CD", this was originally available only with the turbocharged engine. In late 1989 the CD range was expanded downward with the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre inline-four. This change did not happen until late in the 1990 model year for the US market, when Saab introduced the 2.3-litre B234 normally-aspirated engine.The limited edition 9000 "CD Griffin" was available in 1991 for the 1992 model year in the United States and was highly-appointed with luxury features including all available electric options, special eucalyptus green paint, a separate rear-seat air conditioning system, walnut trim and rear window blinds.
9000 CS (liftback)
Saab updated the liftback body variant in 1991 for the 1992 model year with the "CS". Featuring a lowered front fascia with new headlights, grille and a substantially redesigned rear-end. Both the "CS" and better-equipped "CSE" editions were available with a 2.3-litre inline-four—either turbocharged or in normally-aspirated tune. The "CS Turbo" was equipped with a low-pressure turbocharger setup producing 170 hp, while the "CSE Turbo" sported a full-pressure turbocharger with 200 hp in 1997. Both systems used the same Garett T25 turbocharger with a base boost pressure of 0.4 bar (6 psi) but the full pressure turbo is equipped with a boost control valve that is manipulated by the ECU. This allows the boost pressure to be increased as the ECU sees fit. Maximum stock boost on a full pressure turbo varies from 0.7 to 1.02 bar (10.2 to 14.8 psi) depending on the year and transmission.In European markets, a smaller 2.0-litre engine was offered in normally aspirated form 130 hp, light-pressure turbo 150 hp or full-pressure turbo 175 hp. The "CDE" model was offered initially with only the 200 hp turbocharged engine, and later the 3.0-litre V6.
In 1995, a 3.0-litre B308
GM 54-Degree V6 engine
General Motors' Opel subsidiary in Europe designed a compact V6 engine with an odd 54° vee angle. It was an iron block/aluminum head DOHC design with 4 valves per cylinder. All 54° engines were assembled at Ellesmere Port in England....
V6 engine with 210 hp was introduced as standard for the "CDE" sedan and optional for the "CSE" liftback. The V6 was discontinued in the United States after one year along with the "CDE" model, but continued on in Europe until 1997. In some European markets, a high-spec "CDE Griffin" model was offered with numerous luxury appointments. After the 1995 model year, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines were discontinued in the United States.
For the 1998 model year, all manual transmission equipped 9000 CSEs received the 225 hp Aero engine, along with special 16-inch Super Aero wheels detailed with exposed lug nuts.
Convertible (prototype)
A convertible version was constructed by Finnish ValmetValmet Automotive
Valmet Automotive is a Finnish car maker. The majority of company is owned by Metso . Valmet Automotive is a contract manufacturer of specialty automobiles.-Production:...
, the prototype version is currently on display at the Uusikaupunki
Uusikaupunki
Uusikaupunki , is a town and municipality of Finland.It is located in the Finland Proper region. The municipality has a population of and covers an area of of which is inland water. The population density is .The municipality is unilingually Finnish...
car museum near the Valmet factory. Other experiments included fitting of the Yamaha
Yamaha
Yamaha may refer to:* Yamaha Corporation, a Japanese company with a wide range of products and services** Yamaha Motor Company, a Japanese motorized vehicle-producing company...
developed V6 engine
Ford SHO V6 engine
The Ford SHO V6 is a family of DOHC V6 engines fitted to the Ford Taurus SHO from 1989 to 1995. The designation SHO denotes Super High Output....
most famously fitted to the Ford Taurus SHO
Ford Taurus SHO
The Ford Taurus SHO is a full-size performance sedan based on the Ford Taurus that was originally produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1989 until 1999. It returned in 2009 for the 2010 model year....
. This was vetoed by Scania
Scania
Scania is the southernmost of the 25 traditional non-administrative provinces of Sweden, constituting a peninsula on the southern tip of the Scandinavian peninsula, and some adjacent islands. The modern administrative subdivision Skåne County is almost, but not totally, congruent with the...
, Saab's owner at the time, as was the fitment of a VM Motori
VM Motori
VM Motori S.p.A. is a diesel engine manufacturing company in Cento, Italy, in Emilia-Romagna, an Italian region which is also home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati.- History :...
diesel engine which had been executed with the aim of increasing Saab's sales in central and southern Europe. A station wagon was never truly under consideration due to the expenses involved, not in the least out of concern for the often tiny Saab importers who were thereby saved the trouble of having to keep a larger inventory.