Saab 9000

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Saab 9000
Manufacturer Saab Automobile
Production 1985-1998
(503,087 produced)
Assembly Trollhattan, Sweden

Uusikaupunki, Finland (1986-1990)
Successor Saab 9-5
Class Executive car
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
5-door hatchback
Layout FF layout
Platform Type Four
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic

5-speed manual
Wheelbase 105.2 in (2672 mm)
First generation
Saab 9000 with the original front, before it was redesigned.
Production 1985–1992
Engine(s) 2.0L 130 hp (97 kW) I4
2.0L 160 hp (120 kW) I4
Length 1988-89: 181.9 in (4620 mm)
1990-92 Hatchback: 183.7 in (4665 mm)
1990-92 Sedan: 188.2 in (4782 mm)
Width 69.4 in (1673 mm)
Height 55.9 in (1420 mm)
Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro
Second generation
2nd-gen 9000 (US)
Production 1992–1998
Engine(s) 2.0L 130 hp (97 kW) I4

2.0L 150 hp (110 kW) I4
2.0L 185 hp (138 kW) I4
2.3L 150 hp (110 kW) I4
2.3L 170 hp (130 kW) I4
2.3L 200 hp (150 kW) I4
2.3L 225 hp (168 kW) I4

3.0L 210 hp (160 kW) V6
Length Hatchback: 187.4 in (4760 mm)

1992-94 Sedan: 188.2 in (4782 mm)

1995-97 Sedan: 188.7 in (4795 mm)
Width 1993-96: 69.4 in (1673 mm)
1997-98: 70 in (1777 mm)
Height 55.9 in (1420 mm)
Aero: 55.7 in (1415 mm)
Prototype for a 9000 convertible.
Prototype for a 9000 convertible.

The 9000, an executive car made by Saab, was released in 1985. It was replaced by the Saab 9-5 in the fall of 1998 (for the 1999 model year).

The Type Four chassis, upon which the 9000 was based, was shared with the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema and the Alfa Romeo 164. The Fiat and Lancia looked much like the Saab, but the Alfa Romeo only shared the chassis. Because they were very similar, many parts can be exchanged between the four cars regardless of brand. For example, the doors from the Fiat Croma fit directly on the 9000, but are lighter, due to less side impact protection. The windshield from the Croma can also be used on the 9000. This type of windshield gives a safe driver visibility.

The design was by Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Later year models actually achieved better fuel economy at higher speeds than lower ones due to the combined effects of the front airdam and rear spoiler. This was especially true of the hatchback CSE model vehicles.

The original 9000 was a 5-door hatchback. A 4-door sedan version was later added (the 1988 CD) and, in 1992, the hatchback appearance was modified and modernised, in the CS version.

Because its platform was shared closely with three other cars, the Saab 9000's ignition key was situated on the steering column (like the Saab 95/96/97), instead of the Saab 99/900 location, between the front seats. The later 9-5 returned the ignition back between the front seats.

For the first year, the only engine available was a watercooled DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with a turbocharger, at 1985 cc, giving 175 hp (129 kW).[1] It was equipped with a computer display (the EDU, electronic display unit) showing actual and approximate fuel consumption, distance to an empty fuel tank, alternator output voltage, lowest battery voltage during engine start and the outside temperature.[2] If the outside temperature fell to a range of 26°F (−3.3°C) to 38°F (3.3°C), the temp display is automatically selected to warn of possible 'black ice' road conditions.[3] Later models added more trip computer functions to a separate display combined with the clock, including setting trip distances, arrival times, average speed, and excess speed alarms.[4] A separate pictogram monitored oil pressure, showed open doors/hatch, and all exterior light bulbs in case of failures.[5]

Additional unusual features included backup lamps incorporated into the front turn signal lamps (USA models only). Aero models had rare side and shoulder bolstered seats. Window controls were placed between the seats, like in the Saab 900 .

The wheelbase is 2.67 m (105 inches) on all models. Total length is 4.66 m (183 inches) on the original 9000. The 9000 CD's total length is 4.79 m (189 inches). The 9000 CS' total length 4.76 m (187 inches).

Contents

[edit] History

  • 1984: 9000 prototype was shown in Europe
  • 1985: 9000 started production and sale in Europe
  • 1986: Introduction of a 2.0 L engine with 130 hp (96 kW). First year sold in North America. The only engine combination sold in North America as a 1986 model year was the 2 L turbo/cat with the 5-speed gearbox. 165 hp (123 kW), 192 lb·ft (260 N·m) torque. Motor Trend tested the 1986 9000 Turbo and achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, making the 9000 one of the fastest sedans ever tested at the time. Commencement of production in Uusikaupunki, Finland.
  • 1987: Watercooling added to the turbo.
  • 1988: Introduction of the CD model (four-door sedan/saloon) and the Talladega version (in recognition of the 1986 Long Run (see below). The 9000 CD was available only with a turbo engine equipped with a new and fully computerised electronic ignition system called Saab DI.
  • 1989: Direct Ignition - an electronic ignition system was fitted to all turbo-charged engines
  • 1990: Introduction of a 200 hp (147 kW) 2.3 L turbo engine. Production in Uusikaupunki, Finland discontinued.
  • 1992: Introduction of the CS model (lowered headlights, redesigned hatch, etc).  UK got the 9000 CS Carlsson, a limited edition of 129 vehicles available as a 2.3 L turbo which produced 200 hp (150 kW) with Automatic Transmission or 220 hp (160 kW) when mated to the 5-speed Manual Gearbox.
  • 1993: Introduction of the CS Aero/SPG, at the time, the most powerful and fastest Saab ever made (beaten in 1999 by the Saab 9-3 Viggen, then 2000 9-5 Aero, and the 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero and 9-5 Aero). The engine (B234R) was a tuned 2.3 L turbo with 225 hp (165 kW) boosted by a Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger. The automatic transmission version had the same software as the manual Aero, but boosted by the same Garrett Systems T25 turbo as the 2.3FPT producing only 200 hp (147 kW), 323 Nm torque. It was felt that the automatic box would not stand the huge torque (252 ft·lbf/342 Nm) that the B234R Aero engine produced. The Aero also had special 16-inch (410 mm) 'Super Aero' wheels and a lower ride height to improve handling. Special Aero figure hugging sculptured sports, leather seats. Both front seats were heated and had electric adjustment, in addition the driver's seat electronic memory's to save up to three driving positions. The Aero body-kit was fitted as standard to all Aero models. Reverse/backup lights were contained in the front turn indicator lights.
  • 1995: Introduction of the first V6 engine, a 3.0 L 54° non-turbo with 210 hp (154 kW). The engine (designation B308) was a GM V6 also used in the Vauxhall/Opel Omega (GM designation L81).
  • 1996: Introduction of the Ecopower engine, a 2.0 L turbo engine giving 150 hp (110 kW). The Ecopower was an electric preheating of the catalytic converter, giving lower emissions when starting the engine.
  • 1997: Introduction of the Anniversary model (also known as Jubileum in Sweden), a special celebration model to honour Saab's 50th anniversary. The Anniversary came with special 8 spoke wheels, the body kit from the Aero and leather seats with the old Saab airplane logo on the back of the seat.
  • 1998: After the Aero model was discontinued in 1997, all manual transmission-equipped 2.3 L Full Pressure Turbo models received the Aero's 225 hp (168 kW) engine. Only 1400 Saab 9000CSE model autos were produced in the spring of this model year, with only 400 being exported to the USA. The 1998 model also received various reviews noting that the vehicle ironically achieved the highest US safety rating for a passenger auto in its class, while also being the fastest general production-line sedan sold in its class.

In total, 503,087 Saab 9000s were manufactured.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Saab 9000 Service manual, vol 0, p 022-1
  2. ^ Saab 9000 Service manual, vol 3, pp 381-2 to 381-3
  3. ^ Saab 9000 owner's manual, model year 1997, p 12
  4. ^ Saab 9000 owner's manual, model year 1997, pp 14,15
  5. ^ Saab 9000 owner's manual, model year 1997, p 11

[edit] Books

  • Saab 9000 Service manual, vol 0, Technical data, 1984, Saab-Scania Technical Publications, Trollhätten, Sweden [no ISBN numbers available, sold as dealer service manuals in an initial set of nine volumes]
  • Saab 9000 Service manual, vol 3, Electrical system: Instruments, [same as above]
  • Saab 9000 Owner's manual, 1996, Service Readiness, Saab Automobile AB, Trollhätten, Sweden

[edit] External links

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