In 1980 Saab launched the 900. A development of the 99, it used the 99’s central body section, but added a longer nose and a more stylishly shaped rear. Inside, the car got a new interior, said to be based on the principles of cockpit design. The dash was not very sharp and was set high in the car. The instruments were a lesson in clarity. All essential controls were set within the driver’s eyeline, including the heater controls, auxiliary switches, headlamps switch and radio. In 1984 Saab took the Turbo concept another great leap forward launching the 900 Turbo 16S. Saab’s 2.0 liter engine was matched with a new, and still relatively novel, 16 valve head, a modern Garnett turbo charged and an intercooler to improve the effect of the Turbo charger. The resultant 175 bhp and huge 201 lb ft to pulling power was a revelation for the performance oriented enthusiast. Not only did the car offer the performance of much bigger engine cars, it was safe and, in three door form, it was also very spacious.
Saab didn’t leave it there. The stylists came to with the Aero body kit, which clad the lower half of the body in grey plastic, integrating neatly with the bumpers. Combined with a duck tail spoiler and three spoke alloy wheels, the effect managed to take astonishingly futuristic. With the 900 Turbo, Saab gad once again managed to combine fresh technology with an ageing car that also looked stunning.
