1992 Saab 9000 CS 'Turbo' Sedan

Description

Founded in 1945, Swedish manufacturer Saab commenced building cars in 1949 but it wasn’t until the popular 96 arrived in 1960 that the brand became well known outside Scandinavia.  The combination of two-stroke three-cylinder power, front-wheel drive and freewheel transmission may have seemed too quirky for most but Saab ultimately sold around 550,000 examples around the world.  Following a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania-Vabis AB in 1969 Saab’s fortunes continued to improve, the relatively conventional 99 series offering numerous innovative design and safety features.  The iconic 900 launched in 1978 cemented Saab’s reputation for building well-engineered and technically advanced cars, becoming the company’s best seller.  Building on the 900’s success, Saab launched a more luxurious model aimed squarely at the executive market – badged the 9000, the new car was launched to great fanfare in 1984.  The 9000 shared its basic front-wheel drive platform with Fiat’s Chroma, Lancia’s Thema and the Alfa Romeo 164 but differed in numerous details, including thicker doors thanks to the stronger side-impact protection.  Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in conjunction with Saab’s in-house stylist Björn Envall, the 9000 was initially sold in liftback guise until the original CC was joined by the CD, a traditional four-door saloon, in 1987.  Initially sold in turbocharged form, a naturally aspirated 9000 became available in late 1985, along with a ZF four-speed automatic in 1987.  A facelifted version of the CC arrived for the 1992 model year; baged the CS, improvements included a new grille and headlamps, heavily revised rear end and some new interior features.  Saab offered a wide range of engine and transmission combinations, culminating in the 165kW 2.3-litre Turbo found in the Aero famously marketed as being faster than a Ferrari Testarossa between 50 and 75 mph.  Even the more prosaic 2.3 Turbo offered 147kW from the DOHC four along with features like ABS, alloy wheels, power steering, air conditioning, cruise control, a sunroof and CD player.  Form and function were Saab’s hallmarks, something sadly missed since the Swedish automaker’s untimely demise in 2016.