Saab 9000 | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Saab |
Production | 24 May 1984 – 6 May 1998 |
Assembly | Sweden: Trollhättan (Trollhättan Assembly) Finland: Uusikaupunki (1984–1991) |
Designer | Björn Envall Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Executive car (E) |
Body style | 4-door saloon (CD) 5-door hatchback[1] (CC, CS) |
Layout | Transverse[2] front-engine, front-wheel drive |
Platform | Type Four platform[3] |
Related | Alfa Romeo 164 Fiat Croma Lancia Thema |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Transmission | 4-speed 4HP18 automatic 5-speed F25 manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,672 mm (105.2 in) |
Length | CC: 4,620 mm (181.9 in) CD 4,782 mm (188.3 in) CS: 4,761 mm (187.4 in) |
Width | 1,763 mm (69.4 in) |
Height | 1,420 mm (55.9 in) |
Curb weight | 1,410–1,475 kg (3,109–3,252 lb) |
Chronology | |
Successor | Saab 9-5 |
The Saab 9000 is a car produced by the Swedish company Saab from 1984 to 1998. Representing the company's foray into the executive car scene, it was developed as a result of the successes of the turbocharged 99 and 900 models.[4] The 9000 remained in production until May 1998 and it was replaced by the Saab 9-5 in late 1997, although some final cars were produced into 1998. The Saab 9000 was only available with petrol engines, in two different 5-door hatchback designs or as a 4-door notchback.
Saab designed the 9000 as part of the Type Four platform in conjunction with the Italian automaker Fiat Automobiles. Fiat retailed similar derivative versions as the more basic Fiat Croma, the luxury-themed Lancia Thema, and the sports-oriented Alfa Romeo 164. Unlike the 164, which shares only the chassis, the Croma and Thema are outwardly similar to the 9000. As such, 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.[5] Fiat had designed the Croma with no consideration of American crash test requirements, which forced Saab to strengthen the body by fitting various reinforcements.[6] Thus, the front of the Saab is radically different from the Italian siblings due to the much improved crash protection.[7] Only seven parts are actually interchangeable.[5] Additionally, where the other Type Four cars used independent MacPherson struts all round, the 9000 used them only on the front suspension, with its rear suspension instead using a beam axle.[8] The 9000's body was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Saab designer Björn Envall.
Despite being shorter overall than the 900 which was still produced in parallel, the 9000 has a longer wheelbase and greater interior space with 3.5 cubic metres (120 cu ft) of interior space 0.67 cubic metres (24 cu ft) in the boot, 1.6 cubic metres (57 cu ft) with rear seats folded), qualifying as an EPA-rated large car, a distinction shared only with the contemporary Rolls-Royce in America.[9] This was achieved by installing the engine transversely to the direction of travel in the Saab 9000 (instead longitudinally as in the Saab 900). Unlike the 900 the 9000 kept the ignition switch in the more conventional steering column position rather than between the front seats. The inspiration for the seats was taken by Björn Envall from The Muppet Show's Pigs in Space,[10] a sketch by the late puppeteer Jim Henson.
In total, 503,087 Saab 9000s were manufactured.[11] These are divided into: 216,385 Saab 9000 CC (MY 1985–1991), 174,525 Saab 9000 CS (MY 1992–1998), 112,177 Saab 9000 CD (MY 1988–1997).[12]
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