Winters are long in Sweden and very dark. There's not much to keep you entertained, which explains why so many of the world's stupid-awesome projects come from the Nordic regions. This one is high, very high on the awesomeworld meter. These nutjobs took a straight-bodied Saab 99, stripped the interior and caged it, removed the engine and replaced all the internals then turned it around 180 degrees and mated it to an Audi 100 transmission and all-wheel-drive system, turbocharged the bejesus out of it and made everyone's wildest dreams come true. Our hats are certainly, and respectfully off to you, crazy Swedish Saab hoons.
[Build Blog (translated from Swedish) via CarThrottle]

A tale which may have cost him the Nobel Prize in Literature! In a short piece titled Have I Got a Car for You!, published in November 2004, Vonnegut recalls his experiments with selling the peculiar and not very good bits of Swedish engineering, a tale which crops up in several of his novels.

Get a load of this: There was a ring on the dashboard, connected to a chain running over pulleys in the engine compartment. Pull on it, and at the far end it would raise a sort of window shade on a spring-loaded roller behind the front grill. That was to keep the engine warm while you went off somewhere. So, when you came back, if you hadn’t stayed away too long, the engine would start right up again.

Swedish engineering had its downsides though:

But if you stayed away too long, window shade or not, the oil would separate from the gas and sink like molasses to the bottom of the tank. So when you started up again, you would lay down a smokescreen like a destroyer in a naval engagement. And I actually blacked out the whole town of Woods Hole at high noon that way, having left a Saab on a parking lot there for about a week.

Read the whole thing at In These Times.

Image Credit: Kurt Vonnegut

There's no need for all those power-sucking valvetrain parts and wasted piston motions with a two-stroke. Saab built two- and three-cylinder two-strokers during the 1950s and 1960s, and the three-banger was installed in various Saabs (including the 95 and 96) from 1955 through 1966. Thanks to Tanshanomi for the recommendation!
[Wikipedia, The Auto Channel]

The 99 was going to be Saab's "big" car. And while it may not have been born from jets, it was a significant departure from its predecessor, the 96 in being more car-like, and providing less the appearance of being a rolling suppository. Like the 96, the 99 was front-drive, but unlike that car, the engine was neither Saab designed, nor sourced from Ford. The 99 carried the 1.7 litre 45° inline four, half the stag V8, from the Triumph Dolomite, and later TR7. In the Saab, the engine was turned 180° with the cam drive facing the firewall. This piece of eccentricity, along with shifter-locking ignition switches, front-acting parking brakes and free-wheeling clutch were what made a Saab a Saab.

Another thing for which Saab was well known was rally racing, and the 99 continued the success of the 96, albeit to a lessor degree, while driven by such luminaries as Stig Blomqvist and Per Eklund.

In 1971, the 1.7 litre was replaced with a 1.85 and the freewheeling clutch was dropped, meaning Saab drivers now had to contend with engine braking and 97 bhp. The basic body structure, incorporating the rally-proven suspension, and a panoramic wrap-around windscreen continued until 1993 when the derivative 900 was replaced with an Opel-based successor.

This '79 Grand Luxe is currently owned by a former Saab employee, and comes with enough interesting history and add-on parts to make even the most laconic moose shuffle out of its way. The Aero body kit may not be to everyone's taste, but it is original and looks complete. What is not completely original is what's sitting (backwards) under that tilt-forward hood. Instead of the 97 bhp Saab B-motor, this car carries the 16 valve FI motor, fronted by a five speed manual which most likely still has the rubbery, indirect gear change mechanism endemic to these cars. The seller claims the engine upgrade to have been professionally done, and the pictures lend this credence.

Saab 99s have one significant foe and that is the rust. This buttercup bjorn is no exception, and the seller claims that the rust fairy has visited the car on more than one occasion. But at $3,995, a little surface rust won't stop you from practicing your heel and toe prowess and looking for gravel roads slide down sideways. The makeshift holder for the Alfa timer will make such energetic excursions not only memorable, but documented as well.

So what do you think of $3.995 for this agent 99? Is that a Nice Price for a Trollhättan time trialer? Or is that a lingonberry pie full of crack?

You decide!

eBay, or go here if the ad disappears.

Given their ownership by the company-that-shall-not-be-pronounced (Koenigsegg), it was expected that we'd see something exciting out of the brand and this is certainly different — even if a lot of this was designed and prepared under GM's supervision.

Engine choices are diverse, including a 1.6-liter gas turbo good for 180 HP all the way up to a 2.8 turbo V6 putting out 300 HP with a 2.0-liter fourbanger turbo with 220 HP. If you're more into bioethanol there's also an E85 variant of the 2.0-liter engine and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel. All transmissions will be six-speed with the option of a good old self-shift or a manumatic.

On the inside, the new Saab is getting a redesigned console that wraps around the driver and includes a heads-up-display and an aviation-themed altimeter (speedo). If you liked the Saab Aero-X concept, you'll probably like this latest 9-5.

ALL-NEW SAAB 9-5 SALOON
Scandinavian Design Purity with Advanced Technology
• All-new premium saloon embodies a new era for Saab
• Scandinavian design inspired by the Aero X and Saab's rich heritage
• Engineered with driver focus for a sporty driving experience
• Excels in responsible performance with emphasis on safety and environmental concern
• Most technically advanced Saab ever with an array of ‘high-tech' features
• Public debut at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show
Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, the all-new 9-5 saloon signals the dawn of a new era for the Saab brand.  With progressive, confident styling and advanced technology, Saab's distinctive new flagship will bring a fresh, alternative choice to the premium saloon segment when it goes on sale in 2010.
The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design, and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab's aviation heritage. With styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold and expressive design language.
The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-inspired head-up information display (HUD); adaptive headlights (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; dual-zone climate control; dynamic parking assistance, and Saab XWD with eLSD: the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.
The all-turbo powertrain line-up is the broadest ever offered by Saab, carrying forward Saab's rightsizing engine strategy focusing on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – petrol, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.
"This car is the start of a new era for our brand," says Jan-Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab."   
Scandinavian Design   
‘Forward-looking design that doesn't ignore where it's coming from', sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 saloon. "We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues," says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. "We have visual themes found in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand's aircraft heritage."
The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound' mono graphic: the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab's signature cockpit look. In this interplay of proportions, the windshield and roof are reminiscent of the classic 900 model.
Viewed from any angle, the all-new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic sculpture' of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick' belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the centre of the grille characterises the assertive, self-confident design language.   
The car's dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars that buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Bumpers that are subtly flared to blend into the wheels convey latent energy. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.
The new 9-5's overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box saloon silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.
Driver-focused cabin
Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define the architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom and shoulder width are increased both front and rear, with class-leading rear legroom. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5's premium character.
The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, but its execution is pioneering. The deep centre console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter' speed read-out, a reference to Saab's aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (HUD) in the windscreen, are illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance.  The car's ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.
Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line Harman Kardon 5.1 channel surround sound audio system and an 8-inch colour touch screen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10GB for MP3 music files. A large centre console provides storage and connections for several portable devices through USB and 3.5mm AUX ports alongside a 12V power outlet.
Rear passengers can even access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the centre console accommodates audio controls and folding viewing screens are installed in the backs of the front seats. Wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing.
On the road
An array of chassis technology is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5's size. Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system already available on the Saab 9-3, is offered at launch with the 2.0-litre turbo and 2.8V6 turbo engines with further applications due in the future.  Available throughout the range are: adaptive chassis control, with driver settings selected through Saab DriveSense; Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive headlights and adaptive cruise control. Three different suspension layouts are fitted according to engine power and all are available with a sport chassis setting.
Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up in the new 9-5 further develops its rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four-cylinder diesel comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-litre turbo engine with CO2 emissions of just 139g/km and the 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine develops 220bhp.  A top-of-the-line 2.8 V6 turbo, generating 300hp and 400Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.
Shortly after launch, a 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 180hp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-litre BioPower E85 engine. All transmissions will be six-speed.
A new era  
Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium saloon segment, the all-new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company.  It will be built at Saab's home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered.
The all-new 9-5 makes its public debut at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Combining head-turning good looks with cutting-edge driving technology, it's the start of a new era for Saab.

Just click on any of the thumbnails below to jump to the original post about that car.

1937 Beardmore	1953 Citroën	1956 Morris	1959 Morris
1960 Peugeot	1960 Triumph	1961 Morris	1963 Land Rover
1965 Austin	1965 Alfa Romeo	1966 Jaguar	1966 Lancia
1966 Volvo	1969 MG	1969 Volvo	1969 Volvo
1969 Citroën	1970 Volvo	1971 Volvo	1971 MG
1972 Triumph	1972 Steyr	1973 Volvo	1973 MG
1974 Jensen-Healey	1975 Citroën	1975 MG	1977 Fiat
1977 Volvo	1978 Jaguar	1978 Saab	1980 Volvo
1981 Fiat	1982 Fiat	1984 Jaguar	1985 Alfa Romeo
1985 Saab	1985 Peugeot	1986 Jaguar	1988 Renault
1988 Peugeot	1989 Ferrari	1989 Alfa Romeo	1991 Peugeot
1991 Alfa Romeo	1991 Rolls-Royce

The H is still being manufactured to this day, serving in the Saab 9-3 and 9-5. That means that the engines that power those two vehicles are not-too-distant relatives of the wonderfully horrible Triumph V8 in the Stag! By the time Saab got around to the H, however, the reliability had been improved by several orders of magnitude over the Triumph four, and nearly 30 (or 40, if you count the B engine) years of front-line service stands as a very impressive engineering achievement. We don't recommend the H as a 24 Hours Of LeMons engine (though the Box Wrench Garage Saab 900 Turbo managed to finish fourth at the Goin' For Broken '09 and fifth at the Altamont '08 race), because of that rod-throwing thing, but it makes for a solid street engine with plenty of turbocharged power potential.
[Wikipedia]

We've had an idea for some time what the big boy's Saab would look like, but this is the first time we've seen details of the actual production vehicle. Maintaining familiarity with the 9-3 starts with a grille with the "SAAB" text logo sitting proudly between a set of wings. The upright windshield is a throwback to previous Saabs and will likely provide and excellent forward view. Moving around to the side continues the visually stimulating cockpit like day light opening flanked by a large forward reaching C-pillar. The rear of the 9-5 is carefully designed and is very reminiscent of the Saab Aero X concept.

The interior carries along the current theme of aeronautical-inspired instrument panels with a triple pod gauge intersecting the veins of the HVAC system. Gloss black and leather is used throughout for an upmarket, classy feel.

On the rear of the car sits a TTiD4 badge indicating that the 9-5 will feature the common rail, direct and multiple fuel injection 16-valve 1.9-liter TiD unit along with the Haldex all-wheel-drive system that first debuted on the Saab 9-3 Turbo X. We'll bring you more information as it becomes available.

[AutoBild, The Car Lounge]

So far, the glass appears to be bone dry and covered with leeches half full, as the ABJ team performs what appears to be major surgery on the rear suspension and/or axle and/or fuel tank. But plenty of racing remains, so we expect to see this fine example of Swedish steel dropping components on roaring around the track soon.

Thanks to Christine The Arc Angel for the great photos!

The images first popped up at SaabsUnited.com, which has since pulled down the post at the behest of Saab officials. But, with the cat out of the bag, er pictures on the web, there's not much more to do but post them. We have no confirmation or denial these represent the final look of the car, but they appear to line up with the spy photography, and if they're close enough to make Saab sweat, that's good enough for us. The only way we'll know for sure is when the car debuts at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

[via SaabsUnited]

[via SaabsUnited]

Just a mile or so from Alameda, Dustin spotted this Sonett parked in downtown Oakland. It was in a two-hour parking zone, which indicates that it still moves under its own power, and it looks pretty solid. Great find!

Some snide Detroit-bashers claim that beads of petroleum byproducts sweat from the plastic of The General's more economical interior components, and then there's all that pesky financial mismanagement and bureaucratic inertia to get 'em hooting and pointing fingers in derision… but nobody laughs at, say, the 638-horsepower LS9, a staggeringly powerful yet compact engine that fits handily inside cramped engine compartments. The aluminum-block, six-bolt-main LS has been around since 1997 and has been factory-installed in everything from the Cadillac CTS-V to the Saab 9-7X. Displacement of the LS series ranges from 5.3 to 7.0 liters (and bigger, if you want to get a race-only factory crate motor), and about the only bad thing we can say about it is that GM couldn't think up a new designation for the engine, recycling the names of totally unrelated early-70s engines such as the LS4 and LS6; come on, letters and numbers are free! And hey, you can even drop one into a Miata!
[Wikipedia] Photo source: Zorly.com

That's right, as far as we can tell, the deal requires the European Investment Bank to provide $600 million in financing backed by the Swedish government to Saab and "additional support is to be provided by GM and Koenigsegg Group AB to fund Saab's operations and product program investments." Additionally, "as part of the proposed transaction, GM will continue to provide Saab with architecture and powertrain technology during a defined time period. Additionally, Saab plans to produce its next generation 9-5 models in the Saab production facility in Trollhättan, Sweden." No mention if GM's actually getting anything out of this. In fact, it appears to us as though Koenigsegg's getting Saab for pretty much nothing. Good for them. Full press release below.

General Motors and Koenigsegg Group AB Reach Tentative Agreement on Saab

# Deal will secure Saab's future
# EIB expected to provide $600 million financing with state guarantee by the Swedish government
# GM reinvention achieves another milestone

Zurich. General Motors Corp. and Koenigsegg Group AB, a consortium led by Koenigsegg Automotive AB, today confirmed the details of a memorandum of understanding for the purchase of Saab Automobile AB that secures Saab's future.

The sale, expected to close by the end of the third quarter of this year, includes an expected $600 million funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) guaranteed by the Swedish government. Additional support is to be provided by GM and Koenigsegg Group AB to fund Saab's operations and product program investments. This includes plans to launch several new products that are in the final stages of development. Saab had filed for reorganization under Swedish Law on Feb. 20, 2009. This tentative agreement is a key milestone for Saab to successfully emerge from its reorganization process.

"This is yet another significant step in the reinvention of GM and its European operations," said GM Europe President, Carl-Peter Forster. "Saab is a highly respected automotive brand with great potential. Closing this deal represents the best chance for Saab to emerge a stronger company. Koenigsegg Group's unique combination of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and financial strength, combined with Koenigsegg's proven ability to create world-class Swedish performance cars in a highly efficient manner, made it the right choice for Saab as well as for General Motors."

As part of the proposed transaction, GM will continue to provide Saab with architecture and powertrain technology during a defined time period. Additionally, Saab plans to produce its next generation 9-5 models in the Saab production facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.

"The proposed agreement will enable us to maximize the brand's potential through an exciting new product line-up with a distinctly Swedish character. Today's announcement is great news for Saab's current and future customers, dealers, suppliers and employees around the globe, said Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile AB.

The sale will be subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory, governmental and court approvals. Other terms and conditions specific to the sale are not being disclosed at this time. Deutsche Bank acted as financial advisor to General Motors Corporation.

General Motors Corp., one of the world's largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 235,000 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the U.S., followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. In Europe, GM sells its vehicles in over 40 markets. It operates 10 vehicle-production and assembly facilities in seven countries and employs about 50,000 people. More information on GM can be found at http://media.gmeurope.com and http://www.gmeurope.com. GM Europe executives blog at http://drivingconversations.com.To support informed discussion and fact-based reporting, GM and Opel & Vauxhall have launched a new website at http://gmeuropefactsandfiction.com.

Koenigsegg Group AB is a consortium of private investors led by Koenigsegg Automotive AB. Koenigsegg Automotive AB manufactures supercars. It has representatives in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Oceania. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in Ängelholm, Sweden.

Give up? That right there is the meager motivator from the Saab 92. It's a 2-cycle, two cylinder front-engine unit with between 25 and 28 raging horsepower and driving a three speed transmission. We figured it'd be appropriate to feature one of Saab's wackiest engines on a day when we saw a sneak-peak of the 2010 Saab 9-5 and received news Swedish supercar builder Koenigsegg intends to buy the brand.

Photo source: 452-Engines

We've seen the upcoming 2010 Saab 9-5 sedan running around in various states of undress for some time now. Now here's the first glimpses at the wagon wearing a very form-fitting car cover.

The grille keeps the "SAAB" text front and center flanked by what appears to be a set of plane-inspired wings. 'Round back there's not much to see except the sailing C-pillar as on the current car and Saaby window lines, a cross-car piece of trim we're assuming is chrome and some undercut detail down low on the side of the bumper. We're expecting Saab to milk this baby for all it's worth, as the new 9-5 is really the only interesting thing in its quiver for some time. [SaabsUnited]