It's 30 years since Saab unveiled its first turbocharged model, causing young stockbrokers to rear their heads like hungry cocker spaniels at the shake of a kibble bag. Now, Saab says its planning to reveal a car that will evoke the classic "black turbo" models that followed throughout the 1980s. It's called the Turbo X, and we suspect it's an attempt to recapture some of the brand's, er, Saabness lost during the GM years. The Turbo X will be a limited-edition model the company says will introduce cutting-edge technology. We're hoping that doesn't just mean a stock ticker on the dash.
Press Release
Saab Black Turbo Rebjörn
• Saab unveils the Turbo X
• Celebration of 30 years at the forefront of turbocharging technology
• Saab to replicate classic Black Turbo models, available as a limited edition
Saab will go 'back to the future' at next month's Frankfurt International Motor Show by evoking the iconic appeal of its classic 'Black Turbo' models.
The Swedish premium car maker will celebrate 30 years of leadership in turbocharging by unveiling the Saab Turbo X, a limited edition performance car that inherits the visual appeal of the Saab 99 and 900 black turbos - while also introducing cutting-edge technology. This ultimate expression of the new 9-3 range will deliver standard-setting levels of performance for the brand.
It was at Frankfurt in 1977 that Saab surprised the automotive world when it revealed its first turbocharged model. It set a performance trend that others were to follow. Now the innovative features of the new Saab 'Black Turbo' are also expected to attract widespread imitation.
Further details of the Saab Turbo X will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.