Saab 900 (NG)
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| Saab 900 (NG) | |
| Manufacturer: | Saab Automobile<tr><th>Production:<td>1994-1998</tr><tr><th>Predecessor:<td>Saab 900</tr><tr><th>Successor:<td>Saab 9-3</tr><tr><th>Class:<td>Compact car / Compact executive car</tr><tr><th>Body style:<td>2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback</tr><tr><th>Platform:<td>FF GM2900</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>2.0 L B204 I4 2.3 L B234 I4 2.5 L 54° V6</tr><tr><th>Transmission:<td>5-speed manual 4-speed automatic</tr><tr><th>Related:<td>Opel Calibra Opel Vectra Saab 9-5</tr><tr><th>Similar:<td>BMW 3-Series Mercedes-Benz C-Class Volvo 850 Audi A4</tr> |
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The second generation Saab 900 (also referred to as the GM900 or NG900 among enthusiasts) was a compact car produced from model year 1994 until model year 1998, when it was replaced (1999 in the US) by the Saab 9-3. Based on GM's Opel Vectra platform, the NG900 was a replacement for the 'classic' Saab 900. Although it bore a family resemblance to predecessor 900 models, the NG900 was an entirely-new model.
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[edit] Variants
Variants included S (base) and SE (up-market) models in three-door, five-door and convertible body styles. For 1997 only, there was also a 'Talladega' version, after a record-breaking endurance test in 1996, on the Talladega racetrack.
Depending on market, the new-generation 900 was available with a choice of 2.0L or 2.3L Saab 16-valve DOHC engines (Saab engine codes B204, B234) in naturally aspirated or turbocharged form (2.0L only), as well as a 2.5L version of GM's European 54° V6 engine. Engine management was by Saab Trionic 5 with Direct Ignition (SDI) and Automatic Performance Control (for turbo models) and Bosch LH Jetronic fuel injection for non-turbos. A distributor-operated ignition was provided for naturally-aspirated engines in some markets.
In contrast to the 'classic' Saab 900 with its longitudinally-mounted engine and front-hinged hood (bonnet), the NG900 had the more-common transversely-mounted engine and rear-hinged hood (bonnet).
In their 1998 marketing materials for the 900's successor, the Saab 9-3, Saab claimed over "1,100 improvements" had been made, despite the fact that the new model was virtually indistinguishable from the older model. In most markets, the 1998 models were sold as 9-3's, though in the US, the 1998 models were still 900's, with the 9-3 introduced for model year 1999.
By 1999, the 900 had been completely supplanted by the Saab 9-3 model.
[edit] Night Panel
One Saab innovation was the 'Black Panel' (later renamed 'Night Panel') feature, which allowed most instrument panel lights to be extinguished at night at the touch of a button, permitting less distraction during night driving. While Black Panel was active, other instruments were still able to illuminate themselves as required to gain the driver's attention. This feature was later carried over into the Saab 9-3 and the Saab 9-5 models.[edit] Sensonic
The 'Sensonic' clutch variant, (available on the Turbo models only) provided a manual gear lever as in a standard manual-transmission car, but omitted the clutch pedal in favor of electronic control over the gearbox, the computer being able to control the clutch faster than the average driver.
When a driver started to move the gear shift knob\gear selector lever, a computer-controlled actuator operated the clutch to provide gear changes. When the car was stationary but in gear, the clutch was only released when gas was applied. If neither the brake pedal nor gas pedal was depressed, a warning tone was heard and a message flashed on the on-board display, and if no action was taken after 7 seconds, the engine was shut off.
The system was short-lived, as it proved to be somewhat unreliable and expensive to repair.
[edit] Engines
- 2.0 L B204L 16-valve turbo intercooled, 185 hp (136 kW)
- 2.0 L B204I normally-aspirated 16-valve four cylinder, 130 hp
- 2.0 L B206I normally-aspirated 16-valve four cylinder with no balance shafts, 133 hp
- 2.3 L B234I normally-aspirated 16-valve four cylinder, 150 hp
- 2.5 L B258I 54° V6, 24-valve, 170 hp DIN (125 kW)
[edit] Awards and Achievements
1998
- Best in Class, cars $25,000-$35,000 (900 S Turbo) - Kiplinger's Personal Finance, USA
1996
- Among Top Ten Sports Cars - Consumer's Review, USA
- IBCAM British Steel Auto Design Award (Saab 900 2.0i Coupé) - The Institute of British Carriage and Automobile Manufacturers, Great Britain
- Best Buy - Consumers' Digest, USA
- New world-records for endurance, at Talladega, USA
1995
- Top Car in its Price Class (Saab 900 SEV6) - American Automobile Association (AAA)
- Best Buy - Consumers' Digest, USA
- Among Top Ten Sports Cars - Consumer's Review, USA
- Technology Award 1995 for Saab Sensonic - Autocar, Great Britain
1993 and 1994
- Top Choice in annual Car of the Year reader poll - Autoweek Magazine, USA
- Annual Special Prize To Saab Safeseat - Motoring Journalists' Club, Denmark
- One of the Ten Most Improved Cars And Trucks of 1994 - Syndicated automotive experts Mike Anson and Steven Parker, USA
- Import Car of the Year 1993/94 in Japan - RJC (Automotive Researchers and Journalists Conference of Japan), Japan
- Best Buy - Consumers' Digest, USA
- Excellent Swedish Design 1994 - The Swedish Society of Crafts and Design, Sweden
- Family Car of the Year (900S) - Motoring '94, Canada
- Scandinavian Design Prize 1994 - The Scandinavian Design Council (The Nordic Design Centres)
- Executive Car of the Year 1994 - Portuguese Car Trophy
- 1993 Best Buy - Consumers' Digest, USA
- 1994 Design of the Year - Automobile magazine, USA
- Best New Car - Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, USA
- Car of the Year 1993 - Moottori magazine, Finland
- Best of What's New - Popular Science, USA
- 2nd Most Popular Car - STATUS magazine, Germany
- 1994 Technology of the Year (for Saab Trionic) - Automobile magazine, USA
[edit] Praise
- Good handling potential, especially with performance suspension and tires.
- High output from an inline-4 engine with the turbo. With simple bolt-on modifications, additional power can be obtained, and if more extensive tuning is carried on, the engine is surprisingly strong to support it. Some modified Saab NG900's reached well over 400 hp on stock internals.
- Impressive cargo space through the hatchback.
- High safety ratings.
- Strong theft resistance.
- Subtle styling gives a "sporty" feel without drawing unwanted attention.
[edit] Criticisms
- Traditionalists claim NG 900 and later models, which were extensively redesigned and in particular used a International GM J platform soon after the influx of GM money and influence, are not 'true' Saabs. Many drivers when test driving the "new" Saab model opted to keep their old C-900 models because they felt it to be a superior car.
- Enthusiasts complain of soft, unresponsive handling, blamed in part on the overly-soft mounts for the GM-designed steering rack.
- The fact that the car was based on a International GM J platform Vauxhall Cavalier and did not even match the US-model Cavaliers rather mundane handling when tested on the skidpad put even more credence to the thinking that this car was "not a real Saab"
- The optional 2.5L V-6 engine uses a timing belt which must be replaced every 30,000 miles along with the tensioners every 60,000 miles to prevent failures. Since this was an interference engine, if a failure occurred it would require replacement of the cylinder heads and valves, as a broken belt will damage them.
- The electronic Direct Ignition module, a single component which sits astride the cylinder head of the inline-4 and incorporates functions of ignition coil and distributor wires, has been un-reliable in the NG900 and later models. Failure is not reparable (the part, which is expensive, must be replaced in its entirety) and can leave the driver stranded. Many Saab drivers are known to keep an extra in their trunk along with their spare tire.
[edit] External links
Online Communities
- NG900 forum section on SaabCentral
- NG900 forum section on SaabLink
- NG900 forum section on SaabNet
- UK Saab Forum and discussion site
- Svenska Saab 900-klubben
- Saab - User Community
Do-It-Yourself Repairs and Upgrades
- saab.platonoff.com A large website with comprehensive illustrated DIY guides on many topics of NG900 ownership, repairs and upgrades
- NG900 website by Munki A popular DIY website by a Saab enthusiast from UK
- Eric's SAAB Site An excellent enthusiast website with lots of information on Saab upgrades
- Saab 900SE Turbo Another website with illustrated guides on NG900 maintenance and repairs
- Saab Workshop A collection of resources for maintaining and upgrading your Saab 900 (NG) or early Saab 9-3
Other
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