The 900 is a car that was made by Saab Automobile from 1978 until 1998 in two generations. The first generation from 1978 to 1993 is known as the "classic"; the generation from 1994 to 1998 is known as the "new generation". The 900 is based on the Saab 99 chassis, though with a longer front end to meet U.S. frontal crash regulations. The drag coefficient is 0.34. The 900 was produced in 2- and 4-door sedan, and 3- and 5-door coupe configurations; additionally, from 1986, a cabriolet (convertible) model was produced. There were single- and twin-carburetor, fuel-injection and turbocharged engines, including both full pressure (FPT) and in European models during the early 90s, low pressure turbos (LPT).

Overview
The 1979 900 was available in three versions: The GL had the single-carb 99 hp/73.5 kW engine, the GLS had twin carburetors for 106 hp/79.5 kW, the EMS and GLE had fuel injection for 116 hp/87 kW, and the 900 Turbo produced 143 hp/107 kW. A five-speed transmission was introduced in the EMS and Turbo for 1980.
The 900 sedan was introduced in 1981 along with the phase-out of the old Saab B engine in favor of the lighter Saab H engine. In the early 1980s, most 900's were produced in Trollhättan. However, coinciding with the production of the 9000, more 900's were produced elsewhere. The Valmet plant in Finland, referenced below under the 900C, also produced the non-convertible as evidenced by one previously owned by this author and imported by the SAAB US distributor. The plant in Arlöv (now closed), near Malmö, also produced some 900s.
A big change for 1982 was the introduction of Saab's Automatic Performance Control (APC), a.k.a. boost controller. The APC employed a knock sensor, allowing the engine to use different grades of gasoline without engine damage. Another new feature that year was the introduction of central locking doors (on the GLE and Turbo). Asbestos-free brakes were introduced in 1983, an industry first. A new model also appeared that year in Sweden — the GLi, which used the fuel injected engine.
1984 saw the introduction of the 16-valve DOHC B202 engine. With a turbocharger and intercooler, it could produce 175 hp/129 kW in the Turbo 16 model (less for catalyst-equipped engines). The Turbo 16 Aero had a body kit allowing the car to reach 210 km/h (130 mph). A different grille and 3-spoke steering wheel appeared across all models.
The dual-carb model (and "GL" nomenclature) was gone for 1985. Now, the base 900 had the single-carburetor engine, while the 900i added fuel injection. Two turbocharged models were offered: The 900 Turbo had the 8-valve engine, while the T16S had the 16-valve intercooled unit. The 8-valve turbo had the intercooler the next year, while the 16-valve cars had hydraulic engine mounts. 1986 also marked the introduction of the 900 convertible in North America.
A new grille, headlights, and so-called "integrated" bumpers freshened the 900's look for 1987, though the sheet metal was unchanged. Several common parts for the 900 and 9000 were introduced for 1988 model year, including brakes and wheel hubs. A water and oil cooled turbocharger (replacing the older oil-cooled unit) was also introduced to improve the unit's durability.
In each of the seasons 1987 and 1988, there was a special 'one-make' race series, in the UK, called the Saab Turbo Mobil Challenge, sponsored by Saab Great Britain and Mobil. It was run by the BARC.
The 8-valve engines were phased out in 1989 and 1990, with the turbo versions having been removed in North American markets by the end of 1984; North American 900S models received the non-turbo 16-valve engine for 1986. A non-turbo 16-valve engine replaced the 8-valve FI unit in the 900i (900S in North America) as well, while the carbureted engines were dropped. Larger pinion bearings were fitted to manual gearboxes for 1989 to improve their strength and reliability. A low pressure turbo engine was available in European markets in 1990 as well. Anti-lock brakes were introduced in 1990, and were standard on Turbo models and - along with a driver's side airbag - were standardized for all North American market cars.
A 2.1 L (2119 cc/129 in³) (B212) engine was introduced in 1991. This engine was available in the United States until the end of the original 900, but in most of Europe, this engine was replaced a year later with the earlier B202 because of tax regulations in some European countries for engines with a displacement of more than 2000 cc.
By 1990, the Saab 900 no longer offered the mesh wheels. There was also a change in the door locks, which carried over to the 900NG.
Front seats from the 9000 were standard from 1991 on and electronically-adjustable ones were available as an option.
"Classic" 900 production ended on September 26, 1993, with a new Opel Vectra-based 900 entering production shortly afterwards. The final classic convertibles were still sold as 1994 models, with the Special Edition commanding top dollar in the resale market even today.
In all, 908,817 Saab 900s were built, including 48,888 convertibles.

History
In the mid 1980s, the president of Saab-Scania of America, Robert J. Sinclair, suggested a convertible version to increase sales. The first prototype was built by ASC, American Sunroof Company (now American Specialty Cars). Similarly, Lynx Motors International Ltd produced two "convertible" models, just prior to the official 1986 launch. [1]
The Trollhättan design department, headed by Björn Envall, based its version on the 3-door hatchback while the Finnish plant used the sturdier 2-door version, which also looked better and was therefore selected for production. The initial production was not planned to be large but the orders kept coming in and a classic was born.
The new car was shown for the first time at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) in Frankfurt in the autumn of 1983. The first prototype aroused enormous interest and in April 1984, Saab decided to put the car in production at Valmet. The production of the first 900 convertible started during the spring of 1986.
The convertible usually had a 16-valve turbocharged engine, some with intercooler, but it was also offered in certain markets with a fuel-injected 2.1 L naturally-aspirated engine from 1991 on.
Influenced by General Motors (GM), in 1994 the "New Generation" (NG) 900 SE, based on the Opel Vectra chassis, was introduced. While this design contained styling cues reminiscent of the classic 900, the GM 900 was fundamentally a different car. For many fans of the marque, the GM 900 marked the end of Saab's technology-driven design philosophy and, in their view, the beginning of the dilution of the SAAB brand.
The cabriolet/convertible, however, was made on the 'classic' chassis for an additional year. This model is affectionately known as "The Goose", as, in some markets, the emblem on the back of the SE version reads "Saab 900 SE", which looks a bit like "GOOSE."

Convertible
Saab introduced a turbocharger in 1978 in its 99 Turbo with the B engine (based on the Triumph Slant-4 engine designed for Saab by Triumph). This engine was also used in early 900 Turbo models, which in export markets made Saab a household brand.
The B-engine was further designed into the H engine, which was used through 1993 (and 1994 cabriolets). The H-engine is very durable, and due to a fairly standardized engine management system, can be easily tuned to 197 hp/147 kW, and with further bolt-on modifications, to the 247 hp/184 kW range. Saab used Bosch-made mechanical K-Jetronic continuous fuel injection in the fuel injected and 8-valve turbocharged versions, and the Bosch LH 2.2 and 2.4 and Lucas Automotive electronic fuel injection systems were used in the 16-valve versions. The 2.1 L 16-valve engine used the Bosch LH 2.4.2 electronic fuel injection system.
What set the 900 Turbo apart from its turbo-equipped competitors, especially in the early- and mid-1980s, was the development and use of the Automatic Performance Control (APC) boost controller. The system allowed the engine to run at the limits of engine knocking. The system had a knock sensor attached to the motor block and if knocking of any kind was present, the APC-system would decrease the charge pressure by opening a wastegate, a bypass to the exhaust. This enabled the use of various octane fuels and also made the use of the turbocharger safer for the engine. Later 900 Aeros and Carlssons had special APC controllers in red enclosures (so-called "redbox" APCs) that provided more boost and rose power to 175hp.
At first, Saab used a Garrett Systems turbocharger (T3), which was oil-cooled. From 1988 through 1990, watercooled T3s were fitted. In 1990, Saab fitted Mitsubishi TE-05 turbochargers in the SPG models only; in 1991, all 900 Turbos were fitted with the TE-05. Also watercooled, the TE-05 was slightly smaller than the Garrett T3s, providing improved throttle response and quicker spool-up. The TE-05 is unique in that its exhaust inlet flange utilizes a Garrett T3 pattern.
Engines:

1979–1989 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B201 NA, single-carb, 99 hp/73.5 kW at 5200 rpm and 163 N·m (119 ft·lbf)
1979–1984 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B201 NA, dual-carb, 106 hp/79.5 kW at 5200 rpm and 165 N·m (121 ft·lbf)
1979–1989 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B201 NA, FI, 116 hp/87 kW at 5500 rpm and 168 N·m (123 ft·lbf) at 3700 rpm
1979–1985 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B201 Turbo, 143 hp/107 kW at 5000 rpm and 235 N·m (173 ft·lbf)
1986–1989 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B201 Intercooled turbo, 138-155 hp/103-114 kW at 5000 rpm and 235 N·m (173 ft·lbf)
1984–1993 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B202 16-valve turbo, 160-175 hp/118-129 kW at 5500 rpm and 255-273 N·m (188-201 ft·lbf)
1989–1993 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B202 16-valve, NA, 124-128 hp/93–96 kW at 6100 rpm and 170-177 N·m (125-130 ft·lbf)
1990–1993 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B202 16-valve low pressure turbo (LPT), 143 hp/107 kW at 5600 rpm and 202 N·m (149 ft·lbf)
       –1994 — 2.0 L (1985 cc) B202 16-valve intercooled turbo (FPT) in the convertible.
1991–1993 — 2.1 L (2119 cc) B212 NA, FI, 138 hp/103 kW at 6000 rpm and 180 N·m (133 ft·lbf) Engines

Special Models
The Gold special edition was available in the UK in 1981 as the first 900 4 door Saloons, these had Turbo Spec Velour Interior finished in either Blue or Black with Gold pin stripes, twin air vent bonnet and fuel gauge showing tank contents in Litres.

900 GLi Gold
The Tjugofem Saloon was released in a batch of 300 to celebrate SAABs 25th year in the UK (fitting, as tjugo-fem is Swedish for twenty-five). These had the 1985cc 8-Valve engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. Interior trim was blue turbo velour with a special gear knob with the cars number. Exterior the model was a standard non-turbo apart from alloy wheels, Tjugofem pinstriping and Turbo style rear spoiler.jepp

900 Tjugofem
900C was built in Uusikaupunki, Finland and in Arlöv, Sweden just outside Malmö, was a late 1980s carburetted model. It used an eight-valve B201 engine with a single carburetor producing 100 BHP.

900C
The EP was a special Ecopower model for the Italian market. It uses a 16V low pressure turbo engine and has a pre-heated catalysor.

900EP
An even longer "Finlandia" version called the 900 CD was made at the Valmet factory in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The 900 CD was 20 cm (7.9 in) longer than standard, by adding 10 cm (3.9 in) to both front and rear doors, but only the rear leg room was larger. Optional extras for the CD were a leather interior, reading lights, rear blinds, footrests, and even an in-car telephone. There was an even longer, VIP limousine version, also by Valmet. The CD was supplied in 'automatic transmission' form only.[2][3]

900 CD
The Enduro was a special version of the 900 Turbo assembled by Saab Australia; only twelve 900 Enduros were made [4]. The package consisted of large, flared fiberglass fenders, extra gauges (oil pressure, battery voltage and current drain) mounted where the radio usually was, improved suspension and big wheels and tires. To increase performance the wastegate was set at 17 psi (1.2 bar). Water injection came standard.

900 Enduro
The Lux was a special model available 1983 and 1984. It came in a two-tone paint, usually Slate Blue metallic on top and silver below.[5]

900 Lux
The SE model was produced in May 1990 and came with 5 doors Irridium Blue with blue-pin stripes down the sides. The car also featured multi-spoke alloys, full electrics, grey leather seats and wood effect as standard. Only 300 were originally made for the UK market, with a choice of either a 2.0L N/A engine or 2.0L lpt version. For further reference to 900 special models read "Saab 99 and 900: The complete story". Later more SE version were made; however these were not part of the original limited run.

900 SE
The Carlsson was a special model made in honour of Erik Carlsson. It was a three-door 900 powered by a 1985 cc turbocharged engine with APC giving 185 BHP and fitted with twin chrome exhausts.[6]

900 Carlsson

Lynx Engineering produced two "convertible" models, just prior to the official 1986 launch. [7]
A demountable camper module, the Toppola, was created for the 3/5-door hatchback.
Coachbuilder Nilsson built a variant Saab never thought of - a wagon, the styling of which was incredibly well executed. [8]
Limousine conversions are few, but effective. [9] Conversions
Some SAAB dealers made special models. SAAB Wimbledon made the Sprint and the Sport. The Sprint had a special body kit, lower, stiffer springs, and Pirelli P7 on 7"x16" wheels. It also came with an intercooler, full colour coding and 3-spoke leather steering wheel. The Sport had alloy wheels, full colour coding and spoilers, uprated suspension, 3-spoke leather steering wheel, Clarion stereo and an electric aerial. Heuschmid GmbH offered options such as tuning, intercooler, suspensions tweaking and custom alloy wheels. EIA Motors of France made a series of 100 normally aspired 16 valve tuned to 158 BHP.[10] Lynx Motors in the UK made a short run conversion of the two-door 900 shell to a convertible.[11]

Dealer Models
The tire supplier varies by market and model year. In 1982, the US market was supplied with Pirelli P6 (not to be confused with the current P6 4 Season) 195/60HR15 tires for the 900turbo and Pirelli P8 185/65SR15 for the 900 (called the 900GLi in some markets) and 900S (called the 900EMS in some markets). In 1990, the US market 900 (called the 900i in some other markets) was supplied with Pirelli P8. In 1992, there were several tire suppliers and at least one US market brochure stated that the US distributor cannot allocate cars by tire manufacturer.

Front track: 1420 mm (55.9 in)
Rear track: 1430 mm (56.3 in)
Ground clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in)
Weight distribution: 60/40 (unloaded), 51/49 (fully loaded) Specifications
The second-generation Saab 900 (also referred to as the GM900 or NG900 among enthusiasts) is a compact executive car which was produced by Saab Automobile from 1994 until 1998, when it was replaced by the Saab 9-3 (in most markets; in 1999 in the USA). Based on GM's Opel Vectra platform, the NG900 was a replacement for the "classic" first-generation Saab 900. Although it bore a family resemblance to its predecessor, the NG900 was an entirely new model.

Variants
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 electronics which could 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. With the car in gear but stationary, the clutch was released only when gas was applied. If neither brake nor gas pedal was depressed, a warning tone sounded and a message flashed on the on-board display, and if no action was taken after 7 seconds, the engine was shut off.
Sensonic was discontinued after a short time, as it proved to be somewhat unreliable and expensive to repair.
The SAAB 900 handbook has an error, where it states that if the car is in gear and starts rolling backwards down a hill, the clutch will operate to stop it rolling back. This "Hill Start" mode was not actually implemented on the car.

Sensonic

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) Engines
One Saab innovation, inspired by the company's roots in aeronautics, was the 'Black Panel' feature (also known as Nightpanel). This 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 could illuminate themselves as required to gain the driver's attention. This feature was carried over (renamed 'Night Panel') into Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 models.

Awards and Achievements
Saab 900 "Talladega"
Stock Saab 900 SE Talladega
1995 Saab 900SE convertible
1996 Saab 900SE Turbo with some minor modifications