Saab 9-5

Saab 9-5

Manufacturer	Saab Automobile
Production	1997–2011
Assembly	Trollhättan, Sweden
Predecessor	Saab 9000
Class	Executive car

The Saab 9-5 is an executive car produced by the Swedish automobile maker Saab. The first generation was introduced in 1997 as the replacement to the Saab 9000 for the 1998 model year. At the time, the car represented a great leap forward for Saab. In the United States, the 9-5 was introduced in the spring of 1998, for the 1999 model year.

On September 15, 2009, the second generation was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show and production began in June 2010.^[1] It was the first Saab to be launched under Spyker Cars' ownership, even though it was developed almost completely under GM's ownership.

Contents 1 The model-number/name 2 First generation (1997–2010) 2.1 Engines 2.2 Transmissions 2.2.1 Alternative propulsion 2.2.1.1 E85 2.2.1.2 E100 2.2.1.3 BioPower Hybrid 2.3 Safety 2.4 Aero 2.5 Police car 2.6 Gallery 2.6.1 Engines 3 Second generation (2010–2011) 3.1 Trim levels 3.2 Engines 3.3 Transmissions and layout 4 References 5 External links

The model-number/name

Originally, Saab light-weight bombers and fighter aircraft had only a model number. The name of the car, 9⁵, was arrived at in the late 1990s. Until then, models were numbered 92, 93, 95, 96, 97, 99, 900, and 9000 in succession and housed at least the number 9. Approaching the new millennium, it was thought that big numbers were outdated for a reference to the future, considering the small numbers that were to succeed 2000. During what, in Sweden, is called a Fika-rast, a group of CAD-engineers (all but one with a M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering) started a discussion. The series of numbers appeared exponential. It was proposed that raising the 9 to the power of five would exceed 9000. After some thought, the group agreed, and Stig Nodin delivered the proposal to management. Nine to the power of five is two small digits that represent the number 59049. That number houses the digit 9 twice and is less than the number of the very first Saab prototype car at 92001. Also, recently it has been found that 5 is a natural number for Saab: In post-war Sweden, 11 June 1947, Saab announced that they were going to start manufacturing a civil automobile. This car had to meet five requirements:

• A robust and reliable two-stroke engine
• Low weight for fast acceleration
• Aerodynamic shape
• Long distance comfort
• Safety for occupants.

Those were the requirements, but it was also noted that preferably it should be a low cost car to allow for a high production volume. This last addendum was never met. For the current 9-5, only the last three requirements are met.

Badged as a 9⁵, Saab consistently advertises it as the 9-5, pronounced "nine five" rather than "ninety-five". This model should not be confused with the Saab 95, produced from 1959 to 1978.

The first generation 9-5 was available with sedan and station wagon body styles. Aerodynamically, the sedan's drag coefficient is 0.29, and the station wagon's is 0.31 (U.S. version 0.33), which was introduced in 1999. It features such innovations as floor tracks to secure cargo and a sliding load floor to make loading easier.

The last 9-5 Sedan of the first generation rolled off the Trollhättan production line at the beginning of July 2009,^[2] the last Wagon was assembled on February 1, 2010.^[3] Since the summer of 1997, when the 9-5 production began, 252.236 saloons, and 231.357 wagons were built. The total production 483.593 units, was narrowely beaten by its predecessor, the 9000, of which 503.000 were built.

First generation (1997–2010)

First generation

Production	1997–2009 (sedan) 1998–2010 (wagon)[4]
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	GM2900 platform
Engine	1.9 L turbodiesel I4 2.0 L B205 I4 2.3 L B235 I4 3.0 L L81 (B308) V6 3.0 L Isuzu 6DE1 diesel V6
Transmission	4-speed (1997-2001) 50-40LE 5-speed (2002-09) AF33 5-speed FM55B03
Wheelbase	2,703 mm (106.4 in)
Length	1997–2000 Sedan: 4,805 mm (189.2 in) 1998–2000 Wagon: 4,808 mm (189.3 in) 2001–05 Sedan: 4,825 mm (190.0 in) 2001–05 Wagon: 4,830 mm (190.2 in) 2006–present Sedan: 4,836 mm (190.4 in) 2006–present Wagon: 4,841 mm (190.6 in)
Width	1997–2000 Sedan: 1,793 mm (70.6 in) Wagon & 2001–09 Sedan: 1,790 mm (70.5 in)
Height	1997–2005 Sedan & 2001–05 Wagon: 1,448 mm (57.0 in) 1998–2000 Wagon: 1,496 mm (58.9 in) 2006–09 Sedan: 1,453 mm (57.2 in) 2006–present Wagon: 1,465 mm (57.7 in)
Related	BAW C71[5] Opel Vectra Opel Calibra Opel Omega Saab 900 (NG) Saab 9-3 Saturn L-Series

Engines

The first-generation 9-5 was powered by Saab's B205 and B235 straight-4 engines, and in Europe by Fiat's 1.9 JTD 16V diesel straight-4. A turbocharged version of the GM 54° , designated by Saab as B308, had a unique asymmetrical low-pressure turbocharger and was available from 1999 to 2003. This engine was available only with an automatic transmission, and cars with this engine installed are distinguishable by their twin tailpipes. The V6 was only available on Arc, SE, and Griffin models. In 2004, the V6 engine was replaced by a high pressure turbo straight-4 engine producing 220 hp (160 kW). By 2006 this engine was producing 260 hp (190 kW) even in the non-Aero or non-sport models (US models).

The B205 & B235-based 9-5 models have suffered an abnormally high rate of engine failures due to engine oil sludge. This primarily affected the 1999–2003 models. Saab refined the engine's positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV) for the 2004 and later model years and required use of fully synthetic oil, virtually eliminating the problem. Additionally, SAAB created update kits to retrofit to the 1999–2003 cars since they cannot be easily modified to accept the 2004 and later system. Mounting complaints by 9-5 owners forced GM to offer an 8 year warranty on the engine in 4 cylinder models for original owners, provided the owner can produce proof that they followed the manufacturer's oil change intervals. Saab now also recommends the use of recommended blended oil as a preventative measure.

Transmissions

The 9-5 was available with an Aisin AW 4-speed automatic transmission from 1997–2001. A new Aisin AW unit replaced the dated four-speed automatic with a five-speed automatic. A five-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard to the base models and the Aero.

Alternative propulsion

E85

In 2005, an updated version of the 2.0 L turbocharged I4 was introduced in the European market together with the 2006 9-5. The engine is sold as 2.0T BioPower, and it is optimized to run on E85 producing 132 kW (180 hp) at 5500 rpm. There is also a 2.3T BioPower version sold from 2007. It was also introduced in Australia.

E100

There is a Saab 9-5 E100 Concept, based on the turbo 2.0.

BioPower Hybrid

The Saab BioPower Hybrid concept/prototype is based on the Saab 9-5 E100, with three additional electric motors.

Safety

Continuing Saab's long-running tradition of offering class-leading safety features, the 9-5 introduced Saab's Active Head Restraints (SAHR), which moved up and forward to prevent whiplash when the car was struck from the rear. This feature won technology and safety awards in Australia, Denmark and the United Kingdom. The Saab 9-5 also was one of the first cars to have extensive side-crash protection. In the front seats were torso and head airbags, on even the oldest of 9-5s, making it unique in that few other late 1990s vehicles provided the same feature. The basic structure included a robust passenger cage, front and rear deformation zones, reinforced door posts and pillars, as well as the "Pendulum B-Pillar", which combined high-strength low-alloy steel at chest and head height with tailored blank steel at the floorpan, designed to direct the crash forces down toward the floor. The design was proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to protect occupants in side crashes, even without the addition of curtain airbags or rear side airbags. From 2002, "ESP" (Saab-speak for electronic stability control), was included as standard equipment.

Another Saab feature was the "Night Panel", which permitted dousing of the instrument panel lighting, except for essential information, for less distraction when driving at night. Once the night panel button (located by the stereo and caution lights) has been activated, the instrument cluster will dim except for the speedometer, which will illuminate from 0-87 mph, until 87 has been exceeded. As a gauge becomes a necessity for the driver's attention, it will illuminate (for example, if the car needs refueled, if the car is overheating, etc.)

In the United States OnStar was available, and provided as standard equipment in selected 9-5's from 2001 onward.^[6]

Aero

The performance-oriented 9-5 Aero was first released in 2000 with a 230 hp 2.3T B235R engine. This flagship model had a long list of standard features, a sport tuned suspension, and body side moldings. In 2002 a 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) 2.3 turbo engine was made standard. The high-powered version of the 9-5 in the current form produces 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) and 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) of torque (370 N·m (270 lb·ft) with its 20-second overboost function accessible on the manual transmission equipped version. Hirsch Performance, MapTun Performance, Nordic Uhr, and BSR AB, all tuners specializing in Saab models, can increase this to a maximum of approximately 470 hp (350 kW) ECE (220 kW).^[7][8]

Currently, the 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) B235R is the standard engine in the 9-5 in both the 2.3T and Aero trims. In addition, almost all standard features on the Aero are now standard on the 2.3T, the exceptions being sport-tuned chassis, two-tone leather upholstery, "anniversary" wheels and brushed aluminum interior trim, all of which are standard on Aero and not available on the 2.3T.

Additionally, in the past companies, such as MapTun Performance, have developed aftermarket BioPower conversion kits for the 9-5 Aero and other Saab models. Larger injectors and remapped software in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) allow impressive power levels from 285 hp (213 kW), 330 lb·ft (450 N·m) in the Aero model on E85 ethanol. Due to the efforts at ECUPROJECT.com, tuning can be accomplished by the car's owner now through the open source program called T7Suite which allows the ability for nearly infinite power and torque possibilities. This is a major advantage over the mail box-style tunes that were/are currently available from the limited SAAB tuning community.

Police car

• The 9-5 is used for patrol and undercover in several parts of its native country, Sweden, alongside the Volvo V70. Several police forces in the UK also use the 9-5 in their fleets, mostly in Aero guise.
• The city of Aspen, Colorado, used Saabs as patrol cars from early 1970s until 2005, when the 9-5 was discontinued in favor of Volvo XC90.^[9]
• The town of Vail, Colorado, had been using Saabs since 1980, but in 2005, the black 9-5 patrol cars were replaced by Ford Explorers, due to budget reasons.^[10]
• In 2006 Lothian and Borders Police in Edinburgh, Scotland, started using three Saab 9-5 Aero 2.3T patrol cars as part of a fleet of 580 various vehicles. These 9-5s were customised to police specifications by the Saab, Vauxhall and Chevrolet Special Vehicles Operation (SVO) in Papworth, Cambridgeshire.^[11] In undercover guise, these cars were outwardly identical to the Linear Sport models, but featured the 260bhp Aero drivetrain.
• In Poland, an unmarked 9-5 is used as a video-pursuit vehicle, in the Płock area^[12]

Gallery

Engines

Model	Years	Engine	Engine type	Displ.	Max. power	Max. torque	0–100 km/h[13]
1.9TiD	2006–2009	Fiat JTD	straight-4, diesel	1910 cc	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @ 4000 rpm	320 N·m (240 lb·ft) @ 2000 rpm	10.1 (10.7) s
2.2TiD	2002–2006	Opel Ecotec X22DTH	straight-4, diesel	2171 cc	120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) @ 4000 rpm	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 1500 rpm	11.0 s
3.0 V6TiD	2001–2006	Isuzu DMAX	V6, diesel	2958 cc	176 PS (129 kW; 174 hp) @ 4000 rpm	350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm	8.9 s
2.0t	1998–2009	B205E	straight-4, petrol	1985 cc	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @ 5500 rpm	240 N·m (180 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm	9.8 (10.2) s
2.0t BioPower	2005–2009	B205E	straight-4, E85	1985 cc	180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) @ 5500 rpm	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm	8.5 (9.0) s
2.3t BioPower	2006–2009	B235L	straight-4, E85	2290 cc	210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) @ 5500 rpm	310 N·m (230 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm	7.9 (8.5) s
2.3t	1998–2001	B235E	straight-4, petrol	2290 cc	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @ 5500 rpm	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm	8.7 (9.3) s
2.3t	2001–2009	B235E	straight-4, petrol	2290 cc	185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) @ 5500 rpm	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm	7.9 (8.5) s
2.3T	2004–2005	B235L	straight-4, petrol	2290 cc	220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) @ 5500 rpm	310 N·m (230 lb·ft) @ 2500 rpm	7.9 (8.5) s
3.0t V6	1998–2003	L81	V6, petrol	2962 cc	200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @ 5000 rpm	310 N·m (230 lb·ft) @ 2500 rpm	8.3 (auto) s
Aero	1999–2001	B235R	straight-4, petrol	2290 cc	230 PS (169 kW; 227 hp) @ 5500 rpm	350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @ 1900 rpm	6.9 (7.3) s
Aero	2002–2005	B235R	straight-4, petrol	2290 cc	250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) @ 5300 rpm	370 N·m (270 lb·ft) @ 1900 rpm	6.9 (7.3) s
Aero	2006–2009	B235R	straight-4, petrol	2290 cc	260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) @ 5300 rpm	350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @ 1900 rpm	6.9 (7.3) s

Second generation (2010–2011)

Second generation

Production	2010–2011
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
Platform	GM Epsilon II platform
Engine	1.6L turbocharged I4 2.0L turbocharged I4 2.8L turbocharged V6 2.0L turbodiesel I4
Transmission	6-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,837 mm (111.7 in)
Length	Wagon: 5,010 mm (197.2 in) Sedan: 5,008 mm (197.2 in)[14]
Width	1,868 mm (73.5 in)[14]
Height	Sportcombi: 1,520 mm (59.8 in) Sedan: 1,466 mm (57.7 in)[15]
Related	Buick LaCrosse Chevrolet Malibu Opel Insignia/Buick Regal

External images
	2010 Saab 9-5 images.

A next generation 9-5 built on the Global Epsilon platform was presented at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September 2009. The vehicle had its North American debut in October 2009 at the South Florida Auto Show in Miami.^[16] On November 24, 2009, the first pre-series Saab 9-5 of the new generation rolled off the Trollhättan production line. On the Saab International Site stated below, more pictures and information on the car can be found.

With the announcement of the sale of Saab to Spyker on January 26, 2010, it was confirmed that the new generation Saab 9-5 was already taken into production at the Saab plant in Trollhättan. Full production began in April 2010, with the cars appearing in dealerships on June 19.^[17] Saab introduced a wagon variant of the new 9-5, dubbed "SportCombi," at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.^[18] The Saab 9-5 Sedan 2.8V6 Turbo has been named Car of the Year in Singapore by Wheels Asia.^[19]

Trim levels

Trim/equipment levels vary from country to country.

In the US saab 9-5's are as follows Turbo4, Turbo4 Premium, Turbo6 XWD and Aero. Turbo4 models come with the turbocharged four-cylinder and is well-equipped with features including power adjustable driver and passenger’s seats, leather upholstery, five-spoke alloy wheels, fog lamps and rain-sensing wipers. Turbo4 Premium adds a panoramic sunroof, headlamp washers, Saab parking assistance, keyless entry and start, memory seats and 18-inch alloy wheels. While the Turbo6 XWD is powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder Ecotec engine and features an all-wheel drive system. The top end Aero rings 15-spoke “Rotor” 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed sports seats, a multi-color central information display, Bi-Xenon SmartBeam headlamps, dark titanium-effect interior trim, aluminum sports pedals, a sport-tuned suspension with real-time damping and unique Aero exterior elements.^[20]

UK equipment levels for the 2012 model year include the Vector SE and Aero and both sedan and sportcombi are available. The previous base models, Linear and Vector were replaced by the Vector SE model.^[21]

Whilst in other parts of the world less trim levels are available, in Australia the Linear (base) is not part of the line up leaving just the Vector and Aero trims are available.

Engines

Petrol engine
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h,s	Top speed (FWD)	Note	CO2 emission (g/km)	Years
Ecotec 1.6T	I4	1598 cc	180 hp (134 kW; 182 PS) @5500 rpm	230 N·m (170 lb·ft) @2200 rpm	9.5	220 km/h (140 mph)		179	2011
Ecotec 2.0T	I4	1998 cc	220 hp (164 kW; 223 PS) @5300 rpm	350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @2500 rpm	8.0	240 km/h (150 mph)		198	2010–2011
2.8T	V6	2792 cc	300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS) @5500 rpm	400 N·m (295 lb·ft) @2000 rpm	6.9	250 km/h (160 mph)		269	2010–2011
BioPower engine
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h,s	Top speed	Note	CO2 emission (g/km)	Years
2.0T BioPower	I4	1998 cc	220 hp (164 kW; 223 PS) @5300 rpm	350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @2500 rpm	8.0	240 km/h (150 mph)		198	2011
Diesel engine
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h,s	Top speed	Note	CO2 emission (g/km)	Years
2.0TiD	I4	1956 cc	160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) @4000 rpm	350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @1750 rpm	9.9	215 km/h (134 mph)		139	2010–2011
2.0TTiD	I4	1956 cc	190 hp (142 kW; 193 PS) @4000 rpm	400 N·m (295 lb·ft) @1750 rpm	8.8	230 km/h (140 mph)		159	2011

Transmissions and layout

Petrol engine				Layout
Model	Years	Standard	Optional	front-wheel drive	four-wheel drive
1.6T	2010–2011	6-speed manual	-	Y	N
2.0T	2010–2011	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	Y	Y
2.8T	2010–2011	6-speed automatic	-	N	Y
BioPower engine				Layout
Model	Years	Standard	Optional	front-wheel drive	four-wheel drive
2.0T	2010–2011	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	Y	Y
Diesel engine				Layout
Model	Years	Standard	Optional	front-wheel drive	four-wheel drive
2.0TiD	2010–2011	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	Y	N
2.0TTiD	2010–2011	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	Y	Y

References

/* References */ 2009 Saab 9-5 Review

External links

• Saab 9-5 generation 2, overview.
• Saab 9-5 BioPower.
• Saab 9-5 (1998-2009) forum, tutorials and media archive on SaabWorld
• Saab 9-5 (2010+) forum, tutorials and media archive on SaabWorld
• Saab 9-5 Gallery, saabo.com.
• IIHS Saab 9-5 Crash test.
• ECUPROJECT.com

Type	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1
Compact	600*
	99					90																				9-2X
Compact executive	900														900					9-3				9-3
Convertible								900								900				9-3					9-3
Executive						9000													9-5												9-5
SUV																										9-7X
CUV																														9-3X
																																9-4X

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