The Saab V8 was a V8 engine developed for Saab Automobile by Valmet in Linnavuori factory, Finland. (Now AGCO Sisu Power). Only five prototypes were made. General Motors became a partner in Saab Automobile and instead wanted Saab to use their new V6. This resulted in the scrapping of the project.
The engine had 4 camshafts, 32 valves and, in the non-turbocharged form, it produced 250 to 300 hp depending of the version. Maximum torque was around 300-320 Nm.
Block was cast by Valmet Rautpohja plant in Jyväskylä. Crankshafts came from England. Cylinder heads came from Saab B202 engine. Another head had intake and exhaust ports reversed.
Engine was fitted to a Saab 9000 without any body modifications. It was reported to be "a hoot to drive" and the testing engineers managed to collect a few speeding tickets.
One engine can be found in the factory museum at Linnavuori, two engines are in Saab museum in Uusikaupunki. One installed in a Saab 9000 and another in stand.
This was not the first time Saab was interested in V8s. Saab also considered using the Triumph V8 in the Saab 99 as they already used the related Triumph Slant-4 engine. Only a few were built and Saab instead used turbocharging. Saab also fitted a GM V8 into a Saab 9-5 as they felt a V8 may be necessary for the US market.[1]
The 9000's design sibling, the Lancia Thema (related by their Type Four chassis), evolved into the 8.32 when in 1986, it was equipped with an adapted version of the 32-Valve, 3-litre V8 from the Ferrari 308.