Saab Perfection by KC Performance

A few years ago, I featured a Saab project by the talented team at KC Performance in the Netherlands, a project that brought together many of my personal design preferences in a stunning Saab 900 T16. Well, since that project, they've been continually delivering more superbly crafted Saabs for us all to enjoy.

The first is an absolutely epic OG 9-3 HOT Aero convertible finished in one of my personal favourite colour combinations, Green over tan, they've also been restrained and kept it beautifully understated throughout.

KC set out to rebuild the entire car and create something more unique, they've fitted a DQ250 DSG gearbox, and with careful modifications and tuning, it now delivers around 280hp and 400Nm of torque. However, it's the aesthetic beauty of this Saab that truly inspires, they've given the car a bare metal respray in a unique metallic green whist the standard 17" ALU36 double Y alloys have been powder coated in a dark metallic grey.

The entire interior has had a complete transformation with luxurious tan leather seats and bespoke debossing, door cards and gear gaiter whilst the dashboard has been beautifully wrapped in a soft black leather with contrasting stitching the really set it a part from other OG 9-3s. The outdated standard audio head unit has been replaced with a nicely modified surround and a Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 unit with DAB, Aux and Bluetooth.

And then we get to one of KC's most recent creations, a 9-3 Turbo X convertible.

Thanks to Goran over on Saab Planet, I found out about this hugely impressive labour of love also by the renowned KC Performance.

Saab only ever released 2 variations of the iconic Turbo X, a saloon and a Sportcombi, but true advocates of Saab will always have a special place in their heart for a convertible, it's been in Saab's DNA since the birth of the 900 convertible and always will be special.

KC Performance have filled this void and crafted a 2.8 V6 Turbo X convertible worthy of huge praise, they've not only adhered to the Turbo X design aesthetic, but have also integrated all of it tuning and technology, including the XWD system.

This Saab started life as a diesel, but 12 months development has seen KC transform into the Saab it is today. Firstly, they transplanted an upgraded 2.8 V6 engine, with a new hybrid Turbo, larger compressor and turbine, they replaced the cooling system with a D088 radiator, intercooler and pipes and gave it a stage 3 map producing 400hp and 600Nm of torque. Cleverly, a 3" decat downpipe has been artfully paired to and original Turbo X exhaust system to give it a purposefully aggressive visceral soundtrack.

Even more impressive, is KC have managed to integrate the XWD all wheel drive system that gives the Turbo X it's legendary control and handling together with an electronically controlled limited slip differential, further enhancing its cornering capability. Suspension has been upgraded with AST5100 adjustable dampers and polybushed all round for stability, the original Turbo X brakes have also been utilised to maximise stopping power.

Aesthetically, KC have honoured the Turbo X design details to perfection. The convertible is finished in Jet Black paintwork and both front and rear grilles and diffusers have been added together with the signature trapezoid tailpipes poking out purposefully at the back.

The interior has also been lavished with attention, sublime brown and black leather for the seats and door cards, a reupholstered steering wheel in soft, nappa leather, and a Hirsch Carbon dashboard.

The overall impression is of exquisite attention to detail and OE+ perfection, and for that alone, KC Performance should be highly praised, but on top of that,they've created the 9-3 Turbo X convertible that Saab sadly never had the privilege to create, which will surely be an inspiration for others to follow in the future.

The Dutch Collector

I’ve known Ward for a number of years now, we’ve unfortunately never met in person yet, but we have a wonderful connection, we talk regularly and also have an enduring shared love for Saabs. A few months ago, he got in touch and told me about his new purchase, a 2010 Saab 9-5 Aero Exklusiv Turbo4 Hirsch. Needless to say, I think I was as excited as he was about it, and true to form, it turned out to be as beautiful as his other Saabs in the collection. One day I look forward to visiting the Netherlands to see his new addition, but for now, I asked him to share his thoughts on the last generation 9-5 and what he admires about it.

I’ve been admiring the new Saab 9-5 for many, many years. Actually, the wallpaper on my iMac is a picture by you, of the rear of a 9-5 NG when you had one as a courtesy car, with that proud SAAB wordmark standing between the stylish and subtle red lines of the LED-bar. The LED-bar that is another example of Saab always being way ahead, as this now seems to be almost a standard feature on cars of premium brands like Porsche, BMW, Audi and Polestar.

 Every single time I saw one in real life, I felt a lot of very strong emotions. It always excites me, as I think it is a very impressive and gorgeous car that even now still looks absolutely timeless, a feature of Saab design we both appreciate so much. Next to the excitement, I also always felt a little sad, as it shows what could have been. I think Saab really made this new 9-5 very Saab again, that reassuring Saab feeling in a modern way. I’ve grown up in and around Saabs, but my deep love for the brand really took off around the time Spyker (as a small Dutch sports car manufacturer) under the leadership of entrepreneur Victor Muller took over Saab and made it an independent car company.

I further developed that deep connection with Saab around that period not so much because of nationalistic feelings (although of course it’s nice when, being Dutch yourself, a Dutch entrepreneur saves your favourite brand with a great tenacity and a lot of positivity), but because back then I had a course about branding and connection society has with brands. And as part of that course we had to delve into a brand we were fascinated by. I discussed it with my mother (from whom I have the Saab genes), and our clear conclusion was I had to choose Saab. I was already thinking about choosing Saab, but my mother helped me and made it very clear to me that Saab was the obvious choice for me, which immediately felt great. Since then, I got more and more intrigued by Saab and got involved with everything Saab.

I followed all the news about the brand, the exciting new developments coming up, the lovely branding, the always very clear press conferences and press releases, the company blog InsideSaab by Steven Wade, the social media channels of Saab, the international blog SaabsUnited for which I eventually also started writing posts, and of course the beautiful black 9-5 Aero from 2002 owned by my mother. That is the car in which I really learned to drive after getting my driver’s license, and I have driven many enjoyable kilometers in that amazing Saab, and sometimes still do. I’ve called it the idiosyncratic love affair, describing the deep connection between Saab and Saab enthusiasts. And I feel very privileged to be part of this special group of people worldwide, who all appreciate and love Saab so much.

That’s me getting carried away a bit when talking about Saab, but that’s the period the all new Saab 9-5 was launched. Like the advertising states, ‘Anything but ordinary’. And I think that’s very true, as it in my opinion really matches it’s premium counterparts from Germany, the UK and Sweden in being a premium modern large sedan, but then, like Saab does (and one of the reasons we love Saab so much), in a different way. So when seeing a 9-5 NG both happy and at the same time a little sad emotions, but the happy emotions always are far more present and the Saab just gives much more reasons to be positive than anything else. Thankful that more than 11.000 of them are made, giving us the opportunity to truly enjoy them and wave the Saab colors with pride. Every time I saw one I knew I would eventually really love to own one myself. In that case, it would ideally be a black Turbo4 Aero with beige interior, automatic and FWD.

 When I saw a blue Aero earlier this year being parked in my hometown Maastricht, with its gorgeous beige Aero interior, I just knew I really wanted one. I started searching more seriously (as I had been looking at the market on and off throughout the years) and then I eventually found this lovely 9-5 which I can now call my own. Something that is, also when admiring this one from up close, sometimes still baffling to imagine. That amazing Saab I’ve been admiring for years is now my own Saab. When I found this one, I was immediately very happy with the specifications. It’s almost exactly how I would have ordered one myself if I had the chance back then. A Jet Black Aero with beige interior, the 2.0T Turbo4 with FWD (as the XWD was not recommended to me by multiple Saab specialists whose advice I value and it’s something which I also don’t need and is an extra (complex) system which needs extra service etc), no DriveSense (another more complex and costly system which I don’t really need) and Hirsch optimised, giving the Saab 260hp which I think really suits the car. It also has the great Head-Up Display, the colorized sat nav screen, the colorized Graphic Info Display which shows the speedometer as an altitude meter inspired by the aviation heritage and the swivelling headlights.

The Saab is originally delivered at the Saab dealership of Boy Heijnen in Roermond, the Province of Limburg where we live as well. After that, it has been maintained for many years by Saab dealer Van Dongen in the province of Brabant (the neighbouring province of Limburg) and after that it returned to Limburg again where it has been maintained in the same area as where it was originally sold. The previous owners must have taken good care of it, as it still is in very good shape. The interior almost feels like new (which I can really appreciate a lot), and also the exterior still is in very good shape.

From the beginning, the Saab already feels very familiar and good. Very Saab. It drives great and in my opinion looks absolutely gorgeous. I might eventually get the lovely 19 inch Turbine wheels back to original silver again, and maybe eventually fit the original boot spoiler to give the overall design that little original extra, but in general, I think it’s just perfect. To top it all off, I recently found out via Henrik Zaar who puts together the production reports of the 9-5 NG and 9-4X, that my 9-5 and I have the same birthday. The 9-5 is built on the 16-17th of July, and my birthday is on the 17th of July. I think that’s really special. I genuinely love this Saab and this certainly is one to keep.

A Saabspotters Guide to 9-5 Spoilers

Over the years, I’ve been asked numerous times about the different boot spoilers I’ve had on various 9-5 projects. I’ve always tried to stay authentic, and go for ones that feel appropriate for the car, these are the ones that were generally offered either by Saab or their immediate styling partners. There are, of course endless options available on eBay, however, I can’t vouch for their fit or quality as I’ve never tried them. I thought this might help other’s identify a few of the more period correct ones.

Saab

Let’s start with the genuine Saab offering, this was the only boot lip available direct from manufacturer. The Bridge Spoiler ‘Improved aerodynamics and give the car a sportier appearance’ according to the 2005 brochure. It’s actually my least favourite, I don’t feel it flows harmoniously with the contours of the car, saying that, they’re well made, robust and give the 9-5 a different aesthetic.

Hirsch

Now, the official partner for Saab; Hirsch. A much more discreet boot lip, that could be specified and fitted by the dealer or retrofitted after purchase. 'With Hirsch Performance’s aerodynamic boot spoiler, you kill two birds with one stone: improvement of the aerodynamics and a clear reduction in the lift values. At the same time the bullish look of your Saab makes it unmistakeable'. The distinguishing feature to me on the Hirsch spoiler, is the overhang, it effectively angles out over the back of the boot slightly, as you’d expect, excellent quality and superb fit.

Abbott Racing

Moving on to the rarer one, the Abbott Racing boot spoiler. Again, not dissimilar to the Hirsch offering, but with one very visible difference, the larger rise toward the centre of the spoiler. I've been lucky enough to own a few of these, and the build quality and fit are fantastic. I don't have any specific description on this, but aerodynamically it seems to hold the rear of the car nicely at speed and really suits it.

Tunstyle

As it became difficult to locate either the Hirsch or the Abbott spoilers, I went on a mission to find a genuinely good alternative, and this is it, the Hirsch Style Rear Spoiler by Tunstyle. Luckily this one is readily available and again, well made and perfectly fits the 9-5 boot line. It's a little smaller that the Hirsch or the Abbott ones, but really enhances the car when fitted and painted. Currently available here.

I've always been a fan of subtle OE+ modifications, and the boot lips just add the finishing touch to me. It is of course, a very personal opinion, but the 9-5 feels sharper with them on. I hope this helps others identity the individual spoilers, it took me a while before I knew them all.

Saab BioPower 100

From time to time, I love digging back into the Saabvs archives and finding interesting stories about what Saab might have been in the future. As we all know, Bioethanol hasn't become what Saab might have hoped it would (at least, not in the UK), but I can't help thinking that it still sounds like an attractive proposition for sustainable driving, even today.

Back in 2007, Saab claimed that the new 9-5 BioPower 100 Concept would have been the first production car designed to run on pure E100 bioethanol; a clean and powerful fuel. Most bioethanol cars that were on sale, ran on E85 (a blend of 85 percent bioethanol, 15 percent regular unleaded), but pure E100 had a higher octane rating. The 9-5 concept produced a muscly 300bhp from just 2.0 litres. Torque was equally high at 295lb ft, for a rapid 6.6sec dash to 62mph. Saab said that the main benefit of flex-fuel vehicles is that the CO2 emissions created during driving would be balanced by the crops grown to make bioethanol, making them potentially carbon-neutral; what's not to like?

Not only that, the BioPower Concept car was one of the most aesthetically pleasing versions of this generation 9-5 I'd ever seen. The pure white paintwork, ice block lights and 19" turbine alloys, whilst the interior was upholstered in unique white leather, complemented by black leather dash and doortrims overlaid with a carbon fibre pattern.

The BioPower 100 Concept brought Saab's technology to a new level by showing the true potential of combining turbocharging and sophisticated engine management with pure bioethanol fuel, it might have been one of the best examples that greener motoring could also mean even sportier driving.

Total BioPower


Saab is already established as the leading player in Europe's emerging market for 'flex-fuel' vehicles able to run on gasoline and/or bioethanol (E85). Its current Saab 9-5 BioPower model is the best-selling flex-fuel car in Europe and Sweden and, at Geneva this year, Saab also announces BioPower's introduction throughout its 9-3 product range.

So far, Saab BioPower development has been focused on using E85 fuel, (85% bioethanol/15% gasoline). Now, with the announcement of the fully functioning BioPower 100 Concept, Saab confirms its leadership position by showing how bioethanol technology could be further extended. In combining pure bioethanol with Saab's expertise in turbocharging, the BioPower 100 Concept offers drivers an exciting win/win proposition: greener motoring with dramatically enhanced power and performance.

Running on E100, the concept car's engine delivers peak power of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm and an exceptionally strong 400 Nm of torque between 3,000 and 5,100 rpm, withalmost 85% available at just 2,000 rpm. This strong and flexible power delivery gives the Saab BioPower 100 Concept car zero to 100 kph acceleration in just 6.6 secs and 80 - 120 kph (fifth gear) in an even more impressive 8.2 secs. The standard 150 hp gasoline engine produces 240 Nm of torque from 1,800-3,500 rpm, giving zero to 100 kph in10.2 secs and 80-120 kph (fifth gear) in 16.3 secs.

The secret behind such enhanced performance is the ability of E100 fuel to resist harmful self-ignition, or 'knocking', as the fuel/air mixture is compressed in the cylinder. This attribute is denoted by E100's high 106 RON octane rating. It permits the use of an engine compression ratio that is higher than normally possible with turbocharging, giving more power and greater combustion efficiency without risk of knocking.

The BioPower 100 Concept's engine operates with a compression ratio of 11.0:1, compared to 8.8:1 for the standard gasoline engine. This has been achieved by modifying the shape of the piston crowns to reduce the volume of the combustion chamber, thereby raising the engine's compression ratio.

New software for Saab's powerful Trionic engine management system, which controls the throttle setting, ignition timing, fuel injection and turbo boost pressure, looks after the different ignition timing and fuel/air mixture requirements of E100 fuel.

More durable valves and valve seats are fitted to the engine, together with bioethanol-compatible materials throughout the fuel system. The only other modification necessary is pre-heating of the fuel. This is required to achieve good cold-starting performance, which is the main reason why bioethanol is currently blended with gasoline and sold as E85 fuel.

In ambient temperatures below 15°C, the chemistry of E100 makes it resistant to vaporization and, as a result, it can be difficult to start the engine. To overcome this issue, the Saab BioPower 100 Concept has an experimental fuel heating system, using small heating elements in the inlet ports downstream of the injectors. When the engine is cold, these elements warm the incoming fuel sufficiently to allow it to vaporize. Shortly after start-up, the function is automatically deactivated.

On The Road


In optimising the potential of bioethanol fuel, the Saab BioPower 100 Concept turbo engine offers improved driveability, as well as greater full power performance. The high compression ratio allows the engine to generate more torque more quickly, particularly from low engine speeds. On the road, the driver of the BioPower 100 Concept will immediately notice a sharper engine response, with a better low speed pick-up before the turbo is engaged.

On full throttle openings, the turbocharger packs up to 1.2 bar boost, without risk of 'knocking' from the high octane fuel. It gives the BioPower 100 Concept driver access to the sort of in-gear performance typical of a modern, naturally-aspirated engine of four liters or more. The smooth power delivery - without fossil fuel emissions - takes Saab's traditional 'less is more' turbo philosophy to a new level.

That impressive 150 hp/liter specific power output also indicates considerable future potential for engine 'rightsizing', giving the driver the performance characteristics of a 'large' engine without incurring its additional weight, greater complexity or higher fuel consumption. In this way, E100 offers significant potential to reduce the displacement of an engine - thereby reducing fuel consumption - while still achieving a desired power level.

The overall fuel consumption of the current Saab 9-5 BioPower engine using E85 is about 30% higher than on gasoline and the optimized BioPower 100 engine is expected to yield a near 10% gain against this. Bioethanol burns at a lower temperature than gasoline, which reduces thermal stresses on the engine and benefits fuel consumption at higher cruising speeds. With the future addition of direct injection and lean-burn technology, E100 fuel consumption can move even closer to gasoline levels.

For optimum energy saving, future E100 applications could also be combined with electric hybrid technology, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions still further. This development has already been previewed in the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept, the world's first such vehicle to use pure bioethanol.

Whilst the BioPower 100 Concept is focused on performance, it still retains a 'flex-fuel' capability and the engine will also run on gasoline, or E85, although power levels are not so high. Trionic monitors fuel quality after every visit to the filling station and automatically makes any adjustments necessary for running on E100/E85 and/or gasoline in any combination.

To handle the increased performance, the BioPower 100 show car is fitted with a limited-slip differential and larger front brake discs (345 mm) and calipers, while using the sports chassis settings of Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi. It also has a dual pipe rear exhaust system, with tailpipes similar to those of the Aero X Concept.



9000 Carlsson

From the moment you sit inside the Saab 9000 Carlsson
with its unique upholstery of suede and leather,
it is immediately apparent that this Saab is truly something special.


Excerpt from the 1991 Carlsson range brochure.

A Saab acquaintance urgently needed another car, and ideally he wanted a Saab 9000, so the decision was made to let my Aero go, as part of the exchange, I've now become the custodian of a non-running 9000 Carlsson.

Whereas the Aero needed a minor amount of work, I have a feeling this needs more major work; it has corrosion that needs urgently addressing, the ABS system has failed and is currently un-drivable and there's no key, so the lock mechanism needs changing before I can even move it. My immediate thought was to break it for parts, but my ardent nature has got the better of me, and wants to attempt to save it.

Let's see where this one guides us...