Rawsaab needs our support

From estimates, there are some 60,000 Saabs in the UK, the 9-3, or course, is by far the highest number, equating to at least 50% of all UK Saabs I’d imagine. What most owners will have realised by now, is that we’re beginning to have to rely on independent suppliers for critical knowledge and parts supply.


It’s important that these independent suppliers are supported and protected, which in turn, will protect our Saabs and keep them running for many more years. That brings me to an urgent appeal from one of the UK’s leading resources for older Saab 9-3’s - Rawsaab. Some of you will already know about Peter Raw, it’s owner, as he’s recently put out a plea for support from the Saab community, he’s also known for his knowledge and passion for the 9-3 Viggen, what Peter doesn’t know, possibly isn’t worth knowing.

I won’t try and rewrite Peter’s words on his current situation, and instead, will just share them, but needless to say, it really seems a no brainer to me, for the community to rally together and raise enough money for Raw Saab to continue.

As with everything in life, things are better when we help each other, but what does this mean in numbers? It would take just 1500 Saab fans worldwide to donate £100 each, this would allow Raw Saab to continue to be a central hub for Saab 9-3 parts. That’s just 2.5% of UK Saab owners, not global, just UK.

‘This is a pivotal post regarding the future of Rawsaab. As many of you know I’ve helped the saab community worldwide for many years , not only with parts and repairs but also with free advice but this could all be about to change. My landlord has decided to put the mill up for sale so here’s my problem , it could be the end of Rawsaab , I could look for somewhere else but it would be a mammoth task to relocate and I’m sure the cars would have to go.

A couple of customers have suggested that I ask for everyone of my Facebook friends and customers for help. If we could get the funds together we could purchase the mill and safeguard the future of rawsaab and indeed many Saabs. Any money donated would be solely used on the business. I could also maybe offer an incentive for anyone that anyone who donates 100 pounds or more would get a discount on parts for a year.’

Remember, it’ll take just 1,500 UK Saab owners donating £100 each to ensure Rawsaab can continue. Wouldn’t it be great if our community could rally together and make this happen. 

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.