Dig the new breed

September 12, 2026 Eleven

Whilst my inaugural post on the new generation 9-5 was an introduction, I've now had more time with the Saab, and it's delighted and frustrated in equal measure.

Let's get the frustrations out first, it really isn't as well built as the older generation 9-5 - the bodywork doesn't seem to be as well protected from corrosion, and signs of early rust need to be dealt with to avoid further deterioration. The internal plastics are cheaper and thinner and instrument buttons are far too delicate and tend to peel easily, sadly, no one has come up with genuinely acceptable replacements yet, just stickers to cover the damage, and the seats are not as comfortable as their earlier versions. But possibly the worst frustration (for me at least), is how inferior the suspension appears to be, far firmer and twitchy than the older 9-5, and feels less premium in character. This particular issue is being addressed with an entirely new coilover setup, imported with the kind help of Street Performance in Sweden, this, together with a number of replacement bushes and top mounts, should, I hope give the 9-5 better ride quality.

Now I've got the niggles out of the way, let's talk about just how much I like this Saab, although I have a real affinity with the older generation 9-5's, the new generation design embraced all that Saab envisioned for the future. It has a wonderfully flowing form and features numerous details that make it feel exceptionally modern, even today, 16 years after it was released. The large wrap around windscreen resembles a modern day 900, whilst the rear screen nestles itself beautifully in to the rear quarter panels, the iconic hockey stick design has been elevated to a new level and helps highlight the aerodynamic form of the roofline. And the lighting, the lighting is just spectacular, both in design and function - the headlights are reassuringly bright and focused with the subtle, lower light bar at the base of each cluster, whilst the rear lights are again, bright and elegant. The central rear lightbar was a real feature back on 2010, and still feels beautifully considered, even if some areas are slightly fading and need a small fix.

The interior, whilst inferior in quality materials, is superbly refined and comfortable, the seats are just so Saab, the steering wheel is a thing of beauty, and the instrument cluster is well organised and clear, without being too garish. This is a large, executive car, and it feels it, the interior space for all passengers is generous and perfect for long road trips.

I'm reserving judgement on the drive until the suspension has all been sorted, but the 2.0 Aero engine, although slightly lacking in power, feels lively and capable, the addition of 6th gear on the manual is an absolute delight on motorways, and shows the Saab to be a genuine rival to the class leading BMW, Audi and Mercedes of the day.

It's a Saab I've been waiting patiently to own, as it truly represents what Saab wanted their independent future to look like, and with such a short production run, I feel this are absolutely worth owning, maintaining and protecting for other's to enjoy, after all, this was one of Saab's last ever creations.

The Abbott Racing Edition

August 17, 2026 Eleven

I’ve always held Abbott Racing in high regard for their dedication to Saab modifications over the years, they go far beyond mere aesthetics, focusing instead, on proven performance and handling enhancements. My recent addition to the collection, is a 2004 9-5 Aero manual saloon, and came with a couple of existing modifications, namely an Abbott Racing intercooler and stainless 3” downpipe with sports cat, and paired with a BSR remap.

That set my mind rolling on ideas for the project path for this Saab, with only 2 previous owners, low milage and rare heated and vented leather interior, it’s a car that deserves to be a bit special. I’m often offered Saabs and performance parts, and by happy coincidence, had also been offered a package of Abbott Racing parts, this included very rare and nos parts that I genuinely couldn’t resist buying. These included :

Big Intake Pipe
Delivery Pipe
Cobra Pipe
Carbon Fibre Induction kit
Full Stainless 3” exhaust

This has pushed me in the only direction possible an Abbott Racing edition 9-5 Aero. With the unwavering help and support from my friend Jason, all parts were successfully fitted to the car this weekend, and it’s beginning to take shape now and feels exceptionally well sorted.

I also have a new set of Abbott Racing supplied Koni Active Sports dampers, and a set of Eiback lowering springs on their way from Germany, once they’ve been fitted, I’ll get a new NoobTune stage 3+ map to suit the specific modifications. Bodywork will then be on the agenda over the coming weeks, although overall, it’s an exceptionally tidy Saab. The doglegs will be done, an Abbott Racing boot lip will be fitted, as well as a Sharktooth bumper, and wing mirror covers repainted.

I’ve recently refurbished 2 sets of Hirsch alloys - 18” classic 6 spokes, and 19” double 3 spokes, I’m on the fence with which suit the 9-5 best, I believe the 18” classics, but also find the more dramatic 3 spokes rather endearing now they’re fitted, especially in the dark grey metallic. I’ll look forward to switching both sets when the rest of the work is completed.

236,000 Mile Interior

March 19, 2024 Eleven

Despite not being the most urgent job on the long to-do list for the Nocturne Blue Aero, I couldn’t resist spending a few hours giving the interior a bit of a clean and a few treats.

First off, replace the terrible blue / white LED interior bulbs for the factory standard, warm white ones, then replace the broken gear gaiter for a genuine leather Saab one, finally replace the missing lighters for completeness and then on to the cleaning.

The Hirsch steering wheel had such a build up of dirt, that parts of the perforated leather sections were actually hidden, I wrapped it in damp clothes for a few hours, and then used a leather cleaner and a soft brush to scrub off the grime, finally, I gave it two applications of leather feed.

Because it had been smoked in, it had a stale smell and a build up of surface dirt, I’ve used an Autoglym interior foam cleaner, an old nail brush and a bunch of micro cloths to get the worst off, and then applied the different surfaces with suitable Autoglym treatments, including moisturising the leather. The roof lining needs a good clean still, and I need to source a new set of A pillar covers, as they have cigarette burns in them.

I removed the worn out rubber mats and have ordered new dark grey carpet replacements, sadly not genuine Saab ones as I can’t find them any more, but decent quality ones that should fit nicely and are made to order.

My overriding thought, is just how well these Saab interiors clean up, I’ve owned and cleaned many marques, and Saabs are genuinely some of ones that stand the test of time. This Aero has covered 236,000 miles, has visibly been roughly treated, not cleaned often enough and yet, with some hard work, comes up beautifully.

I have a spare driver’s seat I’ll use to replace the current one, as it has a serious squeak, but decides that, the interior still feels solid, rattle free and beautifully put together, it has once again been returned to the state it deserves.

Saab vs. Volvo

March 23, 2023 Eleven

The battle of the big Swedes, I’ve been patiently waiting to write this one for years, are Volvos as good Saabs, or just different?

Recently, I’d come to the end of a few Saab projects, so rather than jumping straight back in and reaching for another Aero, I decided to try out the competition in the form of a Volvo V70 R. It seemed a logical choice when comparing its credentials; the Saab 9-5 2.3 Aero produces 260hp from it’s efficient 4 cylinders whilst the Volvo 2.5 R is 300hp from 5 cylinders, both Turbo and in this case, both automatics (I’d love to compare the manual versions one day too, but for now, I only have these available) from 2003 and they even have similar milage at around 70,000 (V70 R shows in km’s as it’s a Japanese car). As Saabs are so sensory to me, I thought I’d compare the Volvo based on my senses.

See

I’ve always adored the solidity of the Volvo, especially the V70, it really is utilitarian beauty at its best. The enhanced curves of its rear exterior and light clusters give just enough relief from the overall angular profile to differentiate it from older models. The modified front bumper and lower grille, unique to the R model, gives the Volvo a more aggressive look whilst the side profile is pure form and function. The stark simplicity of the Pegasus alloys have always pleased my visual sense, and with subtle modifications to the suspension, the stance is near perfect.

My love for the Saab 9-5 exterior is well documented, so won’t do a detailed rationale, but it possesses subtle qualities that most marques can never live up too; the clamshell bonnet with its distinct profile that guides your eye along and directly in to the curvaceous hockey stick rear windows, the exquisitely designed light clusters, the shark nose front bumper with its wide, aggressive lower grille, and the little seen detail of the C pillar form flowing over the rear window in to the line of the boot.

The Volvo’s interior, especially with the exclusive R Atacama leather, feels special, the seats comfortable and give a sense of warm welcome. The instruments and cluster are very ergonomic and again, the exclusive R, aluminium and mineral blue face of the main dials are elegant and timeless. Mine has the wonderful Bridge of Weir aniline Atacama leather, inspired by the Chilean desert, which is simply exceptional, but some of the finish is let down by flimsy plastics underneath, the central armrest for instance has been broken under the leather and now looks unsightly.

Overall though, the use of higher quality materials goes above and beyond the 9-5, but I can’t help longing for the crisp orange and green Saab illumination, the superior comfort and, of course, inspirational cup holder and Night Panel.

Hear

If I have one single criticism of the Saabs, it’s the lack of smile inducing sound, the 4 cylinder visceral soundtrack just isn’t a thing of beauty to me, the V6 Turbo X is a different beast, but for now, we’re comparing the 9-5 2.3 Aero and even with heavy modifications, it’s still not as pleasing as I’d like, this is the one area the V70 R wins on; sound. The 5 cylinder has a gorgeous rasp on startup and sings when under acceleration, it resonates with your senses and leaves you wanting more.

I’ve added a decaf downpipe and Evolve 3” stainless exhaust system which has helped enhance the 5 cylinder of the V70 R, but my normal Jetex systems on the 9-5 Aeros just don’t compare. For the Graphite Green Aero, I’m trying out a 3” JT system, so will reserve final judgement until that’s fitted.

Feel

After using the V70 R for a while, I’ve embraced both its qualities and visceral sounds, the space is truly enormous and an excellent carrier or Saab wheels, interiors and various parts. It gets noticed too; quite often, I’ve had the thumbs up from both young and old, those that know, know as they say. Although on paper, the V70 R should feel faster, it doesn’t, it feels heavier, acceleration feels slower and the gears less responsive, and even with fully upgraded suspension, still wallows somewhat on fast B roads. Meanwhile, the 9-5 Aero running around 300hp with a recent remap, feels impeccably balanced; acceleration is lightening quick and again, handling transformed with modified suspension and has the ability to be thrown into twisting roads with ease.

Here’s the thing though, that feeling of driving a Saab is hard to beat, I don’t feel any emotion toward the Volvo, it doesn’t have the same captivating feel as the Saab does, it doesn’t involve me like Saabs do either, yes, it’s AWD, yes it’s robust and yes, it does feel rather iconic, but for me, I don’t think I’ll be switching allegiance any time soon, Ove, I’m with you, Rune can keep his Volvo, Night all.

The Joy of Road Testing

March 14, 2023 Eleven

Having the Graphic Green 9-5 Aero home has been a real pleasure so far, in-between snow, rain, wind and more snow, I’ve been making a start on the interior clean up; dashboard all done and now only requires a new SID, all door cards given a detox and have managed to remove the grease and oil marks from the A pillars. The glass has had a thorough clean inside and out, and the original Saab carpet mats deep cleaned too.

However, the main joy has come from being able to give it a few road tests. With all oil leaks fixed, a huge service, new oil pump, DO88 intercooler and the NoobTune stage 3 remap, it’s an absolute dream to drive. The torque is effortless and feels as though it just wants to push on constantly, the gears are impeccably smooth throughout the range, and the sport setting takes it all to another level on this one.

With the modified suspension setup, the handling is also sharp and refined, lowered around 30mm and running Bilstien B8 shocks, freshly balanced 18” alloys and new Michelin rubber, the overall feel is one of confidence and clarity. Along twisting country roads, the Aero is tight and has little roll, whilst on faster A roads and motorways, it cruises beautifully and feels relaxed and smooth.

It’s taken on everyday driver duties for now, and has already covered 500 miles without fault, the superb comfort of the Aero interior is really hard to match, it still manages to feel special, a touch of rare individuality that only a Saab can offer. As I add the miles, I’m also adding to the next work phase list, the upgraded brakes are a little weak, the front suspension needs tightening and possibly requires a new exhaust, but for now, I’ll continue to road test the hell of of this wonderful rescue Saab.

Project Graphite Green Progress Report

February 24, 2023 Eleven

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The 9-5 Aero in super rare Graphite Green is quickly rising from the ashes after being rescued from a dismantlers back in January. We noticed a lot of oil leaking from both the head gasket and sump, so they've been removed, cleaned and refitted with new gaskets and bolts. A complete overhaul has also been done with new oils, filters and hoses where required, we've also fitted an upgraded intercooler, 3.5 bar fuel pump and got Karl at NoobTune to do a Stage 3 remap.

It's been polybushed all round together with Bilstien B8 shocks and Eibach lowering springs, upgraded big brakes and callipers. All finished off with a refurbished set of 18" ALU56 wheels in a metallic Satin Anthracite to compliment the stealth look of the gorgeous dark green paintwork and Michelin Pilot Sport 4

It now needs running for a while and the obligatory snagging starts, then we'll concentrate on getting the bodywork up to scratch, it needs the rear arches doing, a new side skirt and a bit of elbow grease and time to get rid of the horrendous carbon look vinyl that's been applied to the B pillars and the lower front spoiler, but it's coming back to life beautifully.