Farväl

August 1, 2023 Eleven

Well, it’s been one hell of a journey, the Turbo X is a Saab I’d longed for, for a number of years and this one came along, the perfect spec with all options packages ticked, low owners and a great history. But it had its own agenda, dragging me through endless ups and downs and ending in a new engine.

Rather than be beaten, I focused on making it exactly like I wanted, lowered on Bilstein shocks and Hirsch springs, Hirsch grille, carbon dash, aluminium pedals and leather handles. Needless to say, it’s been a love hate relationship, it really is an iconic Saab and a definite modern classic, the combination of the smooth V6 Turbo engine, together with the XWD system is quite a powerful thing.

Almost a year after it had arrived, I tentatively put it up on Aeroriginal, unsure whether to sell of not, but just like the whirlwind, ownership has been, it had huge interest and this weekend, I waved goodbye as it was driven off by its new custodian.

I'm both relieved and proud I didn't let it win, another Saab lost to 'parts for sale', instead, it's found its way to a suitably deserving new owner who has just the right Saab background to ensure this Turbo X enjoys many more journeys, and one day, will easily be as desirable as our fabled 900 Turbos; the car it was designed to celebrate. I somehow doubt it will my last Turbo X, but for now, Farväl.

Ready for Take Off

June 2, 2023 Eleven

Incremental fixes and modifications mean that I’d been without the Turbo X for the past few weeks again, I collected it last Friday to take it over to the Wings n Wheels gathering. It was only a 100 mile round trip from where I live, but enough to give it a good run with a mix of fast B roads and the excellent A46 straight in to Newark.

Not having had a real chance to road test the Saab, it surprised me with it’s smoothness and reassuring composure, even at higher speeds, the X has plenty of reserve to overtake with ease. The active XWD system gives endless confidence and really does turn the 9-3 in to an exceptionally capable car, whilst the upgraded Bilstein B12 shocks and Hirsch springs have helped give it the perfect stance and really enhance the optional 19” alloys.

I’ve been wondering whether to add a sport cat downpipe and maybe a centre box delete, but for now, I’m quite happy with the stock system; it leaves the V6 growl a little quieter than I’d prefer, but also keeps it very refined and easy to live with on longer journeys.

I’ve got a couple more snags to get sorted and a strut brace to add, but after that, I’m looking forward to enjoying this one for a while, I didn’t want to fall for it after all the problems it’s given us, but it has a huge personality and really does honour the iconic 900 Turbo, just with a little more refinement.

Wings 'n' Wheels

May 12, 2023 Eleven

Hosted by SaabsUnited GB, Wings ‘n Wheels is a gathering for all Saab owners with the inspirational backdrop of Newark Air Museum. For the second year, they’ve chosen the location which has access to over 100 Aircraft including 3 Saab airframes.

Something to look forward to in the Saab calendar; Saturday May 27th from 10:30 to 16:00 hrs. Entry costs £15.00 per car, based on 2 adults. Further adults £15, concessions £12.50 and children just £9.50.

If you fancy having your Saab photographed together with the Saab Aircraft, SaabsUnited GB have organised that too, but it’ll be strictly marshalled, and on a first come basis on the day.

Tickets and further information here, although it’d be wise to book fast as it seems it’s going to be a great turnout, with over 150 Saabs already booked.

Turbo X

February 1, 2023 Eleven

It's been a long six months since the illustrious Turbo X arrived. From the moment it was pulled off the transporter, it became evident that something was very wrong; it just would not start. After endless advice from the Saab community, sadly, none of which worked, we finally came to the realisation that it was something more than a failed fuel pump, weak battery or faulty electronics.

The engine came out and the diagnosis of a slipped timing chain came to light, an entirely new chain kit and followers were sourced together with a new upgraded clutch, gaskets and hoses, and today, the engine has gone back in place. A load of work still to do, a 'spare' 2.8 V6 lump by its side and various modifications yet to be done, but it shows vital signs of life again.

Any other Saab might not have warranted such financial pain, headaches or time, but the Turbo X, especially a manual, is one that deserves the extra effort.

I'd been searching patiently from an unmolested example for a long time, and the original Turbo X brochure words capture the reasons why so perfectly :

Black is back. Thirty years ago, Saab stunned the automotive world by revealing its first turbocharged model. Now, with the Saab Turbo X, Saab for the first time unleashes its jet-inspired turbo power through Saab XWD. It’s not just all-wheel drive, it’s an innovative cross-wheel drive system. Thanks to 'rightsizing', the 280 bhp, 24-valve, 2.8 V6 turbo engine has the characteristics of a V8 engine: 295 lbs-ft of torque and an acceleration of 0–62 mph in 5.7 seconds. As if this wasn’t enough, the sport-tuned chassis, brakes and electronic control system combine to give you the ride of your life. The Saab Turbo X is the true heir to the classic Saab Turbos of the 70s and 80s. It is available in a limited edition and only comes in jet black as an homage to the original Saab 900 Turbo. So take a good look, a car like this only comes around every thirty years.

The jet black limited-edition Saab Turbo X is the extreme performer of the new Saab 9-3 range. Descended from the iconic Saab 900 Turbo, it introduces Saab’s innovative XWD technology that delivers an impressive level of driver involvement and dynamic chassis control never seen before from Saab. Quite simply, the Turbo X is Saab’s ultimate driving experience. We lowered the sport-tuned chassis by 10 mm and optimised the springs and dampers to minimise body movement. Larger internally ventilated disc brakes at the front and externally ventilated rear discs increase stopping power. 30 years in 5.7 seconds. The heart of the Saab Turbo X is, of course, the engine. A 24-valve, 2.8 V6 turbo powerhouse that generates 295 lbs-ft of torque between 2,150 and 4,500 rpm and maximum power of 280 bhp at 5,500 rpm. Press the pedal and it takes you from 0–62 mph in 5.7 seconds. Just like that, Saab’s 30 years of turbocharging experience flashes by. This has to be the fastest history lesson ever. And the most enjoyable.

We've got a way to go yet, but hopefully, over the next month, I'll finally get to drive the Turbo X. I'm truly hoping it lives up to it's reputation as Saab's ultimate driving experience. Finger's crossed.