Saab 900 Turbo Convertible

Saab 900 Turbo Convertible

The New Generation Saab 900 Turbo Convertible, produced from 1994 to 1998, was a car that provoked passionate debate among Saab enthusiasts. Built on a General Motors platform following GM's acquisition of a majority stake in Saab, the NG900 represented a dramatic departure from the original 900 that had preceded it. Yet the Turbo Convertible managed to capture much of the charm that made Saab convertibles desirable in the first place.

The NG900 was based on the GM2900 platform, shared with the Opel Vectra, but Saab's engineers worked diligently to inject their own character into the car. The turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine used Saab's own Trionic engine management system, which provided sophisticated control over boost, ignition timing, and fuel delivery. The result was 185 horsepower delivered in Saab's traditionally smooth and progressive manner.

The convertible body was not simply a sedan with the roof removed. Saab, working with Valmet Automotive in Finland where all 900 convertibles were assembled, reinforced the body structure with additional bracing in the sills, floor, and windshield frame. The result was a convertible that was notably stiff for its era, with minimal scuttle shake and a solid, well-built feel.

The fabric roof was a multi-layer design with good weather sealing and sound insulation. When raised, the 900 Convertible was almost as refined as the coupe. Lowering the top was a manual operation on early models, with a power top becoming available later. The roof folded neatly into a well behind the rear seats, preserving a clean profile.

Saab's Trionic system was one of the most sophisticated engine management systems of its era. It used direct ignition (no distributor), adaptive knock control, and could adjust boost pressure in real time based on fuel quality and operating conditions. This made the turbo engine remarkably flexible and user-friendly, with none of the peaky power delivery that plagued many turbocharged cars of the period.

The interior was quintessentially Saab. The dashboard wrapped around the driver in a cockpit-like fashion, with the ignition switch famously located on the center console between the front seats. Night Panel mode dimmed all instruments except the speedometer, reducing eye fatigue during night driving. These unique features maintained the Saab identity even within the GM corporate structure.

The NG900 Turbo Convertible was succeeded by the 9-3 Convertible in 1998, which continued the tradition. Today, the NG900 Convertible is appreciated as an affordable entry point into Saab ownership, with the Turbo models offering the best driving experience.