28,494 Original Miles
Manual Transmission
2.0L Turbo 4 cyl
185 hp @ 5500 RPM*
194 lb/ft torque @ 2100 RPM*
Capable 0-60 MPH: 7 seconds
Top Speed: 142 MPH
*Base Price in 1997: $41,470
*Seller Asking:
$6,500
Fast Facts:
- At $41k, the Saab 900 Turbo was quite an expensive car in 1997. For comparison, you could buy the same year Corvette for $37k, as well as the same year BMW M3 for $39k
- Produced in Finland (convertibles), the 900 rode on GM’s 2900 platform shared with Holden/Opel/Vauxhall cars
- A feature that derives from Saab’s history in aeronautics is the “Night Panel”. When activated at night, the dashboard turns off all interior lighting that isn’t immediately necessary for the driver. This feature is used in planes to prevent the pilot from getting distracted at night. The instruments automatically re-illuminate themselves when they require the driver’s attention, such as low fuel warning, excessive RPM, etc
- European buyers could opt for a clutchless gated manual transmission known as Sensonic. The clutch pedal was replaced by an electronic motor. According to Saab, the precise actuation of the electronics (32 bit microprocessor) provided a noticeable increase in clutch life and was much smoother (and faster) in operation compared to the average driver. In addition, it was cheaper than the automatic transmission option
- The system worked by using sensors connected to the shift lever. As soon as the driver moved the lever beyond a certain point, the clutch would automatically engage. The goal was to reduce driver fatigue during a commute, while still providing a level of control and driver involvement that a manual drivers insist on having
- A misprint in the user manual of Sensonic cars stated that a “Hill Start” function would engage to prevent the car from rolling forward or backwards while engaging a gear. However, no such feature existed on the car
- In a commercial, Saab hired a test driver who lost his left leg to set lap times using the clutchless manual. The driver is shown aggressively upshifting and downshifting as if it were a regular gearbox, pulling drifts and powerslides as if it were a rally car – all with one leg
- As innovative as the technology was, it didn’t catch on. Drivers who had been accustomed to driving stick shift were prone to hitting the brake pedal when accidentally reaching for the non-existent clutch pedal. This was a major safety issue. Also, a then-new shifting technology involving F1 inspired paddle shifters was gaining in popularity, and overall demand for a gated manual transmission was dropping. The Sensonic option had no reason to continue after 1997
Key Model Year Changes:
- Front brakes are enlarged, increasing performance and pad life
- Sensonic system is improved. Final year of the Sensonic option. Development of a replacement ceased due to the overall declining demand for a manual transmission
- The following year (1998) saw very few changes as Saab focused production on the replacement model (9-3)
- The 900 NG (New Generation) was produced from 1994 to 1998
Seller Notes:
- 28k original mile 5spd Turbo car
- Drives like a new car
- Upgraded Bluetooth, integrated phone (still have the original stereo/5 disc CD changer)
- Cold A/C, heated seats
- Showroom condition except for a few spots on the hood
- Clean title
- Location: Chico, California – (more photos below)
- Update: ad has been deleted (sold)
– Click for shipping quote –
NEVER MISS A CAR!
To list your own car, contact us HERE.
*SAE rated from factory. May not reflect current output.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
Mileage Disclaimer: NOC has not confirmed if the mileage stated by the seller is true and accurate. It is up to the buyer to verify these claims. Vehicle history reports, service records stating mileage, and even inspections of odometer tampering are recommended.
- COMMENTS -