Collectible Scale Model SAAB 900 Turbo SPG Classic Combi Coupe 3-doors M1991 (The Thinking Man’s Performance Car)
Colour: Red
Scale 1:64
The Short Story:
SPG nomenclature stood for Special Performance Group → Sold abroad as the Turbo 16 Aero. It debuted in prototype form in 1984, and entered limited production in 1985, available only in black over tan and with a five-speed manual gearbox. The SPG introduced a number of mechanical and cosmetic upgrades to the proven 900 Turbo, including: a four-valve-per-cylinder, DOHC aluminium head; Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection; an intercooler; the latest generation of Saab’s Automatic Performance Control for ignition/induction; and wind tunnel-proven lower body fairings and flush 15 x 5.5-inch three-spoke alloy wheels.
While the standard 900 Turbo’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine made 135hp and 160-lbs ft of torque in 1985, the $21,010 SPG made 160hp and 188-lbs ft. of torque. Combining this with the improved aerodynamics and a taller (3.67:1 vs. 4.22:1) final drive ratio meant the 900 Turbo SPG could reach 130 MPH. Motor Trend noted in their February 1985 issue, “With a modest lateral acceleration of 0.78g, the SPG won’t come close to keeping up with the Corvette on the skid pad. Then again, it’s not supposed to. What it’s supposed to do (and does quite well) is drive through potholes with little more than a flinch, dig deeply into frozen layers of sand and road salt with confidence, and hold a rock-solid line on waffled pavement at 120 MPH.”
The fully loaded SPG traded its early-production black lower body fairings for subtly contracting anthracite versions in 1985–the fairings would remain this color through the end of production. In 1986 and 1987, all SPGs came in Edwardian Grey Metallic with Buffalo Grey leather, and in 1987, the 900 Turbo SPG shared a rakish aerodynamic facelift with garden-variety 900s. Lowering springs and an additional 5hp and 7-lbs ft of torque also benefited the car that year. The SPG cost $24,869 in 1988, when it got a water-cooled turbocharger and upgraded 9000-style four-wheel disc brakes. Black officially re-joined the SPG’s color chart for 1989, when this hatchback was saddled with automatic motorized passive restraints.
The SAAB 900 Turbo SPG from 1986-1991 was one of the most recognisable classical designs ever in serial production. Today we can say that the SAAB 900 Turbo SPG aka Turbo 16 Aero has deservedly earned the name of a classic car.
You can read more from here (author: Mark J. McCourt)
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