Myth Buster
Saab (NG) 900
1 IT’S A VAUXHALL CAVALIER IN DRAG
General Motors acquired a 50 per cent stake in Saab in 1989, so 1994’s 900 MkII (also known as the NG900) incorporated GM parts. Its GM2900 platform was also used on the Vauxhall Cavalier MkIII, Calibra and Vectra. However, Saab engineers increased metal gauges, added extra floorpan struts and supports and strengthened the sills and door panels. The C-posts and windscreen frames were also reinforced, the latter to pass the infamous elk test. And while GM did bring a 2.5-litre V6 motor to the smörgåsbord, the 2.0- and 2.3-litre ‘fours’ were the previous 900’s rugged old H engines.
2 THE MID-MOUNTED MUDFLAPS ARE A MOTORING MYSTERY
Like its predecessor, the NG900 had underbody flaps mounted around mid-chassis. There’s always been some mystery as to what these are for. Theories include simple (if oddly-placed) mudflaps as a hangover from Saab’s rally days to protect the rear suspension and brakes, snow-flaps to stop the cold white stuff building up in the rear wheel wells, or even stability aids. Saab’s own official explanation is apparently that they are ‘mud flaps under the middle of the car not only to deflect mud and debris from vital parts underneath, but also to improve air flow.’ They were deleted on the 9-3 update.
3 BLACK TO NIGHT
The NG900’s avionics-inspired ‘Black Panel’ button – which dimmed non-essential dash lights and readouts in darkness – was renamed the ‘Night Panel’ on the revamped 9-3. Rumours of political correctness abound… but the official line from Saab was that it was done for clarity.