Helpful push. The one that outlines itself as the sportier version of the range, achieves this objective with Nordic coldness, through the choice of a small turbine, functional to linear delivery, rather than difficult to manage power peaks. The exhaust valve, in fact, opens only when the gas pressure reaches a pre-established level: in practice, with a light load on the accelerator the turbocharger almost does not intervene, so much so that the 99 Turbo it can travel even 10 km/la value not to be underestimated for the times.
A nice margin. The vitaminized 99 shoots very well (it takes about 9 seconds on 0-100), but it rewards the driver especially when picking up, for example when overtaking, thanks to 40% more torque compared to the naturally aspirated version. A very fast 99 too, because it reaches 195 km/h. The components of the four-speed transmission have been strengthened, while the suspension layout remains unchanged: with independent front wheels at double arm and rigid axle rear axle and Panhard bar. A recipe that in 1979 allowed the car to win, the first turbo in history, a race in the world rally championship.
Specific details. Externally it can be recognized by the specific “Inca” alloy wheels rear spoiler and with the sober, as befits a Scandinavian, “turbo” written on the sides. Inside there are specific seats (the driver’s seat, also heated) with an “H” motif, velvet upholstery in bold color combinations (bright red or pale green), a sunroof and a three-spoke steering wheel. The most characteristic element of the dashboard, however, is the turbo pressure indicator, positioned on a support located on the left side, at the top, and with a decidedly artificial appearance: after all, Saab certainly cannot afford to redesign the dashboard just for this reason. The instrument does not show any number, but a colored stripe from white to red, passing through orange, to symbolize the intensity of the supercharging used.
More three than five. Offered in black, cardinal red, gray and silver, the 99 Turbo 10,607 examples were producedalmost all in the 3-door version (called Combi Coupé): very few, in fact, the 5-doors and the notable exception is represented by the 1,000 two-door examples necessary for homologation in rallies. He will end his career in 1982when its successor Saab 900 turbo had already been on sale for four years and, especially in Italy, in the convertible version, had become a status symbol.
