1985
On the scene just one year after the launch of the Saab 9000, and another product of the small but perfectly formed design department at Trollhättan, the EV-1 was a sports coupé based on the 900 Turbo 16.

But the EV-1, or Experimental Vehicle Number One, was never destined for production; it was developed as a fully functional and roadworthy future design study.

Incorporated into Björn Envall's futuristic styling are solar cells. Mounted inside the glass roof, their purpose is to power an electric fan for ventilation to prevent the cabin from overheating.

The high-efficiency headlamps, despite their diminutive size, illuminate the road better than the (already excellent) standard units.

The front and rear sections of the EV-1 are constructed from Aramid reinforced glass fibre and have the ability to resume their original shape after impact.

The toughest safety standards are satisfied with the lightweight carbon-fibre side impact protection within the doors. Continuing the lightweight theme, the front seats are half the weight of conventional seats but retain fully electronic functionality including the ability to adjust the side supports.

Model Years 1985 to 1998
Saab had been planning a new model as long ago as 1974, but work did not get fully underway until 1979 and the collaboration with Fiat/Lancia in a project to produce a larger car. The project was known as Type Four.
Styled by Italian Giorgetto Giugiaro, the 9000 ultimately ended up significantly different from its sister cars the Fiat Croma and the Lancia Thema. Of the 155 or so part that made up the body just ten or so were interchangeable.

Model Years 1994 to 1997
The new Saab 900 made its debut in front of the press and 35,000 residents of Trollhättan, in the town's main square, on 21 July 1993.

The new 900 was the first completely new model since GM (General Motors) took a 50% stake in Saab Automobile AB in 1990. It was also the first Saab for a decade since the "Type Four" collaboration with Fiat/Lancia, that produced the Saab 9000 in the early 1980s.