SAAB

The company Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget - Swedish Airplane Company (SAAB) was founded in 1937. The main objective of the company was the production of bombers and fighters for the Air Force Sweden. A relatively young company today is one of the largest manufacturers of jet aircraft in Europe.
After the war it was decided to reorient production to build cars. The unique experience of aviation, as well as qualified professionals needed to help with this. To work on creating the first prototype vehicle was involved in 50 aircraft engineers led by Gunnar Langstroma.
Using his own experience and the development of aircraft that were not related to the conventions and traditions, common in the automotive industry, Saab specialists managed to create a prototype, unlike the other cars. The newly car is shaped like an airplane wing, had a front-wheel drive, transversely situated two-stroke engine and an exceptionally strong frame the passenger compartment. Created by the efforts of aircraft builders concept was not only the rapid appearance, but also excellent aerodynamics. Blowing in the wind tunnel body gave a fantastic result Cx = 0.33. Prototype was given the name 92 001.
The final design of the car was through the efforts of the firm Sixten Sason stylist. The first production car was released in December 1949 and received an index 92 (index of the last aircraft was 91). Saab 92 was produced until 1956, but only this time it was made more than 20 000 cars.
In 1955, Saab has updated the lineup and introduced the model 93. The new car was radically improved three-cylinder engine, new transmission and tubeless tires. Saab 93 stayed on the line until 1960.
Trying to build a sporty company was launched in 1956. Saab Sonett developed capacity 57.5 hp, top speed of 160 km / h and weighed 500 kg. In 1956 he was released only six copies of Saab Sonett.
Saab does not leave the idea of ​​serial production sports car. In 1958, Saab 93 750 Gran Turismo is the first production sports car company. As such, it has been significantly redesigned model 93.
A young and dynamic company is trying to cover as much as possible consumer audience, and in 1959 released model 95 - the first passenger Saab. Saab 95 was equipped with seating for two, five or seven passengers and has a new 4-cylinder V-twin engine German branch of Ford Motor Co.
1960 witnessed the release of the legendary Saab 96, which for 20 years been a leader in sales. Saab 96 and was powered by Ford Motor Co. The short V-shaped "Quartet" successfully entered into a limited hood space, however, his nose machines still had a slightly lengthened. By the year 1980 was issued more than 547 000 copies of this model.
Victory in motorsport, gave impetus to the creation of two-seater sports car - Saab Sonett II (Saab 97). The development of this model was given to companies from Malmo MFI of ASJ Arlova. The car body was made of plastic, fiberglass reinforced, and had a roof type targa. The debut of Saab Sonett II was held in the spring of 1966 at the Auto Show in Geneva and New York, and by the end of the year have been sold 60 copies of the model.
The new Saab 99 was on public display November 22, 1967. With the advent of this model, the company managed to enter the market, referring to the upper segment of the middle-class cars. The machine had a great mechanic: in-line 4-cylinder engine, disc brakes on all wheels, injury-absorbing steering column, rear suspension with traction Panara, 3-point seat belts, head restraints (first USA only). The authoritative British magazine «Car» wrote that the Saab 99 - not only a solid model car (the concept of "business class" did not exist), but also the safest in Europe.
In 1969 it merged Saab AB and truck manufacturer SCANIA-VABIS AB. The new company was called Saab-SCANIA AB and had 12 companies in Sweden, headquartered in Sodertalje.
The year 1970 was notable for two big events in the history of the company. This year, with rolled off five hundred thousandth Saab.
Appeared Saab Sonett III - seriously modified model of Sonett; new body was designed in Italy, designer Sergio Kodzhiolo. Also note that the Saab Sonett III was the first car company, the shift lever is located on the floor. The most famous sports modification "Swede" was produced by 1974, only 10,219 had been collected cars.
Constant improvements and innovations of the company led to the creation in 1973, Saab 99 Combi Coupe. Practical hatchback had folding rear seats and wide opening tailgate - it makes the car extremely functional.
With a staff of professionally trained engineers and applying aircraft technology, the 1976 Saab for the first time in the world uses turbocharging in series car production. Reliability of turbocharged engines is enough to use them in production cars. On a motor show in Frankfurt in 1977 Saab 99 Turbo makes a splash. And for a long period of Saab is the only legislator in the field of turbine engines.
Saab 900 debuted in 1978 in two body styles - 3-door hatchback for its durability and reliability is extremely loved by the police, who used to spare no service transport, and 5-door hatchback, a very effective due to additional rear windows. Saab did not stop on the way of innovation, and a model with an index of 900 was the world's first machine with a filter cleaning air entering the cabin.
In 1980, Saab has developed a system by APC, which made it possible to regulate the fuel supply by increasing or decreasing pressure turbocharger. The range of 900 updated with a new modification of the notchback. In the same year is spent on well-deserved rest Saab 96.
The first in automotive history, 16-valve engine with turbocharger - it is an achievement of engineers company Saab. In 1983 was born on a Saab 900 Turbo 16S, equipped with this engine. Saab 900 Turbo 16S is also known as Aero.
Trying to position itself among the 1984 business-class cars was more than successful. Saab 9000 Turbo has consistently ranked in the luxury car segment and has been recognized in America, "the best big car".
In 1984, the last coming off the assembly line Saab 99 - his followers proposed a model Saab 90. Great fame, "ninety" was not destined to achieve, since it was sold only in the domestic market of Sweden.
With the launch of the 1986 Saab 900 Convertible has opened yet another landmark in the history of the company.
In 1988, the model line 9000 there is a new version of the body - a sedan. This model had a designation Saab 9000 CD and equipped with traction control TCS (Traction Control System).
The restructuring of offices Saab Car in 1990, makes an independent company Saab Automobile AB. AB and General Motors are on a 50% stake.
Since 1991, the Saab 9000 model updates, and now she has an index of CS. During the restyling Saab 9000 CS receives not only a new appearance, but also for the first time in the world equipped with air conditioning, do not use freonosoderzhaschy refrigerant, and a system of protection against side impacts.
In 1993 saw the release of the first joint project Saab AB and GM. Saab 900 (New Generation) was the highest level of security. The car was equipped with rear seat in a design which included a strained belts, three diagonal lap belts rear-seat passengers, the system of protection of the rear side impact. These innovations have allowed to consolidate the brand Saab fame as one of the safest cars in the world.
Saab 900 Convertible 1994 was a new generation of cars with folding roof. According to the developers, the new convertible was made all season. Saab 900 Convertible can be operated year-round, as it was equipped with a double awning, heated rear window and a powerful oven - after all, the northern roots.
In 1997, Saab 9000 flagship model, replaced by a new Saab 9-5. Return to index of models by two digits, in the manner first cars, sometimes called denominations. When you create a model of 9.5 designers and engineers have moved away from the traditional Saab body hatchback and four-door sedan introduced. The car had a spacious, luxurious interior and ventilated seats. In the security area again Saab introduced a novelty - active head restraints SAHR.
To replace the Saab 900 in 1998, came a car with an index of 9-3. Passive safety has become one of the main features of the new 9-3. Also in 3.9 has been improved suspension and window curtain airbags, consisting of two parts, included as standard. A total of 1100 made changes. Honours Saab 9-3 was the fact that it was the first model in the company's history with a diesel engine.
In 1999, Saab model line expands and presents Saab 9-5 Wagon. Handrails for stowage, retractable luggage compartment floor and rails of the upper trunk provides unlimited possibilities for cargo transportation in this car.
The concept car Saab 9X was presented in 2001. 9X combines features that are inherent in just four types of vehicles: coupe, roadster, wagon and pickup truck. As the manufacturer, Saab 9X - a sporty, dynamic, functional car that encompasses all the most attractive that have car brand Saab.
Constant improvement and the search leads to the next restyling model 9.5 in 2002. Original false radiator grille appear, combined with the bumper, which gives the car an unusual "aircraft" look. In addition to the external appearance of Saab 9-5 M-2002 has a more powerful engine, improved suspension and five-speed automatic transmission. Total changes were made in 1265.
In 2002, there is a completely new model 9-3. A distinctive feature of the new 3.9 is a sedan. The model is called the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan.
Continuation of the lineup the next generation Saab 9-3 is a convertible. In 2003, there Saab 9-3 Convertible. The new Saab 9-3 Convertible - a truly all-season convertible four-seater that combines a unique Scandinavian design and innovative features.
In 2005, Saab is another new model of family hatchback with a body 03/09 - Saab 9-3 Sport Combi.
2006 is significant the following events:

    Saab launches new Saab 9-5 New. The model is presented in sedan and wagon;
    at the Geneva Motor Show 2006 Saab Concept shows the Aero-X;
    family gets a new 3.9 V6 engine of 2.8 liters and 250 hp
The prototype Saab 92 001 served as a starting point for further development of the legendary brand. From the day of a solemn display of the first prototype was more than half a century, and, Saab has built a strong reputation innovator. The engineers will design and construct vehicles Saab, over and over again surprised the automotive world for its innovative solutions. In most cases, their subsequent development are widely used in automotive applications.Based on:drive.ru