Saab Heritage and RBM Performance, celebrated for their commitment to breathing new life into Saab’s storied legacy, have embarked on a groundbreaking journey to reimagine the iconic Saab 9-5 NG Aero.
Building on their esteemed track record with remarkable projects like the Saab 9000 Turbo Airflow and the Saab 99 Turbo, they now strive to merge the past with the present in a project that is still a work in progress but undeniably captivating. The base for this ambitious endeavor is a 2011 SAAB 9.5 Aero XWD, a first-hand vehicle with 125,000 km on the clock, already turning heads even before its completion.
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Celebrating Saab’s Legacy Through Innovation
This rare Saab 9-5 NG Aero, a rarity with only 77,670 miles, serves as the canvas for a transformation intended to set a new benchmark in automotive excellence. By selecting this particular model for its unique blend of elegance and potential for enhanced performance, the project pays homage to Saab’s glorious past while pushing the envelope of modern engineering.
The Evolution of Performance
At its release, the Saab 9-5 Aero was equipped with a 2.8-liter V6 engine, boasting 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. This formidable power was transmitted to the ground via an all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its placid demeanor, this Swedish sedan could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 250 km/h—a respectable cruising pace but one deemed not expressive enough for RBM Performance.
To elevate the vehicle’s performance, RBM Performance has significantly enhanced the original GM engine block. The upgrade includes a large-volume aluminum intercooler, increased turbo and intake sizes, a direct intake kit, custom engine mapping, and a bespoke sports exhaust system with a 76mm diameter featuring active flaps. This allows for a sound that can be subdued or unleashed at the driver’s discretion. To match this increased power, a custom braking system featuring 380mm discs and 6-piston calipers has been installed, ensuring the vehicle’s stopping power is as impressive as its acceleration.
Exterior Elegance and Performance Enhancements
Saab Heritage and RBM Performance have meticulously selected upgrades to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and performance of the 9-5 NG Aero. The vehicle is outfitted with a Full Hirsch aerodynamics kit, adding a sophisticated flair to its already sleek design. Additionally, bespoke 20-inch turbine wheels and a custom Saab rear bumper further complement the car’s elegance.
Not stopping there, the introduction of a custom big front brake kit by RBM Performance—with 6 pistons per caliper and 380mm discs—ensures superior stopping power, marrying beauty with high-end performance functionality.
Luxurious Interior Overhaul
The cabin of the Saab 9-5 NG Aero becomes a realm of luxury, featuring black Nappa leather with carbon fiber accents. The addition of a custom steering wheel and tailor-made floor mats infuses the interior with a personalized touch, elevating the driving experience to unparalleled levels of comfort and style.
Power Unleashed: Advanced Engine and Performance Upgrades
The boosted Saab 9-5 NG Aero by RBM Performance is on the verge of completion. It represents an ideal of excellence for the Saab community, reminiscent of RBM’s previous works such as the 9-3 Turbo 16S, 9000 CS 2.3, and 9-3 Viggen. Despite being one of the rarest Saabs ever produced, the 9-5 NG remains one of the most desirable sedans, thanks to a timeless design that has aged remarkably well.
Beneath the hood, the 2.8-liter V6 engine of the Saab 9-5 NG Aero has been expertly enhanced to unleash an exhilarating 365 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. Comprehensive modifications, including a larger intercooler, an upgraded turbo, custom engine mapping, and a sports exhaust system, transform this vehicle into a powerhouse. The bespoke suspension setup ensures that this Saab delivers a driving experience like no other.
A Tribute to Saab’s Enduring Legacy
This project stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Saab, merging classic design with contemporary technological advancements. As the completion of this distinctive vehicle approaches, Saab aficionados worldwide await the rebirth of a legend that perfectly encapsulates the essence of bridging past and future.
A New Chapter in French Saab’s Storied History
The collaboration between Saab Heritage and RBM Performance epitomizes the synergy of passion and innovation that propels the automotive world forward. Through the meticulous transformation of the Saab 9-5 NG Aero, they not only honor a storied brand but also challenge the limits of automotive design and performance, heralding a new chapter in Saab’s legacy that continues to enthral and inspire.
Now, how about a proper 6-speed manual transmission? The Turbo4 Premium with a six-speed is, in my opinion and experience, the ultimate NG 9-5. The Aero AWD is quick and fast, to be sure, but it’s way too heavy, and can’t dance like the lighter Turbo4 with a stick.
A 3rd pedal is always for me, but getting as rare as a 9-5NG. How about a 10sp Auto. Imagine the acceleration!
I did convert on 6years ago to Manual.
It still drives today
“Mijn” droom auto😍
What were the new 0-60 and 1/4 mile times with the upgraded 365hp? It would be nice to know how much of an improvement was made.
I’d say not by much… This auto transmission is very slow. Even tuned, 450bhp cars with the same engine/gearbox like Insignia OPC, can’t make it better than ~5.8sec, which is still slow as for such a car.
If this car wasn’t 200kg too heavy and had a modern 8-speed gearbox, it would still be a modern car.
TO Frank Immendorf > A manual gearbox conversion is an alternative option too.
It’s not the matter of weight. I can see it often but that’s a misconception. If You take a look at modern cars, let’s say Kia Stinger which is now 7 years old – it weights around the same, and can do 0-100 in 4.8 sec. It’s the transmission that kills NGs.
9-5NG is not about 0-100, it is not a sport car, it is family sedan, however driving SAAB experience is far away from driving KIA. KIA still have to work a lot to achieve SAAB driving abilities.
Btw, seems the interior upgrade is from TunStyle.
Or take a m5 2012y – weights 1945kg, more than NG, and it does 0-100 in 4.2sec.
TO Marek Keerand > this Aero its manula ttid xd…and I have 1 Vector auto…I love manual
To Ruta Mircea > e belea masina ,daca ii zici cuiva ca e 2020 te crede, pacat ca au dat faliment fix atunci ca daca aveau bugete ca BMW se pisau pe rivala f10 cu design ul asta
This car is a piece of art. You can tell people its a 2020 and they would believe it. Timeless.
Saab need to stop playing with our emotions and bring the brand back, we getting old
I agree.
I’m driving the SAAB today am very happy with it been driving the Saab since 93
Know that Saab managed to do this with limited resources and being bankrupt, on a GM Chevrolet Opel platform. Now think about what they could have achieved if they had BMW or Mercedes’ budgets and the possibility of making their own platform.
Such a shame that they didn’t keep something rare standard although I’ll concede its been well done
Hi,
This is. A joke right
I build a 9-5ng Aero to manual and 550hp.
With everything working like oem works.
380mm 8pod brake kit with dba rotors.
Custom coilovers from ast 5200 kit.
20″ custom wheels
Tuned the engine myself. Recoded the car to manual and made all supporting mods.
This tuning is a joke. 360hp is a joke its a standard stage 1 chiptuning i do every week on these.
It takes more than just a tune to get these cars to 365hp. At best you can get stock with a tune is 330hp range unless your looking to have issues destroying your stock turbo in no time.
Pieter, is there any way I could see Your project? Youtube, or FB? I’m plalnning on doing some more serious mods on my XWD 2.8 and I’m lookig for inspirations ;)
Pieter, Is there any way I could see Your project and ask few questions? I’m planning on doing some more serious mods to my NG 2.8 and I’m looking for an inspiration. cheers
Can I see You project somehow? Planning on doing mods in my NG and I’m looking for inspiration ;)
you know what Tribute to Saab’s Enduring Legacy would be
the saab 9-5NG Aero xwd 550HP 6SPEED MANUAL
i build like 5 years ago… and it still driving, daily.
I would love to see your 9-5ng Aero with 550hp. That would be an awesome vehicle to drive.
Steering wheel looks great and also its thick as it should has always been. Nothing like the regular one, which’s thicnkess reminds 1980s…
Not with the manual transmission. ☹️It’s like a dissonance
My 300 hp Turbo X already has serious temperature problems (despite the Hirsch intercooler), it would be interesting to see how they solved them?
Is Saab Heritage a spin-off from Saab proper?
It’s just like a Saab Museam of sorts! They are Enthuiasts like ourselves.
Saab Heritage is a Garage situated in Paris, France.
An outstanding complexity of sharp, short angles and long sweeping curves that’s completely unrivaled by modern day cars.
Mi domando perche‘ iCinesi che hanno salvato la Volvo non fanno rinascere la Saab Auto altro Orgoglio Svedese?
This was gonna be my 4th Saab until they were eliminated by GM. I loved these cars. Quirky, fast and durable in any climate. I miss Saab and I would buy one for the rest of my life.
Splendide J adore Saab j ai eu une Saab y a 10a une 9.3 diesel 150 CV break noir intégral puis on me l’a volé sniff 😭😭 je l’a regrette bcp …
Dit is voor mij echt een droomauto
Nice car.
Tuned and facelifted Opel?
It’s a Saab NG9-5. Some parts are shared but mostly unique.