Transforming Classics: The Ambitious Saab 900 Turbo AWD Restomod Project

The Vision Behind the Project

Retropower, a renowned shop known for their high-quality restomods, has embarked on an ambitious project: integrating an Audi AWD system into a classic Saab 900 Turbo. This initiative showcases the meticulous effort and engineering prowess required to blend modern performance with vintage aesthetics.

Retropower’s reputation for delivering Singer Porsche levels of quality and design but with an unrestricted variety of marques, models, and eras makes them the perfect team for this challenge.

The Legacy of the Saab 900

The Saab 900, often regarded as the definitive Saab, emerged as a cultural icon in the 1980s. Following the charming 93, 94, and 96 models of the fifties and sixties, and the upmarket shift with the Saab 99, the 900 cemented Saab’s reputation. Its smart styling, impeccable build quality, and turbocharged H-Series engines, particularly the special edition 900 Turbo Carlsson, showcased Saab’s prowess in forced induction technology. This legacy makes the Saab 900 a beloved model among enthusiasts and a fitting candidate for Retropower’s restomod ambitions.

The Process Begins: 3D Modeling and Scanning

The project kicks off with extensive 3D modeling and scanning, essential steps for ensuring precision in the modifications. The initial phases involve scanning the Saab 900 body to create accurate digital models. This meticulous process allows the team to visualize how the new components will fit and interact with the existing structure. The scanning work, detailed in prior episodes, sets the foundation for the complex modifications ahead.

Integrating Audi AWD: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

At the 24:58 mark in the Retropower video, the focus shifts to the integration of the Audi AWD system into the Saab 900 Turbo. This segment offers a deep dive into the engineering and craftsmanship involved in this transformation. The team meticulously fits the AWD components, ensuring that they complement the Saab’s original design while providing enhanced performance. This part of the project highlights the dedication to both functionality and aesthetics, showcasing the skill required to merge these two distinct automotive worlds.

Project Wasaabi: An Ambitious Undertaking

Known as Project Wasaabi, this build aims to push the boundaries of what a restomod can achieve. Retropower plans to re-engineer the Saab 900 to produce up to 500bhp, focusing on handling and stopping capabilities to match this power.

The engine choice is leaning towards an Audi five-cylinder turbo, renowned for its performance and reliability. Discussions have also centered around incorporating the drivetrain and chassis from a B7 generation Audi S4, housed within a custom body partially rendered in carbon fiber with wide arches for enlarged wheels and aerodynamic enhancements.

Challenges and Triumphs in Fabrication

The fabrication process is both challenging and rewarding. Retropower’s team faces numerous obstacles, including rust removal, custom grafting of new metal pieces, and ensuring perfect alignment of the headlamp bowls and wings.

The delicate nature of these operations requires careful planning and execution. For example, tackling the gaps in the radial section of the rear arches involves meticulous welding and planishing to achieve a seamless finish. These efforts ensure that the final product not only performs exceptionally but also retains the classic Saab aesthetic.

Progress on Other Retropower Projects

While the Saab 900 Turbo project is a highlight, Retropower continues to work on other impressive projects, such as the “Geneva” E-Type and the Interceptor. Each project presents its own set of challenges and innovations. For instance, the Geneva E-Type features custom Tesla door latches, requiring unique engineering solutions. These concurrent projects illustrate Retropower’s versatility and commitment to excellence across a range of classic and modern vehicles.

The Future of Restomods: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Retropower’s approach to restomods represents the future of classic car restoration and modification. By blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, they breathe new life into vintage vehicles. The Saab 900 Turbo project exemplifies this philosophy, demonstrating how modern engineering can enhance the performance and reliability of a classic car without compromising its original charm. As the project progresses, it will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for future restomods, showcasing what is possible when passion and precision come together.

Join the Journey: Stay Updated

Fans and enthusiasts can follow the progress of the Saab 900 Turbo project through Retropower’s YouTube channel and social media. Regular updates and detailed behind-the-scenes footage provide an immersive experience for those eager to see the transformation unfold. The community of followers can engage with the team, ask questions, and share their excitement as each milestone is achieved. This interactive element adds a unique dimension to the project, making it a shared journey of discovery and innovation.

 A New Era for the Saab 900 Turbo

The Saab 900 Turbo project by Retropower is more than just a restoration; it’s a reinvention. By integrating advanced technology and modern engineering techniques, Retropower is setting a new standard in the world of restomods. This project not only honors the legacy of the Saab 900 Turbo but also paves the way for future innovations in classic car restoration. As the project nears completion, it promises to be a masterpiece of design, performance, and craftsmanship, exemplifying the best of both worlds.