Table of Contents
- 1 A Tuning Masterpiece: The Unique Story Behind This Saab 9-5 Sportwagon
- 2 A Rare Shade: The Exterior Transformation
- 3 Interior Customization: A Prototype Design
- 4 Power Under the Hood: 600 Horsepower of Pure Performance
- 5 Built for Speed: How the Upgrades Affect Performance
- 6 Balancing Performance and Practicality
- 7 A Testament to Saab’s Legacy
A Tuning Masterpiece: The Unique Story Behind This Saab 9-5 Sportwagon
The 2006 Saab 9-5 Sportwagon might have started life as a standard winter beater, but today, it’s anything but ordinary. Owned and transformed by Adam from Sweden, this car has been completely overhauled into a one-of-a-kind machine.
What started as a simple daily driver has evolved into a 600-horsepower powerhouse (!) that not only turns heads but also redefines what a Saab can be. With a unique exterior, custom interior, and a series of impressive mechanical upgrades, Adam’s Saab 9-5 Sportwagon has earned its place among the greats in the tuning community.
A Rare Shade: The Exterior Transformation
Originally, this Saab rolled off the production line in a standard silver, but that didn’t sit right with Adam. Inspired by rare Saab models, he decided to give the car a striking makeover. The new color, a deep and vivid blue, is a rarity among Saabs, with only three other cars factory-finished in this shade.
The blacked-out B pillars and window trims add a modern touch, while subtle enhancements like a modified front end and extended side skirts give the car a more aggressive stance. These changes may seem minor, but they collectively elevate the car’s aesthetic to a level of exclusivity you rarely see on the road today.
The exterior upgrades didn’t stop there. Adam also installed OEM turbine-style wheels from the final generation Saab 9-5, which not only complement the car’s look but also reinforce Saab’s aeronautical roots. These turbine wheels are designed to mimic the blades of a jet engine, a fitting nod to Saab’s aviation heritage. Adam’s attention to detail is evident, with every element of the car’s appearance designed to exude both power and sophistication.
Interior Customization: A Prototype Design
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a world of custom luxury. Adam managed to score a prototype Saab interior, featuring oxblood leather that harkens back to the iconic Saab 900. This bespoke interior isn’t something you can pick up from a catalog—it’s a one-off creation that gives the car a level of exclusivity usually reserved for high-end concept cars. The Griffin edition white stitching adds another layer of refinement, further elevating the luxurious feel of the cabin.
However, not everything is original to the car. Adam is still working on sourcing and coloring door panels to match the rest of the interior, but even in its current state, this car’s cabin is something to admire. It’s hard to imagine a more tasteful blend of classic Saab design and modern luxury, a combination that Saab enthusiasts will appreciate.
Power Under the Hood: 600 Horsepower of Pure Performance
But the real magic of this custom Saab 9-5 Sportwagon lies under the hood. What started as a 2.0-liter engine has been completely transformed into a 2.3-liter powerhouse with forged pistons, custom crankshafts, and smoothed rods. Adam’s tuning efforts didn’t stop there—he also installed a Garrett G30-660 turbo that brings the car’s total horsepower up to a staggering 600 HP. That’s not a typo—this wagon now rivals supercars in terms of raw power.
The custom exhaust system, featuring a straight pipe from the turbo back, adds to the car’s impressive performance and gives it a deep, throaty growl that you wouldn’t expect from a Saab. Adam’s choice to keep the downpipe exposed under the hood adds a level of mechanical rawness that appeals to true car enthusiasts. The car’s six-speed Opel Signum F40 gearbox, combined with custom spacers, makes sure the immense power translates into smooth, controlled driving on the road.
Built for Speed: How the Upgrades Affect Performance
So, what’s it like to drive a 600-horsepower Saab wagon? According to Adam, it’s an adrenaline-pumping experience. Despite the car’s weight, the sheer power from the turbocharged engine allows it to pull hard in every gear. The custom mapping, done by Joel Arthursson, ensures that the car has a smooth power curve, avoiding the notorious “ketchup effect” that can plague turbocharged vehicles.
Even with the immense power, Adam has managed to keep the car streetable. He reports that the car has excellent traction in second gear, with minimal wheel spin, thanks to the long gearing of the Opel transmission. Theoretically, the car could reach speeds of up to 470 km/h, though that’s more of a fun calculation than a practical goal. The current setup allows the car to push 130 km/h in second gear and over 215 km/h in third, making it a serious contender for any high-speed challenge.
Balancing Performance and Practicality
While the focus has clearly been on performance, Adam hasn’t neglected practicality. He’s added an aftermarket sunroof, which didn’t come standard on this model, and other modifications to ensure that the car remains comfortable for daily use. The D2 brake system with 330 mm rotors ensures that the car can stop just as effectively as it can go, providing a balance between speed and safety.
Adam’s meticulous approach to this build shines through in every aspect of the car. From the Sachs Performance clutch to the high-quality turbocharger, every component has been chosen with care to deliver not only high performance but also reliability. This isn’t just a show car—this is a fully functional, street-legal monster that can handle both the track and the highway with ease.
A Testament to Saab’s Legacy
This custom Saab 9-5 Sportwagon is a testament to the passion that Saab enthusiasts like Adam have for the brand. It’s a car that defies expectations, pushing the boundaries of what a Saab can be while still remaining true to the brand’s core values of performance, innovation, and design. For anyone who doubted Saab’s potential in the tuning world, this 600-horsepower beast is proof that Saab’s legacy lives on, stronger and more exciting than ever.
Adam’s creation serves as a reminder that even in a world where Saab no longer produces new cars, the community continues to innovate, pushing the boundaries and keeping the brand’s spirit alive. This custom 9-5 Sportwagon is more than just a car—it’s a symbol of the enduring passion that Saab fans have for their beloved marque.
Take a closer look at Adam’s 600-horsepower custom Saab 9-5 Sportwagon and witness the stunning transformations that have made this car a true standout in the Saab tuning world by watching the full video here:
