How One Enthusiast Built the Saab 9-5 Viggen We All Wanted

Saab enthusiasts have spent years wondering what a factory-built SAAB 9-5 Viggen could have achieved. Speculation first flared in the early 2000s when rumors hinted at a performance-focused 9-5 based on the 9-3 Viggen’s aggressive concept. While Saab never officially produced that model, a Swedish builder named Rickard Karlsson decided he would not sit idle.

With surgical precision, he combined elements of the 9-3 Viggen’s front-end design with the larger 9-5’s platform. This custom build, sometimes called the “lost 9-5 Viggen,” emerged in Bilsport magazine around 2002, leaving an unmistakable mark on the Saab community. Thanks to newly uncovered materials, we now know far more about how Karlsson realized his daring vision, why he crafted such a bold statement, and how his project stands as a benchmark for enthusiast-driven Saab performance.

A Missing Link in Saab’s Lineup

In 1999, Saab introduced the 9-3 Viggen, a turbocharged powerhouse that showed off the brand’s performance edge. Despite that success, no comparable high-powered 9-5 ever materialized, which left enthusiasts feeling the 9-5 range could have used the extra torque, sharper aerodynamics, and more dramatic aesthetic of the Viggen formula. The rumors around a 9-5 Viggen persisted for years, fueled by Hirsch-tuned 9-5s and one-off prototypes glimpsed within Saab’s development circles. For a moment, it seemed Saab might bring the concept to life, but nothing official emerged. This lack of factory follow-through drove Karlsson to create what he considered the only solution: a 9-5 Viggen shaped by his own hands.

Karlsson recognized the robust underpinnings of the first-generation 9-5 sedan and saw an opening for significant aesthetic and mechanical upgrades. He honed in on certain styling cues—particularly the 9-3 Viggen’s unique front fascia—and melded them to the 9-5’s lines. Rather than simply bolt on a kit, he engaged in extensive metalwork to produce seamless transitions, integrate Viggen-style air intakes, and refine the rear end for a more muscular stance. While various Hirsch upgrades and Aero models hinted at what Saab could do, Karlsson believed none of them quite matched the raw potential of a true 9-5 Viggen. His goal was to fill that gap.

Crafting the Body: Where the 9-3 Viggen Meets the 9-5

Karlsson’s approach was not about flashy add-ons. It demanded detailed body modifications that required cutting, welding, and reshaping to maintain a cohesive factory look. He removed the rear bumper beam, relocated it closer to the trunk floor, and re-profiled the trunk lid to emulate an edgier style. This effort achieved a tighter visual identity at the back, with the bumper sitting closer to the body than the standard 9-5’s setup. Removing trim holes and smoothing the roofline further accentuated a streamlined aesthetic that subtly hinted at a fastback curve.

The front received just as much attention. Karlsson integrated the 9-3 Viggen’s broader grille opening, deeper chin spoiler, and distinct headlight contours. He also reshaped the fog lamp sections. In period magazine photos, these changes appear so natural that casual observers often mistake the car for a secret factory prototype. Karlsson underscored his aversion to body kits by declaring that if he wanted to emulate a missing piece of Saab history, he had to do it with exacting attention to detail. That mindset led him to ensure panel gaps remained consistent with Saab’s original tolerances, preserving the brand’s premium feel.

Under the Hood: Amplifying the Turbocharged Power

The 9-5 was known for solid turbo performance even in standard trim, but Karlsson pushed its potential to near-9-3 Viggen territory and beyond. In some references, the custom build delivered up to 285 hp; in others, it reached around 298 hp with a monstrous 532 Nm of torque. These numbers were verified through dyno sessions and tuning data provided by Maptun Performance, a respected Saab tuning specialist. Karlsson chose Maptun’s expertise to ensure the modifications aligned with Saab’s engineering standards rather than undermining reliability.

He upgraded the injectors, engine management, and exhaust system, always attentive to how each change might affect the 9-5’s road manners. He insisted on preserving everyday drivability. His intent was a complete approach: larger turbo piping, improved cooling, and robust fueling, all calibrated by software that balanced power output with stable torque delivery. Karlsson’s interviews in Bilsport reflect a methodical process. No single mod was introduced without carefully verifying it would integrate well with the broader powertrain. This nuanced strategy ensured the car’s formidable performance remained usable in both traffic and occasional track outings.

Inside the Cabin: Aero-Inspired Comfort and Viggen Flair

The interior balanced performance character with Saab’s tradition of ergonomic design. Karlsson installed seats from the 9-5 Aero—particularly from the 2002 model—featuring deeper bolsters and a sport-oriented design. He then refinished the instrument panel, eliminating extraneous trim pieces to produce a cleaner cockpit environment. Every step followed his established principle of preserving what he viewed as Saab’s best traits.

Magazine photos from the Bilsport feature show the cabin with factory knobs, a factory steering wheel, and a cohesive color palette. The result is distinctly Saab but heightened by subtle changes. Karlsson never liked adding redundant gauges or draping surfaces in carbon fiber. Instead, he stayed true to the brand’s minimalistic philosophy, which valued strong design integration over clutter. While the interior did not deviate as drastically from stock as the exterior, those who paid attention immediately noticed the carefully upgraded components that matched the car’s newfound performance.

Driving Experience: Where Refinement and Raw Force Converge

Karlsson’s 9-5 Viggen delivered a distinctly different sensation compared to a regular 9-5 Aero. The torque came on with greater urgency, pushing the car forward with an authoritative punch. The engine’s midrange felt particularly robust, letting drivers accelerate briskly from moderate speeds without downshifting. Karlsson’s emphasis on balanced chassis tuning ensured the lowered suspension and bigger wheels delivered precise cornering without making the ride unbearable for daily use. Saab built the 9-5 platform with structural rigidity in mind, so the additions meshed well with the underlying design. Karlsson took care not to compromise safety or comfort, a choice that emphasized the brand’s heritage of mixing performance with practicality.

The steering feedback felt sharper thanks to the suspension tweaks and tire selection. Although significantly stiffer than stock, the overall setup remained suitable for commuting. Karlsson found it essential to maintain a degree of compliance and made sure any modifications suited real-world roads. He talked about planning every weld and verifying alignment meticulously, which helped him preserve the chassis integrity Saab is known for. High-speed stability remained a strong suit, echoing the confidence a more official “factory” 9-5 Viggen might have delivered.

Why the 9-5 Viggen Matters to Saab Fans

Enthusiasts who followed Saab’s golden era recognized the brand’s penchant for turbo innovation and unconventional solutions. A 9-5 Viggen concept represented a logical extension of these traits, bringing advanced performance to a bigger vehicle without losing comfort or daily usability. Karlsson’s build kept that dream alive after official rumors fizzled out. While Hirsch-tuned 9-5s were available, they never bore the Viggen name, nor did they lean as far into radical design changes as Karlsson’s project did. His work reminded fans that a thorough reimagining of a Saab platform could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with contemporary sport sedans.

He also rekindled interest in what the factory might have produced if corporate constraints had not intervened. Seeing real-world proof of a successful 9-5 Viggen build validated those who always believed the concept was viable. The project underscored that Saab’s legacy endures.

A Lasting Legacy for Saab Culture

Karlsson’s custom 9-5 Viggen still serves as a blueprint for enthusiasts who want to build what the factory never had a chance to produce. His approach went beyond buying aftermarket parts. He systematically studied factory design cues, harnessed Saab’s well-engineered powertrains, and merged them in a coherent package. This is why the project is more than a one-off curiosity. It encapsulates the most distinctive parts of Saab’s identity: turbocharged innovation, efficient Swedish styling, and a refusal to follow dull, predictable industry standards.

The car’s relevance endures because it challenges the notion that bigger sedans must be mild. Karlsson effectively showed that a properly tuned 9-5 platform can put down serious power and maintain day-to-day comfort. That revelation continues to resonate within the Saab community, prompting builders to push boundaries even today. In many ways, the “lost 9-5 Viggen” stands as living proof of Saab’s unfulfilled potential at a time when the brand was still capable of surprises.

Saab may have faded from new-car showrooms, but Karlsson’s example keeps the heritage alive. His build demonstrates that some of the best performance concepts emerge when enthusiasts refuse to let good ideas vanish. Where conventional thinking might say the 9-5 was too large to embrace full Viggen aggression, he showed that it could rival any contemporary sport sedan, if properly modified.  It stands as a bold answer to every enthusiast who ever wondered: “What if the 9-5 had been a real Viggen?” Karlsson’s car proves the result is nothing short of inspiring—an ultimate statement of Saab performance.