Table of Contents
- 1 The Saab T9 Prototype ECU: Unlocking a Twin-Turbo 3.2 V6 Beast
- 2 KM-tronics: From Saab Enthusiast to OEM Supplier
- 3 Reproducing the Impossible: KM-tronics’ Latest Projects
- 4 The Struggle to Source Saab Parts: Why KM-tronics is Vital
- 5 Saab’s Legacy Lives On Through KM-tronics
- 6 Saab Enthusiasts: The Heartbeat of the Community
- 7 Final Words: Saab’s Future and KM-tronics’ Role
The Saab T9 Prototype ECU: Unlocking a Twin-Turbo 3.2 V6 Beast
For years, Saab enthusiasts and insiders have been chasing whispers of an elusive prototype ECU, something beyond the well-known Trionic T8 systems found in Saab’s production cars. Dutch Saab enthusiast Mark van Kampen stumbled upon an unusual ECU unit in 2022, one that raised more questions than answers. Fast forward to today, and after two years of research and investigation, Mark has uncovered that this was no ordinary part—it was a genuine Saab T9 engine management system, designed for a special twin-turbo V6 version of the Saab Turbo X.
Unlike the 2.8L turbocharged V6 engine that was commonly used in Saab’s Turbo X production models—an engine produced by GM’s Australian subsidiary, Holden, and shared across other brands within the GM and Fiat group—the T9 ECU prototype was designed for a unique 3.2L twin-turbo V6 engine. This engine was developed specifically for Saab’s high-performance models and was meant to set new standards in terms of power and efficiency.
Interestingly, the 3.2L twin-turbo V6 from Holden eventually found its way into production, but not in Saab models. Instead, this engine, known as the 3.2 JTS, was used in Alfa Romeo cars like the Alfa 159 and Brera. Although it shared the same origins as GM’s High Feature engine, Alfa Romeo engineers modified it with their own performance enhancements, including TwinPhaser variable valve timing, direct fuel injection, and a higher compression ratio of 11.25:1. These modifications made it capable of producing up to 260 hp (191 kW), delivering the performance Alfa Romeo was known for.
Despite its origins and potential, the 3.2 JTS engine was discontinued by Alfa Romeo in 2010, while the T9 ECU twin-turbo V6 variant for Saab remained an intriguing prototype, a what-could-have-been in Saab’s legacy of pushing the envelope on engine performance.
KM-tronics: From Saab Enthusiast to OEM Supplier
Mark van Kampen’s journey from a hobbyist fixing Saab ECUs to running a successful business, KM-tronics, is one of passion, persistence, and dedication to keeping Saabs on the road. Founded in April 2023, KM-tronics quickly rose to prominence as a trusted supplier of refurbished Saab parts. Their core offerings include ECU repairs, electronic parts, and even body components like bumper skins.
Through hard work and strategic partnerships, KM-tronics earned the status of an OEM refurbished Saab parts supplier, with their products distributed by none other than Hedin Parts and Logistics, Saab’s official parts distributor. Mark’s mission is simple but crucial: keep Saabs alive by ensuring that even the most difficult-to-find parts can be sourced, repaired, or reproduced.
His message to the Saab community is clear: “Don’t throw away broken Saab parts!“ Every part, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be the lifeline for another Saab owner across the world. Sending those parts to KM-tronics or their partners could help extend the life of a Saab that might otherwise never drive again.
Reproducing the Impossible: KM-tronics’ Latest Projects
KM-tronics is not only repairing what already exists—they’re taking on the challenge of reproducing long-discontinued parts. One of the company’s most exciting ongoing projects is the recreation of the rear “ice cube” brake lights for Saab convertibles, a part that has been out of production for years. Saab owners have been desperately searching for this component, and KM-tronics is about to deliver.
The first production prototypes will be displayed at two key Saab events: the Saab Club Parts Day on June 1st and the Saab Festival in Sweden on June 7th, 2024. By September, these ice cube brake lights will be available for everyone, with KM-tronics already receiving pre-orders from across Europe and the United States. This kind of dedication to the Saab community is exactly what has made KM-tronics a name to remember.
But brake lights aren’t the only thing on KM-tronics’ to-do list. They’ve also reproduced hall sensors for the roof cylinders of Saab 9-3NG convertibles, another part that’s notoriously hard to find. Furthermore, they’ve begun development on a new diffuser set for the Saab 9-3NG, made from stronger materials than the original and tailored to fit with minimal modifications.
The Struggle to Source Saab Parts: Why KM-tronics is Vital
As time passes, finding parts for Saab vehicles becomes increasingly difficult, especially as certain OEM manufacturers discontinue production of key components. This has left many Saab owners turning to third-party suppliers or salvage yards for parts that may no longer be in optimal condition.
Mark van Kampen’s company is helping to alleviate this problem by working with a network of partners to refurbish and reproduce essential Saab components. KM-tronics has become a vital resource for Saab enthusiasts around the globe, offering everything from refurbished ECUs to body panels, often at prices significantly lower than those charged by Hedin. By partnering directly with these suppliers, KM-tronics can offer a more affordable option without compromising on quality.
Saab’s Legacy Lives On Through KM-tronics
Mark’s story is not just about business; it’s about passion for the Saab brand. His commitment to keeping Saabs on the road reflects the enduring spirit of the Saab community, where enthusiasts work tirelessly to preserve the legacy of these unique vehicles. Recently, two notable Saab 9-5NG models visited KM-tronics: a white 9-5NG Hirsch Performance model, previously owned by René Hirsch (ex-CEO of Hirsch Performance), and a stunning SAAB 9-5NG Sportcombi. These visits from passionate Saab owners highlight KM-tronics as a hub for the global Saab community, where both parts and stories are exchanged to keep these iconic cars alive.
KM-tronics is more than just a business—it’s a lifeline for Saab owners. With their extensive range of refurbished parts, including some that are impossible to find anywhere else, KM-tronics ensures that Saab’s legacy doesn’t just live on in garages and museums but on the roads where these cars belong.
Saab Enthusiasts: The Heartbeat of the Community
It’s no secret that Saab owners are some of the most dedicated car enthusiasts out there. Despite the brand’s tragic end in 2011, the global Saab community remains strong, with clubs, forums, and online groups thriving more than a decade later. For many, owning a Saab is not just about driving a car—it’s about being part of a family, a group of people who understand the quirks and charms that make Saabs so special.
Mark van Kampen embodies this spirit, turning his personal love for Saab into a business that serves the global Saab community. His message to Saab owners is simple: keep your cars running, and don’t give up on finding the parts you need.
Final Words: Saab’s Future and KM-tronics’ Role
Saab may no longer be producing new vehicles, but thanks to companies like KM-tronics and the passion of enthusiasts like Mark van Kampen, the future of existing Saabs looks bright. As the Saab community continues to grow and thrive, the demand for OEM-quality refurbished parts will only increase.
KM-tronics is well-positioned to meet this demand, providing high-quality components that help keep these beloved cars on the road. With exciting new projects like the Saab 9-3NG diffuser set and the reproduction of ice cube brake lights, the future is looking strong for both KM-tronics and the Saab community.
Zondag is het blok te zien bij 65 jaar Saab Club Nederland evenement. Voor wie het interessant vind! Naast wat andere zaken, overigens dit blok heeft als het goed is z’n 100 a 150 pk meer dan in het artikel staat. Het was destijds een voorzichtige schatting 😉
Mark V. Kampen
there are some tiny details not entirely translated correct in the article but overall its a great read! Thanks alot Goran! the engine you see here is a 2.8 twin turbo prototype from the Saab factory and has around 550 hp, the engine was produced between 2007-2009, it just has an alfa head on it probably for a more agressive sound/gas response/compression. But yeah its a prototype engine from Saab, their plans for it were killed by GM / Corvette just as how the original Turbo X was suppossed to have 440 hp instead of the 280 it got. Again we ought to thank Corvette for that, they were abit worried at the time that the Turbo X would become alot faster, cheaper and more fuel efficient than the Corvette, so they worried that the Corvette would not have been sold anymore (entirely different car ofc, but thats how many executives in the car industry think about cars within their own ranks unfortunatly) 🙁
TF-80 is limited to 370Nm with TTiD, what other gearbox would be installed with such a strong engine
Specifically the AF40/TF-80 with XWD configuration has a quite extreme auto clutch pack with tremendous torque capacity which is the remenance of the original Turbo X and XR projects truly designated power and torque output. The FWD version did not get anywhere near the same torque capacity as far as I know.
knows substantially more about this engine then I do 🙂 so I will just sit back here and let Joel awnser the more difficult questions as Joel has much more experience in that field than I can ever hope to obtain.
GM did many killing blows in a row to alot of cool stuff that never got out on the market or to the public.. As the info I got on this engine and mindset they had during development was that they were going to go after and dethrone Audi S/RS-series of cars of the era. Probably would have shocked the world a bit if this thing made it to the market, considering Saabs XWD drivetrain is very efficient compared to the other brands 😅
who knows next year this engine can finally do what Saab had in mind for it 🙂
The 2.3 turbo pushed 250hp, where does a 260hp v6 fit in that lineup?
250hp V6. Answer; suppleness, sound and torque.
the 2.8 is really fantastic to drive and mine was very durable. 2.3T had terrible PCV / sludge problem
Edited!
Depends on the 2.3T engine. The 2.3T in the og9-5 needed a few iterations of the crankcase ventilation system to get right. Saab/GM was tweaking (i.e. maximizing) fuel economy numbers with lower viscosity oil 0-W20 & 5-W20. When sold to the public not every owner used full synthetic motor oil or changed per spec. Earlier 2.3T engines had very few problems with sludge. I ran a ’93 9000CSE to 310k miles and a ’96 9000Super CS to 428k miles. I ran oil sampling on the ’96 Super CS for over 250k miles at 10k miles oil change intervals. No sludge on the 428k miles 2.3t (lpt) engine. On death of the car (crash not my fault) the 428k engine was refreshed (new rod & crank bearings, reset and polished the valves and dropped the refreshed engine into another ’96 CSE with full pressure Turbo!
Thanks Mark for the clarification