SAAB News

The Evolution and Rarity of the TwinTurbo Saab 9-5ng

Exploring the Legacy of Saab's Diesel Power: Inside the World of the 9-5 AERO TTID

Iconic Saab 9-5 AERO TTID: A Testament to Engineering Excellence in the Midst of Europe's Evolving Auto Industry

For American car enthusiasts, the notion of a Saab equipped with a TwinTurbo engine might come as a surprise, especially when it’s a diesel variant. While Saab has been known for its innovative and distinct designs, the availability of TwinTurbo diesel machines, particularly in models like the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID, remained off the radar in the United States due to market-specific offerings.

The Saab 9-5 new generation made its debut on the Global Epsilon platform at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September 2009 and was introduced to the North American market at the South Florida Auto Show in Miami. However, the TwinTurbo diesel variant never reached American shores, much to the disappointment of enthusiasts who admire both the performance and efficiency of these diesel engines.

The Saab 9-3, a model celebrated for its innovation and performance, notably featured two versions of the TwinTurbo diesel engine, enhancing its appeal to those who value both power and efficiency. One version of the engine was the Z19DTR, exclusive to Saab and known for delivering a solid 187 bhp (400Nm Torque). This engine, designed to meet the EU4 emission standards, was a perfect blend of performance and environmental consideration, making it a popular choice among Saab enthusiasts.

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Saab TTiD

Saab 9-3 1.9 TTiD and TTiD4

The other variant, the A19DTR (1910cc) engine, was more versatile in terms of power output, offering configurations of 130, 160, and 180 bhp. This flexibility made the A19DTR a suitable option for a broader range of drivers. The significant distinction between the Z19DTR and the A19DTR lay in their emission levels, with the A19DTR conforming to the more stringent EU5 standards. This adherence to higher environmental standards highlighted Saab’s commitment to eco-friendly innovations while maintaining the performance that drivers expected from the brand.

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Saab TTiD engine

Saab 9-5ng 2.0 TTiD4

Unlike the Saab 9-3 with its TwinTurbo variants, the Saab 9-5 introduced an even more robust TwinTurbo diesel engine with a larger displacement of 1956cc, known by the code A20DTR. Officially designated as the 2.0 TTiD4, the “4” in this TTiD model signifies a focus on lower CO2 emissions, aligning with the evolving environmental standards and consumer expectations.

A20DTR Engine Close-Up: The Powerhouse of Saab 9-5 AERO TTID, Symbolizing a Blend of Performance and Eco-Friendly Innovation
A20DTR – A20DTR Engine Close-Up: The Powerhouse of Saab 9-5 AERO TTID, Symbolizing a Blend of Performance and Eco-Friendly Innovation

This engine not only marked a step up in eco-conscious engineering but also set a new benchmark for Saab’s diesel performance. With a formidable 400Nm of torque adn 190hp (187), the A20DTR engine became the most powerful diesel option in Saab’s lineup. This combination of power and improved emissions was a significant milestone for Saab, showcasing their ability to innovate in the diesel engine space while adhering to stricter environmental regulations.

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The introduction of the 2.0 TTiD4 represented a fine balance between performance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, further solidifying Saab’s reputation as a manufacturer of sophisticated and forward-thinking vehicles.

Exploring the Opportunity to Acquire a Used TwinTurbo Saab from the UK Market

Introduction

For enthusiasts of unique and well-engineered vehicles, the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID represents a compelling option, especially when considering a used model from the UK market. A specific listing from CJ Autos Bristol highlights an opportunity to own a rare piece of automotive history.

Sleek and Sophisticated: Side View of the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID for Sale, Epitomizing Elegance and Power in Design
Sleek and Sophisticated: Side View of the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID for Sale, Epitomizing Elegance and Power in Design

The Offering: Saab 9-5 AERO TTID

  • Location: Warmley, United Kingdom
  • Price: £8,995
  • Seller: CJ Autos Bristol
  • Condition: 1 owner from new, just 60,000 miles, Full Service History (FSH)
  • Rarity: Very rare car

Vehicle Specifications

  • Model: Saab 9-5 AERO TTID 4-Door
  • Power: 190 bhp
  • Torque: 295 lbs/ft
  • Top Speed: 143 mph
  • Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 8.8 seconds
Luxurious Beige Leather Interior of the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID, Highlighting the Perfect Fusion of Comfort and Aero Elegance
Luxurious Beige Leather Interior of the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID, Highlighting the Perfect Fusion of Comfort and Aero Elegance

Potential for US Buyers?

While the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID with its TwinTurbo diesel engine was not available in the US market, this unique offering presents an opportunity for American enthusiasts to own a rare European model. However, potential buyers should be aware of the complexities involved in importing a vehicle from the UK, including compliance with US automotive standards and regulations.

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The Future of Diesel Vehicles like Saab 9-5 AERO TTID in the UK’s Evolving Environmental Landscape

Indeed, it seems highly likely that the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID, especially with its robust 2.0 TTiD4 engine, will remain predominantly within the UK or perhaps find its way to other parts of Europe. Given the specific appeal of diesel engines in these regions, coupled with the challenges and regulations associated with importing such vehicles into countries like the United States, European markets are more fitting destinations for this model.

Recent environmental regulations and urban clean air initiatives have led to tighter controls over diesel vehicles in many UK cities. This shift aims to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner transportation options. As a result, owning a diesel vehicle like the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID is becoming more challenging, particularly in urban areas with low emission zones. These regulations have compelled many owners to consider selling their diesel vehicles, as driving them in their residential areas is increasingly restricted or subject to additional charges.

This evolving landscape in the UK might lead owners of vehicles like the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID to sell to buyers in other parts of Europe, where the regulations might be less stringent, or the infrastructure more accommodating for diesel vehicles. Therefore, while the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID remains a remarkable vehicle, its future on UK roads is becoming more uncertain, making it a potential treasure for enthusiasts in other European regions where its blend of performance and efficiency can be more freely enjoyed.

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The End of an Era: The Journey of the Saab 9-5 AERO TTID in Europe’s Shifting Automotive Landscape

The Saab 9-5 AERO TTID on offer at CJ Autos Bristol represents an excellent opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate the blend of performance, luxury, and distinctiveness that Saab is known for.

This particular model, with its low mileage, single ownership, and comprehensive service history, is an attractive proposition for those looking to own a piece of Saab’s illustrious history. For those in the US, this might be a chance to acquire a vehicle that was never available in their local market, albeit with some extra effort in terms of importation and compliance.

Additional Information

For more details or to arrange a viewing appointment, interested parties can contact CJ Autos Bristol directly at 01172141866 or 07707 995174. The vehicle’s listing can also be viewed online at CJ Autos Bristol Website.

Goran Aničić
the authorGoran Aničić
For over 15 years, Goran Aničić has been passionately focused on Saab automobiles and everything related to them. His initial encounter with Saab cars took place back in 2003 when the first Saab 9-3 and sedan version were introduced. At that moment, he was captivated by the car's Scandinavian design logic and top-notch engineering, and everything that followed stemmed from that first encounter. Later on, through his work at the editorial team of the Serbian automotive magazines "Autostart" and later "AutoBild," he had the opportunity to engage more closely with Saab vehicles. In 2008, he tested the latest Saab cars of that time, such as the Saab 9-3 TTiD Aero and Saab 9-3 Turbo X. In 2010, as the sole blogger from the region, he participated in the Saab 9-5ng presentation in Trollhättan, Sweden. Alongside journalists from around the world, he got a firsthand experience of the pinnacle of technological offerings from Saab at that time. Currently, Goran owns two Saabs: a 2008 Saab 9-3 Vector Sportcombi with a manual transmission, and a Saab 9-3 Aero Griffin Sport Sedan from the last generation, which rolled off the production line in Trollhättan in December 2011.

2 Comments

  • Remember to change a pump driven by the cams every 100.000km, a friend lost 2 engines to a cam getting blocked and ripping the timing belt apart.

  • We have NG9-5 2.0TTiD as a daily driver. Brilliant car.
    If someone’s looking for that kind of car it was only available with manual transmission.

    There’s also a single NG9-5 2.9TiD which was recently sold in Sweden. An engine variation which was tested by Saab but never got to the production stage.

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