The Secret Behind Saab’s Fastest Sedan? A Platform It Shared with Alfa and Lancia

The Forgotten Super Sedans of the Type Four Platform

In the 1980s, economic turmoil forced car manufacturers into unlikely partnerships. One of the most fascinating outcomes of this was the Type Four platform, an ambitious joint venture between Saab, Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo. While these companies may have seemed like strange bedfellows, the collaboration resulted in some of the fastest and most advanced front-wheel-drive sedans of their era. Among them, the Saab 9000 Aero stood out as the perfect blend of Swedish engineering, turbocharged power, and unmatched safety.

This platform also gave birth to the Alfa Romeo 164, the Lancia Thema 8.32, and the Fiat Croma, each with a distinct character. However, as Jason Cammisa brilliantly explores in Hagerty’s latest Revelations episode, the Saab 9000 Aero was the true standout.

Saab’s Reluctant Partnership with Fiat and Lancia

In the late 1970s, Saab was struggling to finance an all-new model, and Fiat was facing similar financial hardships. As a result, both brands agreed to collaborate on a shared platform. However, the alliance quickly proved problematic for Saab.

When Swedish engineers attended the first crash test of the Fiat-developed prototype, they were horrified. The car collapsed, failing miserably by Saab’s rigorous safety standards. The Italians, on the other hand, celebrated, seeing no problem. For Saab, safety was non-negotiable, and their solution was radical—they completely re-engineered the platform, reinforcing the structure, installing side-impact beams, and modifying the crumple zones.

This was just the beginning of Saab’s changes to the Type Four design. The 9000 was not simply another Fiat-based product—it was a Swedish-engineered fortress on wheels.

The Saab 9000 Aero: A Turbocharged Titan

The Saab 9000 Aero, introduced in the early 1990s, was the ultimate evolution of the Type Four platform. Unlike its Italian counterparts, Saab used its own engine—a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, equipped with the legendary Trionic engine management system. The result? 225 horsepower, a 0–60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, and a top speed that rivaled cars costing twice as much.

Cammisa notes in the Hagerty video that the Saab 9000 Aero was one of the fastest front-wheel-drive sedans of its time, outperforming even the revered BMW M5 in some acceleration tests. This wasn’t just about straight-line speed—the Aero’s specially tuned suspension, with its archaic but effective torsion beam rear axle, gave it superior handling and stability at high speeds.

Alfa Romeo 164: The Sporty Outlier

Alfa Romeo, reluctant to completely embrace front-wheel-drive, ensured the 164 retained its signature Italian flair. Unlike the 9000, which prioritized practicality and safety, the Alfa was all about driving pleasure. It featured the iconic Busso V6 engine, which produced a glorious 230 horsepower in its Quadrifoglio QV variant. Despite its thrilling performance, the 164 suffered from early reliability issues, something that plagued many Alfas of the era.

Lancia Thema 8.32: The Ferrari-Engined Executive Sedan

If there was a sleeper among the trio, it was undoubtedly the Lancia Thema 8.32. While it may have looked like a typical executive sedan, under the hood sat a 2.9-liter Ferrari V8 from the Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole. Though it was slightly detuned to 215 hp, it was still a front-wheel-drive beast that could launch from 0–60 mph in 6.8 seconds.

However, the Thema’s appeal wasn’t just about performance. It featured luxurious Poltrona Frau leather, real wood trim, and even a motorized rear spoiler, making it one of the most exclusive and expensive cars in its class. Unfortunately, its high price limited its success compared to the Saab 9000 and Alfa 164.

Why the Saab 9000 Aero Stood Above the Rest

While all three sedans offered something unique, the Saab 9000 Aero remains the most well-rounded of the trio. Here’s why:

• Unmatched Safety: Thanks to Saab’s extensive reinforcements, the 9000 Aero was built to survive high-speed crashes that its Italian siblings simply couldn’t withstand.
• Superior Turbocharged Power: The 2.3-liter turbocharged engine delivered power in a smooth yet aggressive manner, while the Trionic system optimized boost levels dynamically.
• Everyday Practicality: Unlike the Alfa 164’s temperamental electronics or the Thema’s high-maintenance Ferrari engine, the 9000 Aero was reliable, easy to maintain, and could comfortably fit a family and their luggage.
• A Cult Following: The Saab 9000 Aero remains a cult classic, with enthusiasts praising its incredible highway stability, effortless torque, and understated yet purposeful design.

Watch the Hagerty Video on These Forgotten Super Sedans

For a deeper dive into the fascinating story of the Type Four sedans, check out Jason Cammisa’s expertly produced episode in the Hagerty “Revelations” series. The video is a masterpiece of automotive storytelling, featuring exceptionally well-preserved examples of each model—the Saab 9000 Aero, Alfa Romeo 164, and Lancia Thema 8.32—all in showroom condition.

With top-tier cinematography, a meticulously structured narrative, and Jason’s signature engaging delivery, this video brings to life the unique engineering, design choices, and performance characteristics that made these sedans stand out in the 1990s. It’s an absolute must-watch for any Saab enthusiast or classic car lover.

Watch the full video here:

The Saab 9000 Aero’s Lasting Legacy

The Saab 9000 Aero wasn’t just another front-wheel-drive sedan—it was a technological masterpiece that proved Saab’s engineering prowess. While Alfa and Lancia added flair and excitement to the Type Four collaboration, it was Saab that created a truly legendary car.

Today, the 9000 Aero remains one of the most respected high-performance sedans from the 90s, offering a perfect blend of speed, safety, and practicality. Whether you own one, dream of owning one, or simply admire Saab’s engineering brilliance, the 9000 Aero stands as one of the brand’s finest achievements.