The first-generation car was based on the Saab 99 chassis, though with a longer front end to meet U.S. frontal crash regulations[1] and to make room for the turbo-charged engines, air conditioning and other equipment that was not available in the early days of the 99 model.

Thus, power from the crank would be delivered out of the engine at the front, then transferred down and back to the transmission below, via a set of chain-driven primary gears.

Refined over several decades of two-digit Saab models, the 900's double wishbone suspension design provided excellent handling and road feel.

The sway bars decreased body roll, but at the expense of some ride comfort and when driven aggressively, increased inside wheel spin.

Saab engineers placed all controls and gauges in the dashboard according to their frequency of use and/or importance so that the driver need only divert their gaze from the road for the shortest possible time and by the smallest angle.

Another big change: the spare tyre was moved to underneath the floor, rather than standing upright in the luggage compartment (this was the case again with the later introduced convertible).

The Turbo 16 Aero (designated SPG, Special Performance Group in North American Markets) had a body kit allowing the car to attain speeds up-to 210 km/h (130 mph).

The connection between the side strips and the bumpers was changed, Turbo hatchbacks received a black trim piece between the taillights, and the GLi began replacing the twin-carburetted GLs.

For 1988 catalytic converters became available with all fuel injected engines in Europe, all with cruise control as standard equipment[citation needed] to further help lower emissions.

High-mounted rear brake lights appeared during 1988, and power of the catalyzed Turbo 16 Aero jumped from 160 to 175 PS (118 to 129 kW; 158 to 173 hp).

ABS brakes and driver's side airbags were standardized for all North American market cars beginning with the 1990 model year.

Influenced by then owner General Motors (GM), in 1994 Saab introduced the New Generation (NG) 900 SE, based on the Opel Vectra chassis.

In the mid-1980s, the president of Saab-Scania of America (U.S. importer owned by Saab AB), Robert J. Sinclair, suggested a convertible version to increase sales.

The first prototype generated enormous interest and in April 1984, Saab decided to put the car in production at Valmet Automotive in Finland.

It used an eight-valve B201 engine with a single carburettor rated at 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) and included power steering as standard equipment.

In 1977 Saab's Finnish subsidiary Saab-Valmet (Today Valmet Automotive) had created an elongated executive model of the 99 combi coupé named Finlandia.

After the more elegant 4-door sedan was introduced, the CD designation replaced the nickname and the Swedish Saab headquarters started to officially offer the car for export.

The list of optional extras for the CD included a leather interior, reading lights, rear blinds, footrests, and even an in-car telephone.

Each car was marked with a special "Springtime in Sweden" emblem that was attached to the lower left of the glove box door.

Emblems on the exterior body were deleted in the scheme of the SPG, with only the word Saab and the Saab-Scania roundel on the trunk appearing on the car.

Each dealer did, however, receive an Orrefors crystal vase, engraved with the Saab-Scania logo, packed in the trunk when the SIS was delivered stateside as a surprise gift.

[citation needed] Some individuals, in an attempt to demonstrate the provenance of their vehicles, point to a sticker behind the driver side door card that reads, in part, "AERO" and "CABRIO".

It was Eurovox MCC-9090R cassette player and radio with Voxson VX-89 graphic equaliser powering 6 speakers – 2x4" full range front, 2x1" dome tweeter overhead and 2x6" tri-axial rear.

The cars were fitted with either gold or black-centred (depending on body colour) Simmons 'P-4' 3-piece composite alloy 7.5x15" wheels with polished lip.

The Saab dealer in Adelaide did the same Enduro fiberglass bodykit for their showcar (with a paint scheme of then non-existent 900 Lux) and advertised the conversion option for $5000.

The car also featured multi-spoke alloys, full suite of electric equipment, grey leather seats, and wood effect as standard.

The horsepower was increased to 185 bhp (138 kW) by outfitting the cars with the "red box" APC controller, a 2.8-bar fuel pressure regulator (base turbo was 2.5 bar), and a distributor with enhanced vacuum advance.

Engine management for the turbos was by Saab Trionic 5 with Direct Ignition (SDI) and Automatic Performance Control (APC), and for naturally aspirated models by Bosch Motronic fuel injection.

If neither brake nor gas pedal was depressed, a warning tone sounded and a message flashed on the on-board display, and if no action was taken after seven seconds, the engine was shut off.

The 900i would lose its rear-window wiper, the exclusive Saab Information Display, and would utilize a different instrument layout with a mechanical odometer instead of a digital one; early models even lacked a tachometer.