Representing the company's foray into the executive car scene, it was developed as a result of the successes of the turbocharged 99 and 900 models.

Saab designed the 9000 as part of its joint development Type Four platform in conjunction with the Italian automaker Fiat Automobiles.

However, because Saab fitted heavier side impact protection and made other changes to the design, none of the components could be interchanged between the cars.

[5] Fiat had designed the Croma with no consideration of American crash test requirements, which forced Saab to strengthen the body by fitting various reinforcements.

The inspiration for the seats was taken by Björn Envall from The Muppet Show's Pigs in Space,[10] a sketch by the late puppeteer Jim Henson.

This original model called "Saab 9000 Turbo 16" was a five-door hatchback, only available with a manual gearbox and the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 16 valves, already known from the 900.

[15] Cars built in the first year had problems with weak structural rigidity and developed a reputation for cracks and fatigue if fitted with tow hooks or sunroofs.

It was fitted with the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, now with exhaust gas purification via catalytic converter and was rated at 160 hp DIN (118 kW).

[17] All three 9000 Turbo 16s passed the 100,000 kilometres (62,000 mi) mark in 21 days, the lead car breaking 21 international and two world speed records in the process.

A separate pictogram monitored door and hatch opening and exterior light bulb condition.

For the 1990 model year, Saab introduced the newly developed and enlarged B234 2.3-litre engine, rated at 146 hp DIN (107 kW) for the naturally aspirated variation.

For the 1991 (Europe) and 1992 (US) model years, Saab also adopted the sloping front design of the CD for the CC hatchback.

[24] In Germany and Switzerland there were also a special edition named "Saab 9000 Turbo 16 S", with an airflow kit and the B202 turbocharged engine with a catalytic converter tuned up to 195 hp (for 1990).

But the most popular special series is the so-called "Talladega" (US and most parts of Europe) or "Carlsson" (UK), both models available as CC and CD saloon versions.

The CD was the four-door saloon body style featuring a slightly more aerodynamic front design which the CC did not receive until 1991.

[6] Just as in the launch of the CC variant, the 9000 CD was initially available only with the B202 turbo engine, but Saab combined it right from the start with its new "DI ignition system" At the Birmingham Motor Show in September 1988, Saab premiered the non-turbocharged model of the CD with the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre inline-four.

This was in keeping with the spirit of the times, which saw an expensive notchback model more as a car for business people (with or without a chauffeur) who did not need the cargo space of the CC.

This is why Saab never offered the CD with a folding rear seat, which would have been at the expense of stability and peace and quiet in the interior.

With the introduction of the 9000 2.3 Turbo CD "Griffin" for 1992 as the top model of the 9000 series, Saab finally placed itself in the luxury class.

It was only available with the V6 engine, automatic transmission and with numerous luxury appointments, such as an optional second air conditioning unit in the boot for the rear occupants and with all available electric options, special eucalyptus green paint, walnut trim and rear window blinds.

The CS featured a lowered front fascia with new headlights, new grille, some minor changes at the doors and a substantially redesigned rear-end.

[29] The deeper C-pillars and stronger construction at the rear increased torsional rigidity, which the original CC design had been criticized for lacking.

Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1992, the new 9000 Aero was the fastest Saab automobile to date.

Gunnar Larsson thought it was a neat idea and when he came home he asked the head of bodyworks Dick Ohlsson if they could do something like that based on the Saab 9000.

They used the 9000 platform but lengthened and with higher roof and room for seven persons (even if the rear seat was mostly suitable for children).

After the facelift in 1992 and as of 1993 (in most markets), the newly introduced two equipment series CS/CD and CSE/CDE could be combined with all available engines in the respective model years.

The face lifted CS models and the CD were available in MY 1992 in most countries with the same four engines which had also powered the former CC: - the old B202 with and without the turbocharger, both known from the classic Saab 900 - the B234 with and without the turbocharger This changed for 1993: on most international markets a 2.0 litre light pressure turbo (LPT) equipped engine called B204 with two balance shafts (like in the B234), became available on both CS and CD models.

The later motors had a revised oil sump system, cylinder-head, timing cover, and different bell housing pattern.

Maximum stock boost on a full pressure turbo varies from 0.7 to 1.02 bar (10 to 15 psi) depending on the year and transmission.

For 1995 a 210 hp three-litre V6, originating from General Motors and also found on the Opel (and Vauxhall) Omega, was introduced.