SAAB 900 Turbo

SPECIFICATIONS

THE HAULER

We raved about this new SAAB 900 when we tried the V6 powered four door this spring and eagerly looked forward to spinning up the Turbo model. It's hot, no question, but frankly I'd opt for the six. So let's get that out of the way first.

The Turbo is the latest version of SAAB's well developed balance shafted four and it does push out plenty of ponys. Strong at low revs and hellacious in the midrange. Regrettably, we find that there is more to happiness than sheer thrust. A tricky clutch and rubbery linkage make the shifting a jerky affair and the surging power makes smooth transit a study in concentration. A low redline and abrupt rev limiter are trouble too. The automatic V6 was almost as fast and a pleasure to control. If you enjoy total involvement and regularly drive at 8/10ths and beyond this one's for you.

So much tech - slip into this black leather booty and rip. Revitalized by the power and surety. A big packer and a fast tracker, sleek and cool. Heat the seats and set off to the altitudes.

Kickin' stereo with a very fat sound had a bad skippin' CD player that was a stone drag - supply your own.

Really fine, but very high strung.

REXX TAYLOR