The project at hand is an attempt to reengineer an OG 9-5 and bring it up to date to today’s standards. This is not intended to be racer boy mods. My goal entering this project was to imagine what would we end up with if the old Saab engineers were given the task today to facelift the OG 9-5? But not just any 9-5. A 9-5 Viggen that Saab had been rumored to be working on back in the day. What would the product leaving the factory look like?
There is one job I have always dreamed of doing. Designing automobiles. I never have mind you. But I realized not too long ago that I can make my own dream come true.
My hope is that this project helps revitalize the community and creates a framework on which to rebuild our old Saabs into vehicles that stand on their own merits in today’s world. In a nutshell I want to bring Saab back to life to the extent that I can. This thread will document the journey.
Project goals
Redesigned front and rear bumpers
Redesigned headlights and taillights
Panoramic sunroof
Heated steering wheel
NVH refinements
Frame and chassis stiffening
Modern touch based audio
Custom classic 900 inspired rear wing
What we are starting with is my 2004 9-5 Wagon that I’ve owned 9 years. When I bought it it was the cheapest I could find in the whole country. I bought it in Florida and drove it back to Texas. It clearly is in a less than desirable shape today. But this will all be addressed as we go. First up is the front bumper.
I have always felt the 2004-2005 front bumpers were a high point in Saab design. At least in shipped product. But it has several elements that need freshening. As you can see in the picture I’ve started with the center grill making it more prominent and contemporary. I did that clay modeling in a couple nights. Let me know what you think.
Soon I will be designing the area around the grill. The bump strips are sooooo dated and will be removed for a cleaner look. I may also do some reshaping of the fog light surrounds and lower opening. Oh yeah. And although I know the headlight washers are core Saab DNA they have never been needed for me and just break up the clean look. So those will be going as well.
There is one job I have always dreamed of doing. Designing automobiles. I never have mind you. But I realized not too long ago that I can make my own dream come true.
My hope is that this project helps revitalize the community and creates a framework on which to rebuild our old Saabs into vehicles that stand on their own merits in today’s world. In a nutshell I want to bring Saab back to life to the extent that I can. This thread will document the journey.
Project goals
Redesigned front and rear bumpers
Redesigned headlights and taillights
Panoramic sunroof
Heated steering wheel
NVH refinements
Frame and chassis stiffening
Modern touch based audio
Custom classic 900 inspired rear wing
What we are starting with is my 2004 9-5 Wagon that I’ve owned 9 years. When I bought it it was the cheapest I could find in the whole country. I bought it in Florida and drove it back to Texas. It clearly is in a less than desirable shape today. But this will all be addressed as we go. First up is the front bumper.
I have always felt the 2004-2005 front bumpers were a high point in Saab design. At least in shipped product. But it has several elements that need freshening. As you can see in the picture I’ve started with the center grill making it more prominent and contemporary. I did that clay modeling in a couple nights. Let me know what you think.
Soon I will be designing the area around the grill. The bump strips are sooooo dated and will be removed for a cleaner look. I may also do some reshaping of the fog light surrounds and lower opening. Oh yeah. And although I know the headlight washers are core Saab DNA they have never been needed for me and just break up the clean look. So those will be going as well.