Saab 99 Turbo
Saab made turbo power friendly enough for an everyday hatchback. The 99 Turbo used exhaust energy to push extra air into its engine, giving a practical family car a strong shove without fitting a much larger motor.
1978-SAAB99T.jpg · Liftarn · CC BY-SA 3.0
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More than a set of wheels.
The 99 Turbo premiered at the Frankfurt motor show in September 1977 and reached U.S. buyers for the 1978 model year as a three-door hatchback. Saab paired its Garrett turbocharger with mechanical fuel injection, an oxygen-sensor Lambda control system and conservative boost regulation. It showed that turbocharging could deliver useful low-speed torque in a road car, not just peak power in a racing machine.
Look a little closer.
Its Inca alloy wheels were styled like turbine blades—a visual hint about the turbocharger hidden under the hood.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
A turbo tuned for the street
Saab did not chase a sudden, high-rpm burst. The 99 Turbo's 160 lb-ft of torque arrived at 3,500 rpm, making passing and climbing feel stronger in normal driving. A pressure regulator and safety switch controlled boost, while an engine-oil cooler helped manage the extra heat.
Source: Saab-Scania of America — 1978 Saab 99 Turbo brochure ↗The engine sat above its gearbox
Unlike a typical transverse front-drive car, the Saab's engine sat lengthwise. Its clutch and primary chain were at the engine's front, while the four-speed gearbox and differential were below. That compact stacked arrangement let the front wheels both steer and deliver the turbo engine's power.
Source: Saab-Scania of America — 1978 Saab 99 Turbo brochure ↗A one-year U.S. three-door
The three-door 99 Turbo was sold in the United States only for the 1978 model year. The Saab 900 Turbo replaced it for 1979. Archive material supplied by Saab Automobile USA records 4,233 U.S. imports and four colors; those market details should not be confused with European two-door, three-door and rare five-door versions.
Source: Saab 99 Turbo Registry — history from Saab Automobile USA Corporate Communications ↗Where these facts come from
- Saab-Scania of America — 1978 Saab 99 Turbo brochure
- Saab Car Museum — The story of Saab
- Saab 99 Turbo Registry — history from Saab Automobile USA Corporate Communications
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 1, 2026.