THE Saab 9-5 , the second generation, presented in 2009, was the last model launched by the Swedish brand, already in a period of great difficulties, and which would eventually close its doors a few years later — bankruptcy would be announced in December 2011.
Which makes the life span of the 9-5 Saab quite short. Only 11,280 units would be produced, some of which still circulate in Portugal.
Much more than an Opel Insignia with new bodywork and interiors, with both models derived from the Epsilon II platform — official statements said that 70% of the new model's development was unique to Saab — and for being the last model of one of the most interesting brands, will certainly attract collectors or future collectors.
Saab 9-5 TiD6
Of course, there are Saab 9-5 more collectibles than others. So far, the rarest, and perhaps most desired, variant is the SportCombi, the 9-5 van — unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show —, only 27 pre-series units are currently registered and in circulation. , which justifies that they are changing hands for values of around 60 thousand euros.
The Unicorn of the Saab 9-5
But the Saab 9-5 we bring you today is much rarer, a true unicorn among the 9-5. apparently is the only Saab 9-5 (YS3G) in the world registered with a V6 Turbo Diesel . Look around and you won't find anything about a production 9-5 of this generation with such an engine — all 9-5s on the market only came with four-cylinder diesel engines. It was planned that a V6 Diesel would be added to the range later, but this never happened, as it ended up closing doors.
How is it possible for such a model to exist?
If it was never released and produced, there is only a chance that it will be a pre-production model or a development prototype. We don't know how the first owner managed to get his hands on such a car and register it, it was still 2010, but it exists, and it is now for sale by 32,999 euros In Holland.
And it doesn't seem like it has been standing around “aging” in any “barn” — the odometer shows 81,811 km , by what has been circulating.
The engine that equips this unique Saab 9-5 TiD6 is a 2.9 V6 Turbo Diesel, and although we cannot confirm the actual specifications, it is announced with 245 hp and 550 Nm.
The engine's origins date back to VM Motori — owned by FCA since 2013 — which was GM's development partner for this engine, which was destined not only for the Saab 9-5 but also for the Opel Insignia and the “European” Cadillac SRX . GM would abandon the costly development of this engine, but Saab would continue, as seems to be tradition, alone, even if the project's future profitability was dubious.
For those interested, the model is still for sale, and considering the transaction value of the SportCombi, the asking price for this unique 9-5 Saab even seems like a bargain!