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The first Saab prototype automobile is displayed. Decades before the technology would come into vogue, Saab's first automotive entry, the aerodynamically advanced 92.001, features front wheel drive and a transverse mounted engine. |
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Saab becomes the first volume maker to offer diagonally split, dual brake circuits (MY 64). |
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Saab pioneers side-impact protection. Strong steel beams are built into the doors of a Saab 99 to help protect passengers from the effects of a right-angle collision. Similar systems are now used on a wide range of other cars. |
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Saab introduces self-repairing, 5 mph bumpers. The energy-absorbing bumper introduced on the Saab 99 uses cellular plastic blocks enclosed in a special casing. It returns to its original shape after impacts at up to 5 mph. |
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Saab found that a driver who is warm is more comfortable, more alert, and therefore drives more safely. Saab thus designed heated front seats that warm the driver effectively and quickly. |
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Saab pioneers the mass produced turbocharger for passenger cars. The Saab 99's turbocharger is revolutionary - small, reliable and very effective at using waste engine gases to boost power when needed and reduce fuel consumption. |
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Saab introduces the cabin air filter. Ideal for sufferers of hay fever, this filter removes pollen and other impurities from air coming into the car. The original filter is made of impregnated glass-fibre. |
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Saab introduces Automatic Performance Control (APC), which controls turbo boost pressure and enables safe engine operation on varying octane ratings. APC strengthens Saab engineering repute and confidence in turbocharged cars. |
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Saab pioneers asbestos-free brake pads. With increasing concern over lung damage, Saab introduces a break-lining material which does not use asbestos. Clutch linings also become asbestos-free. |
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Saab pioneers the 16-valve turbo engine. The introduction of the 16-valve engine attracts world interest. The combination of turbocharging with the 16-valve engine is another milestone for Saab. |
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Saab pioneers Direct Ignition, which eliminates the distributor and high tension leads. A high-voltage coil on top of each plug produces the ignition spark. The system ensures reliable starting and performance in any weather. |
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Saab demonstrates its commitment to safety with the introduction of seat belt pretensioners. |
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Saab affirms its commitment to environmental responsibility. Saab begins code-marking plastic and rubber parts in order to facilitate future recycling. |
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Saab introduces the Trionic engine management system. It uses spark plugs as probes to monitor the air and fuel mixture and ignition timing. The result: improved performance, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. |
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Saab receives its third consecutive award for safety on the basis of independent accident studies done by Sweden's largest car insurer, Folksam. |
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Borrowing an idea from aircraft design, Saab car engineers created the Saab Black panel to reduce distractions to the driver. The driver sees only the speedometer, and other instruments are lit only if there is a problem. |
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The new Saab 900 maintains Saab's safety tradition with its Saab Safeseat concept. The Saab Safeseat provided the same protection for the rear passengers as that normally given to the front occupants. |
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In order to improve safety by increasing driver visibility, Saab introduces daytime running lights as standard equipment in the U.S. |
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Saab unveils the Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR) system, an industry first. An arm inside the seat is triggered in a collision and moves the restraint to "catch" the head, helping to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries. |
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Saab introduces an asymmetrically turbocharged V6 engine. One bank of cylinders in the V6 drives a turbocharger, which provides add boost to all 6 cylinders. |
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Saab further improves driver comfort and safety by introducing ventilated seats. |
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