Saab Built a V8 for America—Then GM Killed It

Built on InnovationSaab was one of the most innovative automakers that didn’t survive to the present day. While the Swedish marque is often remembered for later models like the 9-3 and 9-5, it also helped pioneer the practical use of turbocharging in everyday cars.There were likely other projects that never made headlines, including one in which Saab developed a unique V8 engine. According to a report from The Autopian, General Motors shelved that powertrain in favor of its own V6 engine. It is unclear whether the scrapped V8 would have made Saab more appealing, especially since it was reportedly intended for the U.S. market, but it is still worth revisiting today, given that the brand was best known for inline-four engines.The Twin-Four ExperimentThe V8 project was intended for the Saab 9000 midsize luxury sedan in th …