Saab 95 assistance - can you identify the model / engine?

[thetapeworm]

A bit of a random one but I may be about to acquire my first ever Saab (apart from a brown plastic one my father got me when he bought a 900 in the 80's) and as they are rather new to me I'm curious to find out a little bit more about what a particular car is, what engine it has and what variant it might be.

I know it's an '02 95 with a 2.3 engine and it says Aero on the back but I keep reading about "hot" and then lots of other 2.3 engine options and things. Is there an easy way to tell by looking at a handful of photos and if so can you assist me with your superior knowledge please?

I know the current owner but have no way of getting in touch with him for a couple of weeks and I'm curious (and slightly giddy) to learn more in the meantime if I can.

Pics:





The bit that interests me the most:



Interior just in case that gives any clues:




Any input you can give would be appreciated, I've tried Google and ended up just getting lost in information.

[bikerPaul]

Looks like the 250bhp Aero HOT model.

I reckon a Google would find you an explanation but i think HOT stands for something like 'High Output Turbo' as the 2.3 engine also came with a Low Pressure Turbo producing less power (i think 150bhp). Don't quote me on that though.

If you get a good deal on it and it as a half decent history then it's a no brainer purchase. Enjoy.

[thetapeworm]

Cheers, that's made me smile

[Mr E]

Exhaust (chrome shroud) suggests its a HOT?

Test drive it, nail it wide open in 3rd. If it goes whoosh until 5K RPM, and then picks up it's skirts and goes again, its a HOT.

[thetapeworm]

It's in Poland at the moment but should be returning to the UK in December, it's my father-in-laws car and if all goes to plan it's a gift for us

[Mr E]

I significantly prefer the aluminium dash to my faux wood one.

[stevoknevo]

HOT does indeed stand for High Output Turbo. As the car is an Aero model it will be a 250bhp HOT. Some of the lesser models are LPT (Low Pressure Turbo) in 2.0 and 2.3 configurations and there have also been 2.0/2.3 HOT models.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_9-5

[P2BS]

The HOT designation disappeared in September 2001 when the facelifted 9-5 was launched. After that date, all 9-5 Aero's are at least 250bhp - but you won't read HOT on paper anywhere because it's an Aero, it's a 2.3, and it has 250+bhp. There was no lesser Aero's, in a nutshell.
What you can get are lesser specced models, i.e. Vector/Turbo edition, with the 220bhp 2.3 engine - these are badged 2.3T.
Then there are the low-pressure turbo (lpt) models, i.e. 2.0t or 2.3t with 150/185bhp respectively.
Hope that clarifies it a little.
HTH

[LesKellet]

...and the 3.0 V6 Diesels and Petrols.