Saab Central - Features

The Saab 9000: Form and Function 1987

The Saab 9000 1 2 3 4 5 (6) 7 8 9 10 11

Driver environment

The driver’s cockpit is the focal point of the Saab 9000. This is where all the incoming information must be processed and this is where all the commands are given to the car. So the entire car has been built up from the driver’s station outwards.

We started from the Seating Reference Point (SRP), i.e. the hip point. This is always in the same place, regardless of the driver’s stature. Much of the information on how the car is behaving at any particular time is conveyed to the driver through the seat structure. He receives this information through the base of his spine and can detect very quickly and accurately any changes in the various forces acting on the car.

The driver’s seat must obviously be comfortable and safe. But it must also be a precision component, since it is a vital part of the overall system. This also applies to the steering wheel, pedals, instruments, etc. The entire driver’s environment must perform in the same way. In addition to being restful and comfortable, it must also be practical.

"Functional aspects were given top priority in the design of the new model, which is clearly reflected in the driver’s cockpit of the Saab 9000. All controls and instruments are in the ergonomically correct places around the driver and they are marked with clear symbols. This is what makes the driver feel at home and relaxed as soon as he takes the wheel of the new Saab." - AUTO, MOTOR UND SPORT- Germany

The cockpit in the Saab 9000 is designed to match Man’s ability to detect small changes quickly and accurately. The section and location of the equipment in the Saab 9000 is always based on Man’s needs and capabilities. Saab was determined not to overload the driver with excessive information. This has resulted in a convenient, clearly arranged “workplace” for the driver.

“The 9000 is one of the roomiest cars in its class.... As ever, the ergonomics are sensational and the new cabin boasts several clever new touches ... The instrumentation is clearer than ever, and the gauges are back lighted to prevent night glare.” - CAR AND DRIVER- USA

Driver’s seat

In addition to being comfortable, the driver’s seat of the Saab 9000 also supplies the driver with a large proportion of his information on how the car is behaving. We have designed the seat so that it will con vey as much information as pos sible, while still being anatomically virtually perfect and comfbrt able on long journeys. Its design is based on the “active comfort” concept.

The seat is of anatomically correct design and has a sufficiently wide range of settings to ensure that it will be practical and comfortable for virtually any driver. To achieve this objective, the designers have based all of their work on the Seating Reference Point (SRP), i.e. the hip point. In the Saab 9000, the SRP is very low, which helps to coordinate the driver with the car. This also contributes to the abundant interior space.

The entire driver’s environment is designed to suit the driver’s natural reach curve. His direct and peripheral vision will instantly receive clear information from the easy-to-read analogue instruments. The driver’s station is of versatile design, to ensure that he or she will feel at home in it.

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