SAAB has announced the development of three new ultra high performance cars based on the 900 series. These sporty Saabs will be designed by TWR, the company behind Arrows Formula One team, and will feature enhanced engines, chassis, wheels and brakes.

Bob Hendry, Saab's president and chief executive officer, announced the new cars will go into production next autumn, with numbers limited to just 3,000 worldwide, and said they will be available in coupe, five-door and convertible body styles.

The London Motor Show offered one of the first opportunities for UK buyers to inspect Saab's new executive contender, the 9-5, which went on sale a fortnight ago. Its success is widely thought to be critical to the future of the Swedish manufacturer, and the record sales performance of Saab in the UK over the past three years has given the company confidence for the 9-5's prospects.