Horsepower Battle: Water Turbine vs. Combustion Engine
Snow White took a journey to the hydropower sources in Trollhattan
The two car companies Porsche and Saab back in the late 80s/early 90s were different, but there were similarities: both having a bigger brother in their vicinity (Mercedes vs Volvo), evergreen models (911 vs 900); both were niche producers and at the same time having challenging times in terms of product cost, productivity, quality costs. Both brought in Toyota experts to help them with their product and production management about in the same time, based on both running internal benchmarking, shocking both companies on how far behind they were compared to Toyota. End of the day, Saab did not survive, while Porsche pivoted to new levels with their SUV ranges, EVs and made a huge IPO. And the 911 lives on.
So a road trip with 944 Snow White to visit Trollhattan could be done out of many reasons; Trollhattan has a very favourable location for hydropower generation - the energy company Vattenfall has its’ roots in this city, and was founded more than 100 years ago. From my school years I remember the school excursions to the Olidan hydropower station, which design was influenced by castles, and it was the state of Sweden’s first large-scale hydropower development, inaugurated in 1910, which constitutes the origins of the Vattenfall company foundation.
The 944’s market success was part of saving the company Porsche, with the perfect weight-balance it is well-behaved and likes curvy roads. Saab stood for 4-cylinder engines, and so is the 944: it got various volumes and specifications; in the final year, there was a 3L 4-cylinder engine, at that time the world’s largest displacement volume car engine serially produced. The 3 liter-engine is naturally aspirated with 211 hp, has enough speed resources for a long nice cruise, your great gran turismo friend.
Vattenfall is a company that is also pivoting its strategy, where the branding message is clear: fossil-free living in one generation. Our world is changing, and so are our industries. ICE-powered cars are vanishing, IN are the EVs.
But as with any excursion, it has to come to an end. It was a great day for Snow White and Trollhattan has so much to see and explore. A new visit is on the list already. Perhaps time to revisit the fantastic Saab museum?
/Mika