Emily GT’s Unfinished Symphony: Frank Smit’s Saab Spirit and the Rebirth of the Sonett
Frank Smit, the visionary behind Emily GT, now turns his passion toward reviving the Saab Sonett, blending innovation with heritage in a bold new chapter.
Frank Smit, the visionary behind Emily GT, now turns his passion toward reviving the Saab Sonett, blending innovation with heritage in a bold new chapter.
Thousands of Saab fans from across the globe filled NEVS’ Trollhättan factory on August 9, 2025, queuing from 4 a.m. to secure the last remaining Saab parts, memorabilia, and historic displays in an emotional farewell to the brand’s factory legacy.
Nevs opens its warehouse one last time on August 9, offering Saab parts, prototype items, and memorabilia during the Trollhättan Saabfest weekend.
Protean Electric’s in-wheel motors, first tested on NEVS Saab 9-3 prototypes, now power Renault’s 540-hp 5 Turbo 3E, delivering sub-3.5-second sprints and a 167 mph top speed. This milestone bridges Saab’s EV experiments with Renault’s performance future, proving the commercial potential of the tech once honed on frozen Swedish test tracks.
On August 9, Nevs will host its final clearance in Trollhättan, offering everything from 9-3 parts to rare Saab prototype fabrics and memorabilia as the company closes its doors.
Magnus Johansson began by converting a Saab 9-3 to electric in his barn. Years later, he became the mastermind behind NEVS Emily GT’s in-wheel motors. This is the story of passion, tech innovation—and one very determined engineer.
With just five people left at NEVS, the fight to sell the Emily GT and PONS projects continues. But the real story is how ex-Saab engineers are bringing new energy back to Stallbacka.
A new chapter in Trollhättan’s automotive history is unfolding as four former Saab and NEVS engineers launch Trollhattan Mobility. Operating from NEVS’s old facilities and backed by the motorsport-savvy PWR Group, the team is working on a confidential vehicle project that could eventually bring small-scale car production back to Stallbacka. With deep roots in Saab’s legacy and a proven ability to deliver under pressure, they aim to turn Trollhättan into a modern hub for fast, agile vehicle development.
The final chapter of Emily GT’s saga reveals how Covid-19 disrupted NEVS' plans. With 2026 approaching, the fate of Saab's electric heir hangs by a thread.
In this follow-up conversation with former NEVS project manager Peter Dahl, we dive into the ambitious roadmap for Emily GT. From a cabriolet and a sport estate to fully customizable digital themes and next-gen infotainment, Dahl shares what’s in store—if production resumes.
