Maserati Biturbo

Maserati Biturbo
Manufacturer	Maserati
Parent company	Fiat Group (since 1993)
Production	1981-1994
Body style	2-door coupé 4-door sedan 2-door cabriolet
Class	Sports / Luxury
Engine	2.0L, 2.5L, and 2.8L V6, twin turbocharged
Platform
Layout	FR layout
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Predecessor	Maserati Merak
Wheelbase	251cm (Coupé) 260cm (Sedan, 228) 240cm (Spyder)
Length	415cm (Coupé) 440cm(Sedan) 404cm (Spyder) 445cm (228)
Width	171cm (Coupé, Spyder) 173cm (Sedan) 186cm (228)
Height	131cm (Coupé, Spyder, 228) 136cm (Sedan)
Successor	Shamal and Ghibli II
Similar	BMW 3 Series
Designer	Pierangelo Andreani

The Maserati Biturbo is a sports car introduced by Maserati in 1981. The Biturbo was a two-door, four-seater notchback coupé featuring, as the name implies, a two-litre V-6 engine with two turbochargers (of somewhat smaller dimensions than the BMW 3 Series (E21) cars of the time) and a luxurious interior. The car was designed by Pierangelo Andreani, an engineer from the De Tomaso team, somehow influenced by the design of the newer Quattroporte III (Italdesign Giugiaro), as it can be noticed on the front fascia.

Export versions came initially with a 2.5L V6, after 1989 it was enlarged to 2.8 Litres, while for Italy a two-litre high-performance version was originally produced (to avoid the 38% sales tax imposed at the time on cars displacing more than 2000 cc). The aluminum 90 degree SOHC V6 engine was roughly based on the 2.0L Merak engine. Itself based on earlier V8 Formula One Maserati engines, designed by Giulio Alfieri (1924 - 2002). The carbureted 2.5L engine 185hp and Template:Auto ftlbf of torque in North American spec and slightly more elsewhere. Fuel injection was fitted in 1987 raising power to 187hp. In 1989 the 2.8L engine bumped power to 225hp and 246ftlbf of torque for North America and 250hp for Europe.

All Maserati models from the Biturbo's introduction in 1981 until 1997 (except the Quattroporte) were based on the original Biturbo architecture, among them the four-door 420/425 and 4.24v, the Spyder, the Karif , the 228 and 2.24v, the Maserati Racing and the later Shamal and Ghibli II.

History

When Alessandro de Tomaso acquired Maserati in 1976, he had ambitious plans for the marque. His plan was to combine the prestige of the Maserati brand with a sports car that would be more affordable than the earlier high-priced models that had traditionally made up the Maserati range. In fact, Maserati ceased making supercars like the ones developed under Citroën ownership altogether, like the Bora and Khamsin.

The Biturbo was initially a strong seller and brought Italian prestige to a wide audience, with sales of about 40,000 units. Sales figures fell in subsequent years, until de Tomaso sold the company out to Fiat. It did not cure the problem.

It is #28 in the BBC book of "Crap Cars".

It reflects that the maintenance of such small, high performance engines require professional attention. Too many of these cars have been used on a "run to fail" mode which had dramatic impact on their life expectancy and thus their image. Specific output of these engines in their later road configuration was in the range of 145 to 165 hp/l, one of the highest in its category.

The Biturbo competed unsuccessfully in the British Touring Car Championship in the late 1980s, the European Touring Car Championship and the World Touring Car Championship (1987).

Biturbo Engines

The Maserati Biturbo was the first ever production biturbo engine. The 2 liter version featured wet aluminium sleeves coated with Nikasil. The last street version featured over 150 hp/liter and 140ftlbf/liter torque.

A V6 1996 cc DOHC 36 valve engine has been developed but never reach manufacturing

Série	Displacement	Head	Fuel system	Model
AM 452	2000 cc	18 valves	carburator	Biturbo, Biturbo S
AM 453	2500 cc	18 valves	carburator	Biturbo 2500
AM 470	2000 cc	18 valves	injection	Biturbo i
AM 471	2000 cc	18 valves	injection	Si, 2.22S, 2.22SR, 4.18, 4.30, Spyder
AM 472	2500 cc	18 valves	injection	Biturbo 2500i
AM 473	2800 cc	18 valves	injection	4.30, 222SR, Spyder, Karif
AM 475	2000 cc	24 valves	injection	2.24, 4.24, Spyder
AM 490	2000 cc	24 valves	injection	Racing, Barchetta Stradale
AM 495	2000 cc	24 valves	injection	Ghibli II
AM 496	2000 cc	24 valves	injection	Ghibli Cup
AM 477	2800 cc	24 valves	injection	2.22 4V, 430 4V, Ghibli II
AM 501	2000 cc	24 valves	injection	Barchetta Corsa

Biturbo

Maserati Biturbo S in Alberobello, Italy.

Maserati 222E

Maserati 222SE

The first Biturbo version was introduced in December 1981, a two door coupe. The Biturbo name disappeared with update in 1988 and after 1994 was introduced Ghibli II.

Versions:

Model	Years	Engine	Displacement	Power	Fuel system	Notes
Biturbo	1982-85	V6 ohc	1995 cc	180 hp	carburetor, turbo	Only Italy
Biturbo E	1983-85	V6 ohc	2491 cc	185 hp	carburetor, turbo
Biturbo S	1983-85	V6 ohc	1995 cc	205 hp	carburetor, turbo	Only Italy
Biturbo 2.5 S	1984-87	V6 ohc	2491 cc	196 hp	carburetor, turbo	Catalysator
Biturbo	1985-87	V6 ohc	1995 cc	180 hp	carburetor, turbo	Only Italy
Biturbo 2.5 E	1985-88	V6 ohc	2491 cc	185 hp	carburetor, turbo	Catalysator
Biturbo S	1985-86	V6 ohc	1995 cc	210 hp	carburetor, turbo	Only Italy
Biturbo i	1986-90	V6 ohc	1995 cc	185 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Only Italy
Biturbo Si	1987-88	V6 ohc	1995 cc	220 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Only Italy
Biturbo 2.5 Si	1987-88	V6 ohc	2491 cc	188 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator
2.24V	1988-92	V6 dohc	1996 cc	245 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Only Italy
222 4v	1988-91	V6 dohc	2790 cc	279 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator
222 E	1988-90	V6 ohc	2790 cc	225 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator
222 SE	1990-91	V6 ohc	2790 cc	250 hp	Fuel injection, turbo
222 SE	1990-91	V6 ohc	2790 cc	225 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	[[Catalysator
2.24V	1991-93	V6 dohc	1996 cc	245 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Only Italy
2.24V	1991-93	V6 dohc	1996 cc	240 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator, Only Italy
222 SR	1991-93	V6 ohc	2790 cc	225 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator
Racing	1991-91	V6 dohc	1996 cc	285 hp	Fuel injection, turbo

See also:Maserati Racing

420/425/430

Maserati Biturbo: A four door variant was introduced in 1983

Maserati 430

Two years after Biturbo introduction was unveiled foor door family version. This version has longer wheelbase, 2.6 metres ({{rnd/cdec||()}} in)Template:Convert/test/A. The four door version was replaced in 1994 with Maserati Quattroporte IV.

Versions:

Model	Years	Engine	Displacement	Power	Fuel system	Notes
425	1983-89	V6 ohc	2491 cc	200 hp	carburetor, turbo
420	1985-88	V6 ohc	1995 cc	180 hp	carburetor, turbo	Only Italy
420i	1986-88	V6 ohc	1995 cc	190 hp	Fuel injection, turbo
420 S	1986-88	V6 ohc	1995 cc	210 hp	carburetor, turbo	Only Italy
430	1987-90	V6 ohc	2790 cc	225 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator
425i	1987-90	V6 ohc	2491 cc	188 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator
422	1988-90	V6 dohc	1996 cc	220 hp	Fuel injection]], turbo	Catalysator
4.18v	1990-94	V6 ohc	1995 cc	220 hp	Fuel injection]], turbo	Catalysator
4.24v	1990-92	V6 dohc	1996 cc	245 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Only Italy
4.24v II	1991-94	V6 dohc	1996 cc	240 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator
430 4v	1991-94	V6 dohc	2790 cc	279 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator

See also:Maserati 420

Spyder

Maserati Biturbo Spyder i

1986 Maserati Biturbo Spider

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The Spyder version was introduced in Turin Motor Show in 1984. The car was designed and built by Zagato. The Spyder version has shorter wheelbase, 2.4m.

Versions:

Model	Years	Engine	Displacement	Power	Fuel system	Notes
Spyder	1984-88	V6 ohc	1995 cc	180 hp	carburetor	Only Italy
Spyder 2.5	1984-88	V6 ohc	2491 cc	192 hp	carburetor, turbo	Catalysator
Spyder i	1986-87	V6 dohc	1996 cc	185 hp	Fuel injection, turbo
Spyder i	1987-88	V6 dohc	1996 cc	195 hp	Fuel injection, turbo
Spyder 2.5i	1988-89	V6 ohc	2491 cc	188 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator
Spyder 2.8i	1989-91	V6 ohc	2790 cc	250 hp	Fuel injection, turbo
Spyder 2.8i	1989-91	V6 ohc	2790 cc	225 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator
Spyder i	1989-91	V6 dohc	1996 cc	220 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator, Only Italy
Spyder III	1991-94	V6 dohc	1996 cc	245 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Only Italy
Spyder III 2.8	1991-94	V6 dohc	2790 cc	225 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator
Spyder III	1991-94	V6 dohc	1996 cc	240 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator, Only Italy

228

The Maserati 228 is two door Gran turismo-version, it was meant to same markets as earlier 3500 GT and Mexico. The 228 was introduced in Turin Motor Show in 1986, it was built longer four door chassis and has bigger 2.8 litre biturbo engine. The 228 was built 469 copies until 1992.

Versions:

Model	Years	Engine	Displacement	Power	Fuel system	Notes
228	1986-92	V6 ohc	2790 cc	250 hp	Fuel injection, turbo
228	1986-92	V6 ohc	2790 cc	225 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator
222	1988-92	V6 dohc	1996 cc	220 hp	Fuel injection, turbo	Catalysator, Only Italy

1989 Maserati 228

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References

• Official Maserati Heritage Biturbo pages

Maserati S.p.A., a subsidiary of the Fiat S.p.A. since 1993, road car timeline, 1950s–present
Type	1950s										1960s										1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Ownership	Orsi family																		Citroën							De Tomaso																		Fiat S.p.A.
Executive																																	Biturbo
Luxury														Quattroporte											QP II					QP III															QP IV										QP V
GT	A6							3500 GT							Sebring																						228						Ghibli II
														Mistral																									Karif
										5000 GT							Ghibli								Khamsin															Shamal								3200 GT					Coupé					GT
2+2																	Mexico
																			Indy										Kyalami
Mid-engine																							Merak
																						Bora																																		MC12