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The 228 was also referred to as the 228i or "iniezione" on some company brochures and commercial documentation, but the model was in fact one and the same. Larger and longer than the Biturbo, it featured a similar design, though with softer surface treatment and with no panels in common.

As a 5-seater notchback coupé in the ilk of the Kyalami, Mexico or 3500 GT, it was based on the long (2.6 metres) wheelbase chassis of the four-door Biturbo sedan, and styled by free-lance designer Pierangelo Andreani.

The interior was opulent with leather and wood trim and the typical Maserati clock. The prototype featured twin cam/4-valve-heads and twin-plug ignition, still with a single carburettor, and was presented at the 70th anniversary of Officine A. Maserati SpA, on 14 December 1984.

The production car reverted to single cam/3-valve-heads, single ignition and fuel injection, and was introduced in Spring 1986 at the Turin Motor Show. Power output reached 250 HP from 2.8 litres, down to 225 HP with catalyser but still with plenty of low-down torque.

Story by Maserati S.p.A.

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