1990→1996 Maserati Shamal

Named after a warm wind in the Mesopotamian desert, the Shamal marked a radical evolution in the Biturbo family tree. Styled by Marcello Gandini – designer of the Khamsin and Quattroporte II in his Bertone days -, it was a proper 2+2 coupé with a very aggressive stance. It used a modified Biturbo shell with new body panels and a completely new rear section. The wheelbase was the same as the Karif’s, but the cabin allowed more room for rear passengers.

Meant as an all-out performance GT, the Shamal inaugurated the new generation of V8s which would subsequently power the Quattroporte IV and 3200 GT. The new unit boasted 4 DOH camshafts 4-valve-heads and the usual twin-turbo, twin intercooler set-up, good for a staggering 326 hp and 436 Nm of torque from 3.2 litres. The Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox was the first one mounted in a production Maserati, and indeed an advanced feature for the time.

Clad in 245-wide Michelin MXX (225 at the front) with a wider track, the car has redesigned rear suspensions and an electronic adaptive damping system all around. The top claimed speed was 270 kph (169 mph) on the later versions. The fact that Maserati managed to sell 369 units of this powerful beast was certainly no mean achievement.

Story by Maserati S.p.A.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1990 – 1996
built at	Italy
body stylist	Marcello Gandini
production	369
engine	90° V8
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Twin IHI Water-Cooled Turbos
ignition	Electronic Ignition
valvetrain	DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Electronic Injection
displacement	3217 cc / 196.3 in³
bore	80.0 mm / 3.15 in
stroke	80.0 mm / 3.15 in
compression	7.5:1
power	243.1 kw / 326.0 bhp @ 6000 rpm
specific output	101.34 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	226.23 bhp per tonne
torque	432.51 nm / 319.0 ft lbs @ 2800 rpm
body / frame	Unitary Steel Monocoque
driven wheels	RWD
front tires	225/45 ZR 16 MXX
rear tires	245/45 ZR 16 MXX
front brakes	Ventilated Discs
rear brakes	Ventilated Discs w/ABS
front wheels	F 40.6 x 20.3 cm / 16.0 x 8.0 in
rear wheels	R 40.6 x 22.9 cm / 16.0 x 9.0 in
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspension	MacPherson Struts w/Telescopic Dampers, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Semi-Trailing Arms w/Telescopic Dampers, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight	1441 kg / 3175 lbs
wheelbase	2400 mm / 94.5 in
front track	1512 mm / 59.5 in
rear track	1550 mm / 61.0 in
length	4100 mm / 161.4 in
width	1850 mm / 72.8 in
height	1300 mm / 51.2 in
transmission	Getrag 6-Speed Manual
top speed	~270.4 kph / 168.0 mph
0 – 100 kph	~5.3 seconds