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1981→1985 Maserati Biturbo

1981→1985 Maserati Biturbo

1981→1985 Maserati Biturbo

Officially presented on December 14, 1981 (the company was born on 12/14/1914), the Biturbo was the car that turned Maserati around by re-entering the 2.0-litre class. Sales started in April 1982 in Italy.

Assembled at the Innocenti works in Milan, the car sported a compact notchback coupé body styled by freelance designer Pierangelo Andreani, and measured 4.153 meters in length on a wheelbase of 2.514 meters. The interior trim was opulent, with room for four in an atmosphere dominated by leather and wood.

The innovative short-stroke 90° V6-engine featured twin turbochargers and single cam 3-valve heads: two firsts for a road car. One of the intake valves was larger than the other, thus creating a swirl effect which increased combustion efficiency. The 1,995cc version developed 180 hp and was meant for the tax-ridden home market, whereas a 2,491cc evolution with 190 hp was reserved for exportation (see Biturbo E).

From June 1983, Maserati fitted the new Automatic Boost Control system (MABC), which electronically adjusted the turbocharger boost pressure according to the needs of the engine. The second series was introduced in July 1985 (See Biturbo II). 9206 units were built combining series I & II.

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
type Series Production Car
production years 1981 – 1985
built at Italy
body stylist Pierangelo Andreani
production 9206
engine 90° V6
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Twin IHI Water-Cooled Turbos
ignition Electronic Ignition
valvetrain DOHC 3 Valves / Cyl
fuel feed 1 Weber 36 DCNVH 16/100 Carburetor
displacement 1995 cc / 121.7 in³
bore 82 mm / 3.23 in
stroke 63 mm / 2.48 in
compression 7.8:1
power 134.2 kw / 180.0 bhp @ 6000 rpm
specific output 90.23 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 161.87 bhp per tonne
torque 253.54 nm / 187.0 ft lbs @ 4400 rpm
body / frame Unitary Steel Monocoque
driven wheels RWD
front tires 195/60 HR 14 Pirelli P6
rear tires 195/60 HR 14 Pirelli P6
front brakes Discs
rear brakes Discs
front wheels F 35.6 x 14.0 cm / 14.0 x 5.5 in
rear wheels R 35.6 x 14.0 cm / 14.0 x 5.5 in
steering Rack & Pinion
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 1112 kg / 2450 lbs
wheelbase 2514 mm / 99.0 in
front track 1420 mm / 55.9 in
rear track 1431 mm / 56.3 in
length 4153 mm / 163.5 in
width 1714 mm / 67.5 in
height 1305 mm / 51.4 in
transmission 5-Speed Manual
gear ratios 3.42:1, 2.08:1, 1.39:1, 1.00:1, 0.87:1
top speed ~215 kph / 133.6 mph
0 – 100 kph ~6.5 seconds
fuel capacity 61 litres or 16.10 gal.