Maserati 222
Introduced in 1988 at the Turin Motor Show as the replacement/upgrade for the Biturbo, the Maserati 222 was facelifted by the now freelance Marcello Gandini with a rounder nose, new wing mirrors and a rear spoiler. All these modifications helped improve the aerodynamics of the car.
The 222 name indicated the 2 door body style, 2-litre engine displacement and 2nd step of the Biturbo evolution.
The interior materials were a mix of velvet cloth, leather and wood trim. The seats’ ergonomics had been revised, and leather seats were available as an option. Included in the base spec were the air con and central locking. The rear boot lid could be opened electrically from a switch on the dashboard, while the classic Maserati central watch now had its own full illumination.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1998 – 1990 |
| built at | Italy |
| body stylist | Marcello Gandini |
| predeccesor | 1985 Maserati Biturbo II |
| 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 | 1996 cc / 121.8 in³ |
| bore | 82 mm / 3.23 in |
| stroke | 63 mm / 2.48 in |
| compression | 7.8:1 |
| power | 164.1 kw / 220.1 bhp @ 6250 rpm |
| specific output | 110.27 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 182.96 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 261.67 nm / 193.0 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm |
| body / frame | Unitary Steel Monocoque |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | 205/55VR14 |
| rear tires | 205/55VR14 |
| front brakes | Discs |
| front wheels | F 35.6 x 16.5 cm / 14.0 x 6.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 35.6 x 16.5 cm / 14.0 x 6.5 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 | 1203 kg / 2650 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2514 mm / 99.0 in |
| front track | 1442 mm / 56.8 in |
| rear track | 1450 mm / 57.1 in |
| length | 4153 mm / 163.5 in |
| width | 1714 mm / 67.5 in |
| height | 1255 mm / 49.4 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~225 kph / 139.8 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~6.1 seconds |
| fuel capacity | 80 litres or 21.12 gal. |
