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. |
