Introduction to Maserati
Maserati Road Cars
Biturbo 2500
Years of production: 1983-1991 Numbers produced: circa 6500 Engine: 90° V6 twin turbo 18v, 2.5L, 189-196 hp
While the two-litre versions of the Biturbo were reserved for the Italian market, a 2.5 litre destined for exportation version was presented in 1983. The 90° V6 three-valve engine had an increased bore to expand its capacity to 2491 cc, but the cylinder liners were now from cast iron instead of aluminium and this engine didn’t have intercoolers for the two IHI turbochargers. The Biturbo 2500 maintained the Torsen limited slip differential from the two-litre versions (a world premiere on a production car). A slightly more powerful version was named Biturbo ES. In 1987 the Biturbo 2500 and Biturbo ES adopted fuel injection and the name was changed into Biturbo Si 2500.
Biturbo 4-door models (all versions)
Years of production: 1984-1994 Numbers produced: 9809 (all versions) Engine: 90° V6 twin turbo 18v; 2.0L, 2.5L & 2.8L; 200-248 hp; 90° V6 twin turbo 24v, 2.0L & 2.8L, 245 & 279 hp
With an 86 mm extended wheelbase and two added rear doors, the Biturbo was transformed into a compact and sporty saloon car. It was presented first in 1984 with the 2.5L engine destined for export (425), but little later also followed by a two-litre version meant for the Italian market (420, 420S, 420i, 420Si). A minor facelift in 1988 had these models replaced by the 422, in harmony with the two-door 222. This model was joined in 1990 by the 4.18v. and the four-valve 4.24v., both fitted with a two-litre engine. The export model received in 1987 the 2.8L engine in 3-valve and in 1991 also in 4-valve version (430 and 430 4v.). Other upgrades and aesthetical modifications were in-line with the coupe models. In spite of the fact that they had four doors, these models were never named Quattroporte.
Maserati Academy
30