420 S

420 S - 1985 to 1987

Introduced contemporaneously with the 420, the sportier 420 S saw its power output raised by 25 HP to reach an already impressive 210 HP. This increase was due in great part to the use of a twin air-to-air intercooler, the presence of which was given away by two NACA ducts on the bonnet.

In practice, the model was very similar to the Biturbo S, only with four doors and the implied longer wheelbase. Hence the body followed the same treatment with a two-tone paint scheme (silver or red over grey lower-body) and blacked-out chrome trim. The interior was trimmed by hand in red leather, deployed on the central part of the seats, centre console, dashboard and armrests.

254 cars were built before the model was upgraded with the Weber electronic injection system, thus becoming the 420 Si.

Technical data

0-60 mph0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 sec.
Bodyworkfour-door saloon seating five
Bore and stroke82x63 mm
Brakesdiscs all round, A.T.E. system (IH type) dual circuit, servo-assisted; two rear drum brakes for emergency and parking
Brakes front
Brakes rear
Chassismonocoque steel construction
Compression ratio7.8:1
Cooling systemwater-cooled, centrifugal pump
Displacements (unitary)
Dry weight2,590 lbs (1,175 kg)
Engine90° V6, light alloy block and head, Aluminum-Nigusil cylinder liners
Engine weight
First race
Front Tyres
Front suspensionMacPherson struts, dual-rate telescopic dampers, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Front track56.77 in. (1442 mm)
Fuel & lubricant
Fuel feeda single twin-choke carburettor, two IHI turbos, MABC (Maserati Automatic Boost Control), two air-to-air intercoolers
Fuel tank18.04 Imp. gal. (82 litres)
Gear ratios
Height51.57 in. (1,310 mm)
Ignitionelectronic ignition
Kerb weight
Length173.23 in. (4,400 mm)
Length-Width-Height
Lubricationfull-flow filter lubrication
Maximum power210 bhp at 6,500 rpm
Maximum torque25.8 kgm (187 lbs/ft) at 3,500 rpm
Model420 S
One mile0 to 1000m. in 26.9 sec.
Production dates1985-1987
Production start1985
Quarter mile
Rear Tyres
Rear suspensionsemi-trailing rear arms mounted on a rear subframe, coil springs, dual-rate Bilstein gas telescopic dampers
Rear track57.20 in. (1453 mm)
Reduction
Steeringrack and pinion (power assistance to order)
Timing gearthree valves per cylinder (two intake, one exhaust), twin overhead camshafts
Top speed135 mph (218 km/h)
Total displacement1,995 cc
Transmission5-speed ZF + reverse, rear-wheel drive and Sensitork differential, 3.73:1 ratio
Tyresfr/rear 205/60 VR 14
Weight distribution
Wheelbase102.36 in. (2,600 mm)
Wheelslight alloy, 6.5" J x 14"
Width68.11 in. (1,730 mm)