Biturbo - 1981 to 1985 (1st series only)

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.