Introduced in 1988 as the replacement/upgrade for the Biturbo Export, the 222 E was facelifted by the now free-lance Marcello Gandini with a rounder nose, new wing mirrors and a rear spoiler. All these modifications helped improve the aerodynamics of the car. Externally, only the front fog lights distinguished it from the 222. Less than two years after the launch of the 222 E, the sportier SE version was introduced, following in the footsteps of the Biturbo S. The 222 SE was updated already in 1991, since the Biturbo range was subject to a restyling which included new lights, radiator grille, 7-spoke alloys and even a new aerodynamic spoiler at the base of the windscreen. It was badged as 222 SR. Mechanically there were few changes, save for the introduction of the newly devised “intelligent” suspension as an optional. The 222.4v was very similar to the 222 SR, but benefited from the use of four valve per cylinder heads with four overhead camshafts, boosting the power output by more than 50hp.
| Data sheet | 222 E | 222 SE | 222 SE cat. 222 SR | 222.4v |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model code | Tipo AM331 | Tipo AM331 | Tipo AM331 | Tipo AM331 |
| Body type | 2-door, 5-seater three-box coupé | 2-door, 5-seater three-box coupé | 2-door, 5-seater three-box coupé | 2-door, 5-seater three-box coupé |
| Design | Marcello Gandini | Marcello Gandini | Marcello Gandini | Marcello Gandini |
| Production years | 1988 - 1993 | 1990 - 1993 | 1990 - 1993 | 1991 - 1994 |
| Maserati era | De Tomaso | De Tomaso | De Tomaso | De Tomaso |
| Numbers produced | 722 | 220 (both 222 SE and 222 SE cat. 222 SR) | 221 (both 222 SE and 222 SE cat. 222 SR) | 130 |
| Chassis | Monocoque steel construction | Monocoque steel construction | Monocoque steel construction | Monocoque steel construction |
| Dry weight | 1,172kg | 1,308kg | 1,332kg | 1,315kg |
| Engine configuration | 90° V6, three valves per cylinder (two intake, one exhaust), single overhead camshaft, twin-turbo | 90° V6, three valves per cylinder (two intake, one exhaust), single overhead camshaft, twin-turbo | 90° V6, three valves per cylinder (two intake, one exhaust), single overhead camshaft, twin turbo | 90° V6, 24 valves, double overhead camshaft, twinturbo |
| Displacement | 2,790cc | 2,790cc | 2,790cc | 2,790cc |
| Maximum power | 225hp @ 5,500rpm | 250hp @ 5,600rpm | 225hp @ 5,500rpm | 279hp @ 5,500rpm |
| Top speed | 220km/h | 230km/h | 220km/h | 255km/h |
