The 422 was introduced in 1988 in replacement of the 420. In fact, it replaced all previous versions of the 420 family at one fell swoop, including the 420 Si which gave it its mechanicals. The car was lightly restyled, mainly with a rounder front grille chrome surround, new rear-view mirrors and 5-bolt alloy wheels. In 1990, the 4.24v. mirrored the 2.24v. as a saloon alternative, using the latest 4-valve per cylinder, 4 overhead camshafts evolution of the V6 engine. Styling-wise, blacked-out chrome trim, specific bumpers and rocker panels along with a very discreet spoiler on the boot conferred a very sporty yet refined allure to this high-performance saloon. The independent suspension featured active electronic control on all four wheels, whilst the interior’s mix of leather and wood trim conveyed a feeling of exclusivity. Launched in December 1990, the 4.18v was a model very similar to the 422, destined to the Italian market with the traditional 3-valve-per-cylinder heads rather than the 4-valve-per-cylinder arrangement of the 4.24v. Its main feature was the ABS fitted as standard, a first for the Biturbo family. Produced in only 77 units, this particular model is unquestionably one of the rarest amongst the Biturbo range.
| Data sheet | 422 | 4.18v | 4.24v |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model code | Tipo AM332 | Tipo AM332 | Tipo AM332 |
| Body type | 4-door, 5-seater saloon | 4-door, 5-seater saloon | 4-door, 5-seater saloon |
| Design | Pierangelo Andreani | Pierangelo Andreani | Pierangelo Andreani |
| Production years | 1988 - 1992 | 1990 - 1993 | 1990 - 1993 |
| Maserati era | De Tomaso | De Tomaso | De Tomaso |
| Numbers produced | 978 | 77 | 384 |
| Chassis | Monocoque steel construction | Monocoque steel construction | Monocoque steel construction |
| Dry weight | 1,257kg | 1,275kg | 1,370kg |
| 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, 24 valves, double overhead camshaft, twin-turbo |
| Displacement | 1,996cc | 1,996cc | 1,996cc |
| Maximum power | 220hp @ 6,250rpm | 220hp @ 6,350rpm | 245hp @ 6,200rpm |
| Top speed | 225km/h | 218km/h | 230km/h |
