When the Biturbo was presented in December 1981, a new era started for Maserati. Alejandro De Tomaso’s plan to turnaround Maserati’s economic situation was the introduction of a compact coupé which offered first level performance and an interesting price setting. The purpose of this strategy was attracting new customers to Maserati. The Biturbo's engine was a new and compact 90-degree V6 with a three-valve cylinder head design. The adoption of two small turbochargers was a world's first on a production car, as was the Torsen limited-slip rear differential. The Biturbo became a big commercial success thanks to its excellent performances and luxury interior, but first generation versions suffered from quality issues associated with a quick expansion of the production volumes. In 1983, the more powerful Biturbo S was presented with twin intercoolers and could be distinguished by its two Naca air ducts on the bonnet. In 1986 and 1987, both versions were upgraded with fuel injection (Biturbo i and Biturbo Si).
| Data sheet | Biturbo | Biturbo S | Biturbo i | Biturbo Si |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model code | Tipo AM331 | Tipo AM331 | Tipo AM331 | Tipo AM331 |
| Body type | 2-door, 5-seater three-box coupè | 2-door, 5-seater three-box coupè | 2-door, 5-seater three-box coupè | 2-door, 5-seater three-box coupè |
| Design | Pierangelo Andreani | Pierangelo Andreani | Pierangelo Andreani | Pierangelo Andreani |
| Production years | 1982 - 1985 | 1983 - 1986 | 1986 - 1990 | 1986 - 1988 |
| Maserati era | De Tomaso | De Tomaso | De Tomaso | De Tomaso |
| Numbers produced | 11,919 (all) | 11,919 (all) | 11,919 (all) | 11,919 (all) |
| Chassis | Monocoque steel construction | Monocoque steel construction | Monocoque steel construction | Monocoque steel construction |
| Dry weight | 1,086kg | 1,086kg | 1,086kg | 1,086kg |
| 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, three valves per cylinder (two intake, one exhaust), single overhead camshaft, twin-turbo |
| Displacement | 1,996cc | 1,996cc | 1,996cc | 1,996cc |
| Maximum power | 180hp @ 6,000rpm | 205hp @ 6,500rpm | 187hp @ 6,000rpm | 220hp @ 6,350rpm |
| Top speed | 215km/h | 221km/h | 220km/h | 228km/h |
