Maserati Racing
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| Maserati Racing | |
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| Manufacturer | Maserati |
| Production | 1990-1991 230 units |
| Successor | Shamal and Ghibli II |
| Class | Sports / Luxury |
| Body style(s) | sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | Biturbo phase 3 |
| Engine(s) | 2.0L DOHC 24V V6 twin turbocharged |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed Getrag manual |
| Wheelbase | 2540 mm (100 in)[1] |
| Length | 4190 mm (165 in) |
| Width | 1712 mm (67.4 in) |
| Height | 1305 mm (51.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 1240 kg (2734 lb) |
| Related | Maserati Biturbo |
The Maserati Racing is based on a sports car introduced by Maserati in 1981, the Biturbo. The Biturbo was a two-door, four-seater notchback coupé featuring, as the name implies, a two-litre V6 engine with two turbochargers of somewhat smaller dimensions than the BMW 3 series.
Build only in 230 copies, in 1990 and early 1991, this car was dedicated to the Italian market. Later, several units could be found spread across Europe (France, Germany and the Netherland) but it was certainly not the intention. Limited documentation was available, which made homologation in some countries (still) a huge administrative challenge.
The purpose of this model was to test some hardware developments and improvements before applying them to the Ghibli II and the Shamal.
Among these changes several were related to the engine.
- new lighter crankshaft
- new exhaust valves, sodium filled for better heat dissipation
- new combustion chambers
- new lighter conrods
- new lighter forged aluminum pistons
- new IHI turbochargers
Combined with new settings on the two engine controllers from Magneti-Marelli, in charge of the ignition, the fuel injection and the turbo boost management, this allowed the power to increase to 285 hp (208 kW) at 6250 rpm with a specific output 142 hp/l. The torque is 37 kg·m (362.8 N·m/267.6 ft·lbf) already at 3500 rpm, peaking at 38 kg·m (372.7 N·m/274.9 ft·lbf) at 4250 rpm. This engine is called AM 490 in the Maserati engine reference book. The engine has been made compatible with lead-free gasoline.
As far as chassis is concerned, lower tunable electronic KONI shock absorbers, allowed for selection among 4 settings according to the level of comfort or road handling required at the flick of a switch. This is combined with a 5 speed gearbox from Getrag and a limited slip differential "Ranger" from Maserati but suspected to use Quaife technology.
As far as the style, outside the new front fascia could be noticed using new elypsoïd headlights developed by Magneti-Marelli. Marcello Gandini, the designer of later model, developed an aerodynamic kit that included front spoiler, windshield wiper spoiler, rear spoiler and side skirts. The choice of colour of the Racing was limited to Red or Black.
Inside the only change was the wood paneling that has been painted dark grey (carbon fiber grey).
[edit] Performance
[edit] References
- ^ 1991 Maserati Racing. carfolio.com. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
- ^ a b c Maserati Racing. maserati-alfieri.co.uk. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
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