Maserati Shamal

Maserati Shamal
Overview
Manufacturer	Maserati
Production	1990–1996
Designer	Marcello Gandini
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door 2+2 coupé
Layout	FR layout
Related	Maserati Biturbo Maserati Karif Maserati Racing Maserati Ghibli II
Powertrain
Engine	3.2 L twin-turbocharged V8 petrol
Transmission	Getrag 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,400 mm (94.5 in.)
Length	4,100 mm (161.5 in.)
Width	1,850 mm (72.8 in.)
Height	1,300 mm (51.2 in.)
Curb weight	1,417 kg (3124 lb) (dry)
Chronology
Predecessor	Maserati Khamsin
Successor	Maserati 3200 GT

The Maserati Shamal (Tipo 339) is a compact, two-door coupé introduced by Italian automaker Maserati on December 16, 1989. In keeping with an established Maserati tradition, it is named after a wind: shamal, a hot summer wind that blows in large areas of Mesopotamia.

With its twin-turbocharged V8 the Shamal was Maserati's flagship grand tourer, topping the lineup of V6 Biturbo coupés in both performance and price (at 125 million Lire^[1]).
The final year of production for the Maserati Shamal was 1996; factory figures indicate that 369 examples were produced.

Design

The Shamal was designed by Marcello Gandini, of Bertone fame. The Shamal shows its Biturbo heritage in the doors, interior, and basic bodyshell, which were carried over from the Biturbo. Gandini's styling signature is visible in the slanted profile of the rear wheel wheel arch, also present on the Quattroporte IV and first seen on the Lamborghini Countach.

The center pillar wraps around the cabin as a roll bar and is always finished in black, a distinguishing characteristic of the Shamal. The name "Shamal" appears on either side of the central pillar in chrome lettering. The car has alloy wheels, a small rear spoiler and a blacked-out grille with chrome accents.

Another defining feature of the Shamal are its six headlamps in individual housings; the high beams are of the then-new projector type.

The two-seat interior of the Shamal features extended leather seat cushions, temperature control and the famous Maserati oval clock, which is situated in the centre of the dashboard. The gear lever is finished in elm. While built for comfort as well as performance, the Shamal was not as luxuriously appointed as the similar Maserati Ghibli II.

Specifications

The front-engined Shamal is powered by an AM 479 3,217 cc, DOHC, 32-valve V8 engine, twin-turbocharged with two IHI turbines and intercooled, producing 326 PS (322 bhp).^[1] Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed Getrag manual transmission and Maserati's Ranger limited-slip differential. The Shamal also features Maserati's Electronic Active Suspension Control system, developed together with Koni. This system updates the adjustment on shock absorber, based on road conditions and the level of comfort desired.

The Shamal has a top speed of 270 km/h (170 mph) and a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 5.3 seconds.^[1]

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  Side view of Shamal

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  Rear view of Shamal

References