The Official Press Release for the MA-01.
An extreme evolution in a limited edition of an iconic Trident model returns to life through a restomod project that combines the charm and style of the past with modern technology, performance, and cutting-edge design.
ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS THE BITURBO
In 1982, Maserati’s Biturbo inspired the dreams and desires of an entire generation with its bold design and extraordinary performance. This uniquely captivating car, born from the vision of Alejandro De Tomaso, an Argentine entrepreneur who took over the company in 1975, was a direct challenge to Alfa Romeo and Lancia, establishing itself as a symbol of innovation and prestige. A compact coupe offering top-level performance, it delivered unprecedented power for a car of its class, thanks to its V6 engine with
twin overhead camshafts and, for the first time ever, twin turbochargers, all at an accessible price. The engine, derived from the Maserati Merak, featured three valves per cylinder—a world first for a production car—as well as a Torsen limited-slip rear differential and semi-active suspension, ensuring brutal acceleration paired with a distinctive roar.
Externally, the Maserati Biturbo, designed by Pierangelo Andreani, was presented as a two-door compact coupe with elegant lines and classic technical configuration: front longitudinal engine, rear-wheel drive, independent front suspension, and a trailing-arm rear axle. The interior was luxurious, with equipment such as a ZF transmission and a range of accessories, including Missoni fabric seats featured in the 1984 Biturbo S version.
THE ULTIMATE EVOLUTION: BITURBO SHAMAL
In 1989, Maserati celebrated its 75th anniversary with the debut of the Shamal, the ultimate evolution in the Biturbo family. Developed with the collaboration of design master Marcello Gandini, the Shamal emerged as the most powerful grand tourer in the range, with a comprehensive redesign of the body and a thrilling V8 twin-turbo engine under the hood. Featuring a 3.217 cc displacement, twin overhead camshafts, 32 valves, and two intercoolers, the engine produced 322 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, with a maximum torque of 433 Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.
Aggressively styled, the Shamal boasted muscular, sculpted wheel arches designed for optimal aerodynamics, with an asymmetric cut for the rear fenders and integrated bodywork elements. The front featured a newly designed hood with an integrated grille, as well as divided headlights—rectangular and ellipsoidal—enclosed in body-coloured housings. The front and rear sections were divided by a massive central pillar that wrapped around the roof, while the high, truncated tail became a design inspiration for the subsequent Ghibli model. Manufactured until 1995 in only 369 units, the Shamal marked a new era for Maserati and a significant evolution in the Biturbo project.
TODAY… THE BITURBO SHAMAL RESTOMOD BY MODENA AUTOMOBILI
A fusion of past and future, Modena Automobili, a newly founded company under the motto “Forever Icons,” brings this legend back to life with the Restomod MA-01 BITURBO SHAMAL project, launched in early 2022. Comprising a team of managers, entrepreneurs, and technicians with extensive experience in prestigious automotive companies from Italy’s “Motor Valley,” Modena Automobili is focused on restomodding the most iconic cars from the ’70s and ’80s, starting with the Biturbo.
For the prototype, Modena Automobili used a 1983 Maserati Biturbo Coupe as the base (donor) vehicle, updating both the style and performance to reflect the most advanced version, the Shamal, while respecting the original model that won the hearts of Maserati enthusiasts worldwide. For this purpose, the company relies on external consultancy for design, feasibility, and engineering, as well as for prototype development, provided by renowned engineering companies. Uncompromising Performance
Although the late ’80s Shamal featured a front-mounted 3.2-liter V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 326 horsepower, Modena Automobili retains the characteristic “roar” with a powerful V6. The Restomod MA-01 BITURBO SHAMAL is equipped with a 3.0-liter Twin Turbo V6, the same engine used in the Maserati Ghibli S, enhanced to reach 500horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds and has a top speed of 290 km/h.
The engine, designed by Maserati with Ferrari supervision, features a reliable ZF automatic 8-speed transmission, allowing gear shifts in just 150 milliseconds and ensuring exceptional driving comfort. The driveshaft, half-shafts, and differential are the same as in the Maserati Ghibli S. The suspension has been modernized with MacPherson front and semi-trailing arm rear components to ensure improved handling, unique agility, and constant stability. The braking system, now power-assisted with larger, ventilated, and
drilled discs paired with fixed Brembo callipers, is complemented by Pirelli PZero tires on redesigned wheels reminiscent of the original Shamal style.
A More Muscular Design
The Restomod MA-01 BITURBO SHAMAL is not just about performance. Modena Automobili’s design team has reimagined the bodywork, using steel and carbon fibre to reduce weight. The front features a lowered grille, reworked LED headlights set in a carbon structure, enlarged air intakes, and an aggressive aerodynamic splitter. The sleek body is interrupted only by air intakes essential for the car’s sporting performance, enhancing downforce. The car’s aggressive stance is accentuated by prominent wheel arch bulges, with the rear arches asymmetrically designed in a modern interpretation of Gandini’s signature cut. A new hood with redesigned air vents and a raised center accommodates the Maserati/Ferrari powerplant.
The muscular appearance continues along the sides with sculpted lines, a prominent black central pillar that also acts as a roll-bar, and a more pronounced rear end with a raised, truncated tail. The rear includes a squared-off spoiler, new taillights divided by a signature black band with the Shamal logo, and a diffuser with dual exhausts on each side
Keyword: Comfort
In Project MA-01 BITURBO SHAMAL, Modena Automobili has meticulously designed the interior for maximum comfort, fitting a grand tourer with a sporty heart.
The new Recaro Classic LX seats feature adjustable headrests and ergonomic shapes, fully customizable with a wide selection of upholstery options. The rear seats have been restored and upgraded with fabrics
matching the front. A new digital TFT instrument cluster retains the oval shape of the ’90s model and allows for control of the modern infotainment and climate system, while the famous oval analogue clock remains as a nod to tradition.
TOMORROW…
Limited Production and Exclusive Customization…
Only 33 units of this restomod will be produced, each completely hand-assembled in Modena in collaboration with leading local engineering companies. Every car will be a unique, numbered piece, highly customizable according to the client’s wishes, and certified for road use. The starting price for this restored masterpiece is €585,000, excluding taxes.
Prototype Status and Orders
The Maserati Biturbo Shamal Restomod—Project MA-01—is in the advanced stages of design, assembly, and certification, with completion expected by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Modena Automobili is already accepting orders, with estimated delivery times of 8 to 10 months depending on the client’s requested options.
Conclusion
The MA-01 Maserati Biturbo Shamal by Modena Automobili is an emotional journey through past, present, and future, celebratingan unforgettable era with the most advanced technology and performance. A tribute to an icon, evolving an alreadylegendary car that defined a generation and will continue to excite car enthusiasts worldwide.
Modena Automobili: Passion, Innovation, Tradition
Word credits: Modena Automobili
Image credit: Modena Automobili
For more information, to place orders or express your interest, please contact Ian Smith:
Tel/WhatsApp: +44 (0)7774 100006
Email: [email protected]
Casmin Group Ltd – Official Partners with Modena Automobili
