Just two years after the Biturbo had been launched, Maserati introduced a foor-dour variant based on a longer (2600mm) platform, which maintained the same styling. With the Quattroporte competing in a higher segment, the 425 marked a new entry for the Trident in a competitive market for fast luxury sedans of contained dimensions.
The official name depended on the engine equipped; Italian market sedans, with the tax-regulated 2.0L V6 were called 420, the carb’d 180bhp 2.0L V6; 420i, the fuel-injected 2.0L 190bhp V6 (1986+), or the 210bhp 420S.
All Italian-market 2.0L of this generation used the usual three-valve-per-cylinder head. In other markets, it was sold as the 425 with a 2.5L 18v V6, carb’d with no catalyst and 200bhp. There were a total of 2,372 425’s made, including later fuel-injected and catalyst-equipped 425i models. The next year, Maserati debuted the stunning drop-top Spider derivative at the Turin Motor Show in 1984. It rode on a shorter wheelbase than the regular BiTurbo, and was a strict two-seat design. It looked a bit like TVR’s of the time period, perhaps, but it was a twin-turbo Maserati convertible, by god!
The engine was the new 2.5-litre evolution of the V6 just introduced on the Biturbo for export markets. Twin-turbo technology allowed the 425 a top speed in excess of 215 km/h, whilst at the same time keeping the price reasonable.
The very refined interior featured ergonomic seats with velours designed by Missoni, or leather trim to order. The air conditioning was standard equipment, whereas a very elegant set of leather bags and suitcases was offered as optional.
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tags | Maserati Biturbo |
submitted by | Richard Owen |
type | Series Production Car |
production years | 1983 – 1989 |
built at | Italy |
predeccesor | 1988 Maserati 422 |
engine | 90° V6 |
position | Front Longitudinal |
aspiration | Twin IHI Water-Cooled Turbos |
ignition | Electronic Ignition |
valvetrain | DOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl |
displacement | 2491 cc / 152.0 in³ |
bore | 91.6 mm / 3.61 in |
stroke | 63 mm / 2.48 in |
power | 149.1 kw / 200 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
specific output | 80.29 bhp per litre |
bhp/weight | 166.25 bhp per tonne |
torque | 302.35 nm / 223 ft lbs @ 3200 rpm |
body / frame | Unitary Steel Monocoque |
driven wheels | RWD |
front tires | 205/60VR14 |
rear tires | 205/60VR14 |
front brakes | Discs |
front wheels | F 35.6 x 16.5 cm / 14 x 6.5 in |
rear wheels | R 35.6 x 16.5 cm / 14 x 6.5 in |
steering | Rack & Pinion |
f suspension | MacPherson Struts w/Telescopic Dampers, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
r suspension | Semi-Trailing Arms w/Telescopic Dampers, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
curb weight | 1203 kg / 2650 lbs |
wheelbase | 2600 mm / 102.4 in |
front track | 11442 mm / 450.5 in |
rear track | 1450 mm / 57.1 in |
length | 4400 mm / 173.2 in |
width | 1730 mm / 68.1 in |
height | 1360 mm / 53.5 in |
transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
top speed | ~215 kph / 133.6 mph |
fuel capacity | 82 litres or 21.65 gal. |
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