Restomod Maserati Shamal: an '80s classic with an MC20 heart, at supercar prices

The restomod (the concept of modernizing a classic car) is growing all the time, and the Italian Motor Valley is very active in this niche, as witnessed by the creations of Ares Automobili, MAT and Kimera. This time, Modena Automobili presents the Shamal restomod, which we were able to get close to at the Top Marques show in Monaco.

80s Maserati

The Maserati Biturbo was launched in 1982, under the De Tomaso era, which had recovered the brand from the Italian state after Citroën abandoned it in 1975. The Biturbo was equipped with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, semi-active suspension and luxurious interior. The first series were carbureted for the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines (the latter for export markets, designated "E"), then the 2-door coupé became a 4-door, a cabriolet (bodied by Zagato), an elegant little Karif two-seater coupé based on the spyder (late 1987) and a larger "228" coupé, this time with a 2.8-liter V6.

The Shamal arrived in 1989 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Trident. Designed by Marcello Gandini, the man behind the Countach, Miura and Diablo, the Shamal takes its design cues from the Biturbo, but differs from it by featuring twin headlamps (one round, one rectangular) and more muscular bodywork. The Shamal is also equipped with a larger engine - the last real engine in the world. Maserati before the link-up with Ferrari, namely a twin-turbocharged, 3,200 cm3, 90° aluminum V8 delivering 325 hp, supported by a 6-speed Getrag gearbox. The Shamal would accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, and only 369 examples were produced until 1995.

The restomod

Relying, of course, on the fame of Italy's "Motor Valley", Modena Automobili launched the Restomod MA-01 Biturbo Shamal project in 2022, revisiting the legendary Maserati Biturbo. To say that the project was in good hands would be an understatement, including engineer Roberto Corradi, former head of product development at Maserati and Ferrari, and above all engineer Gianluca Di Oto, former head of the Maserati MC20 project.

The working base is a 1983 Maserati Biturbo coupé, with updated styling to match the Shamal model. The Restomod is powered by a 3.0-liter Twin Turbo V6 engine, increased to 500 hp, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 290 km/h. It's nothing less than the modern Nettuno V6 from Trident, found, for example, on the Maserati MC20. The engine is mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which enables gear changes in just 150 milliseconds and guarantees exceptional driving comfort.

The driveshaft, half-shafts and differential are identical to those of the Maserati Ghibli S. The suspension has been upgraded with MacPherson struts at the front and semi-trailing arms at the rear to ensure improved roadholding. The braking system, now assisted by larger, ventilated and drilled discs, combined with Brembo fixed calipers, is completed by Pirelli PZero tires on redesigned rims recalling the original Shamal styling.

A real mouthful

The MA-01 Biturbo Shamal restomod features a redesigned body, using steel and carbon fiber to lighten the vehicle. The front features a lowered grille and LED headlamps reminiscent of the Biturbo, integrated into a carbon structure. The body features enlarged air intakes for engine cooling and a more aggressive aerodynamic splitter. A number of details have been carried over from the original Shamal, such as the spoiler at the foot of the windshield, which overhangs the hood.

The bodywork also features prominent bulges at the wheel arches, a hood with redesigned air intakes and a muscular silhouette. It is more aggressive thanks to the imposing curves of the wheel arches, those at the rear being duly asymmetrical, in a nod to the famous "Gandini cut", for a total width of almost 187 cm; the new hood, with new air intake grilles, features a central bulge of around 2.5 cm, necessary to accommodate the new engine.

The rear end is accentuated by a square spoiler, new headlamps and a dual-exhaust diffuser, giving the whole an Aston Martin air. The stern features a "truncated tail" that incorporates an arched spoiler deliberately squared off and protruding below. The central pillar is also much thicker than on the original version.

Very exclusive

The interiors were not yet visible on the show car. Modena Automobili will offer Recaro seats, while the digital TFT dashboard retains the oval shape of the 1990s, incorporating an advanced infotainment system. Only 33 examples were produced (like the 33 Stradale), hand-assembled in Modena, with numerous customization options for each customer. Delivery is scheduled within 8 to 10 months of order, with prices starting from 585,000 euros.