Photograph
by Alistair Cox
Photograph
by Alistair Cox
Photograph
by Alistair Cox
Photograph
by Alistair Cox
|
|
| Year
(of specifications) |
1992 |
| Engine |
3217
cc Twin Turbo V8 |
| Transmission |
6
speed manual RWD |
| Max
speed |
168
mph |
| 0-60
mph |
5.3
seconds |
| Horsepower |
325
bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| weight |
1417
kgs / 3123 lbs |
The Maserati Shamal, of which 53 were built, was designed by
the Maserati Design Centre in conjunction with Marcello Gandini.
The Shamal was powered by an all-aluminium 3217 cc quad-cam,
twin-turbo V8 developing 325 horsepower and 320 ft-lbs of torque.
This was mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox driving the rear
wheels.
The suspension mechanism of the Maserati Shamal benefitted from
a sophisticated mechanism which used a system of interacting
levers to ensure that, not only do the wheels remain completely
square relative to the road surface, but a state of constant
parallelism is maintained between the lower suspension arm and
the steering arm, whatever vertical movement the wheels experience.
By maintaining the angle of convergence and with complete integrity
of operation at speed, "Meccanica Attiva" offers enormous
advantages to the Shamal in cornering, even on rough surfaces
where there is less traction. The suspension, which Maserati
developed in conjunction with Koni, also featured a four-setting
electronically adjustable, active, 'intelligent' suspension
system which adjusted the Shamal's suspension to suit driving
speed and road conditions.
The angular and aggressive styling of the Maserati Shamal featured
an unusual slanting rear arch and integrated roll bar built
into the b-pillar and coloured in contrasting matt black. An
unusual, and useful feature of the Maserati Shamal is the ability
to remove the engine from the front, rather than by above by
using a hoist. After the front bumper is removed, the subframe
with the attached intercoolers and radiator can be removed.
The entire engine can then be easily slipped forward and out.
Standard interior fittings of the Maserati Shamal included:
supportive leather seats, temperature control, analog clock,
central door locking, electromagnetic control of the boot lid,
adjustment for the dipped beam headlights and fully adjustable
steering wheel.
Similar and related vehicles:
 Alfa
Romeo SZ
 Alfa
Romeo RZ
Maserati Ghibli Cup
Maserati MC12
Maserati MC12 Corsa
Maserati 4200 GT
Maserati GranSport
Maserati 3200 GT
Maserati 4200 Spyder
Maserati GranTurismo Coupe (2007)
Maserati GranTurismo S (2008)
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