- Maserati Shamal restomod project in the works
- Restomod will use Biturbo Coupe body and Ghibli S twin-turbocharged V-6
- Production to be limited to 33 units
The Maserati Shamal launched in 1990 didn’t see much success, despite featuring a body penned by the legendary Marcello Gandini, and a twin-turbocharged V-8 under the hood.
It was devised when Alejandro De Tomaso was running Maserati, and derived from the Biturbo to help reduce costs. Performance included a 0-60 mph time in a little over five seconds, which was quick for the time. Still, less than 400 were built by the time production was wound up in 1995, and very few of those made the trip to the U.S.
Maserati Shamal restomod by Modena Automobili
Italian company Modena Automobili hasn’t forgotten the Shamal and plans to launch a restomodded version, the design for which was previewed this month. The company won’t use original examples of the rare Shamal for the restomod project, though.
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Instead, it will start with the lesser Biturbo Coupe and modify the design to resemble the Shamal’s lines. Modena Automobili’s design, dubbed the MA-01, will be unique, though. The body panels will be made more muscular in areas, and dotted where necessary with additional vents and other aerodynamic features. The new design will also have unique head and taillights. The rear will also include a squared-off spoiler and a signature black band with the Shamal logo.
Maserati Shamal restomod by Modena Automobili
It will also use a modern twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 borrowed from Maserati’s Ghibli S, instead of the Shamal’s original twin-turbocharged 3.2-liter V-8. Peak output will still be a stout 500 hp, versus about 322 hp from the Shamal’s original engine.
The modern car will also skip the original’s manual transmission in favor of an 8-speed automatic from ZF. This will help ensure swift acceleration, with Modena Automobili promising a 0-60 mph time of about five seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. Modern suspension and braking systems will also join the new drivetrain.
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Maserati Shamal restomod by Modena Automobili
Modena Automobili is still working on building the first prototype but expects to have development completed in 2025. The company plans to limit production to 33 units, and has confirmed a starting price of 585,000 euros (approximately $621,000).
Maserati itself came up with its own design for a Shamal restomod in 2020. Dubbed Project Rekall, the design only existed as a series of sketches that were created to showcase what’s possible at Maserati’s Fuoriserie special projects division.