Maserati Biturbo Shamal Restomod combines 80s Italian flair with 21st century speed

The Biturbo Shamal restomod features styling, interior and chassis upgrades, with a modern twin-turbo V6 under the hood

Maserati may be going through difficult times under the expansive Stellantis umbrella, but the name still rings with a kind of reverence that other brands can only dream of. Meet Modena Automobili, a boutique outfit that reminds us why Maserati’s legacy still matters. Their latest project is a restomod tribute to the Biturbo, which draws heavily on the aggressive styling of the Shamal, but with an edgier, modern twist: a redesigned body, a reinforced underpinning and a twin-turbo V6 that’s anything but nostalgic.

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The original V6 powered Maserati Biturbo arrived on the scene in 1982, a car with enough performance to earn its stripes, yet crippled by a reputation for mechanical fragility. Seven years later the Shamal arrived, a muscular V8 variant penned by Marcello Gandini that turned heads for all the right reasons. Modena Automobili’s restomod starts with the Biturbo but borrows the visual swagger of the Shamal, blending two eras into one.

A modern V6 Turbo upgrade

The updated Maserati is powered by a modern 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 from the discontinued version Maserati Ghibli S. Power has been increased from the standard 404 PS (302 kW / 410 hp) to 493 PS (368 kW / 500 hp), while the same torque of 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) has been retained.

The engine is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, which sends power to the rear wheels using a Ghibli-sourced differential. According to Modena Automobili, the renewed Biturbo accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph), surpassing both the Biturbo and Shamal in terms of outright performance.

The steel monocoque chassis of the Biturbo has been used strengthened using carbon fiber and sandwich panels, while the suspension has been modernized with MacPherson front and semi-trailing arm rear components. The upgraded braking system consists of ventilated discs with Brembo calipers, and the significantly larger 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires.

Nearly every exterior panel has been redesigned, with a mix of steel and carbon fiber giving the Shamal-inspired widebody look. The most noticeable changes? Flared fender extensions and square arches, along with a central black pillar that doubles as a roll bar, are a subtle but clever nod to the Shamal’s signature style.

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The front of the Biturbo coupe received a larger grille, wider bumper inlets, a splitter and new LED headlights in carbon fiber housings. In addition, the bulging and ventilated hood makes room for the new engine. The rear has also been redesigned and features modern taillights, Shamal Biturbo lettering, an integrated spoiler and a diffuser with quad tailpipes.

Interior renderings are notably missing, although Modena Automobili has promised an overhaul focused on luxury and customization. Highlights include a new set of Recaro Classic LX seats with adjustable headrests, along with a redesigned rear seat. There will be a wide range of customization options for the upholstery, making each restomod unique. Tech upgrades include a digital instrument cluster, an infotainment display and a new climate system, with the analogue clock retaining its position on the dashboard.

Who is behind the project?

Despite its name, Modena Automobili is not an offshoot Paganis Car Modena. According to the company, it consists of “managers, entrepreneurs and technicians with extensive experience in prestigious car companies from the Italian Motor Valley.” Rather than trying to do everything in-house, the team relies on “external advice for design, feasibility and engineering, as well as prototype development,” working closely with renowned engineering firms to bring their vision to life.

Their Maserati restomod project began in 2022 and is currently in the “advanced stages of design, assembly and certification.” The first prototype is expected to be ready by the end of Q1 2025, with a 1983 Maserati Biturbo Coupé as the donor vehicle.

How much will it cost?

Only 33 examples of the Maserati Biturbo Shamal Restomod will be hand-built in Modena, each with a price tag starting from €585,000 before taxes, making it more expensive than any member of the current Maserati range. including the MC20 GT2 Stradale. Modena Automobili is already accepting orders, with estimated delivery times between 8 and 10 months.

In 2020, Maserati’s official Fuoriserie Instagram teased a cyberpunk themed makeover of the Shamalcalled “Project Rekall”. But like so many tantalizing prototypes, the concept remained in limbo, an example of what could have happened in a world increasingly captivated by restomods.