The Pioneer of Twin-Turbocharged Cars: A Great Deal on a Pre-Owned Model

What do a BMW M3, several new Ferraris, and a diesel Vauxhall Insignia share? Beyond the obvious characteristics of having four wheels and an engine, the common thread among these diverse vehicles is their use of twin turbochargers. In an effort to enhance efficiency in contemporary engines and eliminate the turbo lag that could send you crashing into a fence during a turn, the implementation of dual turbochargers has become a standard practice across many segments of the automotive industry.

But, back in the '80s, even turbocharging was a fairly new idea, generally only applied to the wildest Audis, Porsches, BMW, and Saab models the company had to offer, accompanied by equally lairy graphics to advertise the forced induction within. Four decades ago, twin turbochargers were virtually unheard of, but there was one company that brought out a car with this tech in 1981 – way ahead of the competition.

Additionally, this was not just an uncommon brand rarely seen on the streets, but the vehicle itself was an unusual mix of angular design and supercar lineage. These revolutionary cars are surprisingly affordable now, though prospective buyers might need to gather some courage before committing. For those ready to take the plunge, you can own a unique twin-turbo sports car that pushes boundaries for the same price as a pre-owned Ford Focus.

The Maserati Biturbo holds the distinction of being the first production car ever equipped with twin-turbocharging.

1984 Maserati Biturbo Specifications Engine: - Type: 2.5L V6 twin-turbocharged - Power Output: Approximately 180 hp - Torque: 203 lb-ft Transmission: - Gearbox: 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic Performance: - 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.5 seconds - Top Speed: Around 140 mph Dimensions: - Length: 4,370 mm (172.0 inches) - Width: 1,740 mm (68.5 inches) - Height: 1,260 mm (49.6 inches) - Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) Weight: - Curb Weight: Approximately 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) Fuel Economy: - City: About 15 mpg - Highway: Approximately 22 mpg Features: - 2+2 seating configuration - Leather upholstery - Power windows and locks - Air conditioning (optional) This classic sports car is known for its distinctive styling, performance capabilities, and luxurious interior, making it a notable entry in Maserati's history.

Origin: Maserati

In the '60s and '70s, the Italian firm Maserati carefully made its name by producing exquisite sports cars. Thanks to models such as the Merak, Bora, and Ghibli, the brand was up there with Ferrari and Porsche as a quintessential performance car manufacturer. Some would argue the name 'Maserati' sounded even more evocative. It was a name you could mutter down the Casino de Monte-Carlo in between hands of Black Jack and people would know you had a discerning taste rather than being one of the nouveau riche.

Maserati Chose to Move Away from Its Exotic Image in the 1980s

As the '70s turned into the '80s, Maserati owner Alejandro De Tomaso had a new idea. Rather than focus on achingly beautiful supercars to shift units, Maserati would introduce a new model to attract more customers. Calling in designer Pierangelo Andreani, the man responsible for the Fiat Ritmo and later, the Fiat Chroma Station Wagon, Maserati created the Biturbo.

Gone were the swooping lines and wedge shapes, this was a car that would be a doddle to turn into a LEGO set – such was its angular three-box design. It looked a little like the soon-to-be-launched E30 3 Series, which would spawn the legendary M3, and ushered in a new era for Maserati. It would become the mainstay of the company too, being sold in one form or another until 1994.

Boxy Design Embraces Innovative Technology

The boxy body style was perhaps very much of its era, not that much different from Audi Coupes and Lancia Deltas, and while not unattractive, it didn't really live up to the haute couture supercar image that Maserati's brand had cultivated for years. That is until you looked under the bonnet.

Here was an engine that was as cutting edge as it was exotic. This was a compact,1,996cc V6 with not one but two turbochargers, at a time when Audi had just wowed the world with its groundbreaking Quattro that featured a single turbocharger. The Biturbo's pioneering power plant was matched to a luxurious interior to create what Maserati hoped would be an everyday car.