Italian automobile manufacturers have built up a reputation for creating some of, if not, the finest sports cars ever. Over the years, examples in the form of the awesome Ferrari F355, rally dominating Lancia Stratos, and rip-snorting Lamborghini Diablo have captured our hearts. Yet, if you were in the market for something more refined, and more suited to touring the California coastline, then only a Maserati would fit the bill.

Known for producing some of the most accomplished executive-orientated grand tourers, Maserati typically offers performance, panache, and a plush interior. Far less brash than its prancing horse-badged cousin, a Maserati is a car for those who understand style and subtlety. Set to release an all-new luxury performance SUV in the form of the 2023 Maserati Grecale, those feeling the urge for something a little less trendy and a bit more vintage need to look no further than the classic Biturbo.

A car that brought about a huge change within the Italian company, and one that introduced twin turbos to the public highway, the Maserati Biturbo was a revelation, these are eight reasons why the Maserati Biturbo was cool, and two reasons why we'd never buy one.

10 Come On, It's A Maserati

Maserati-Biturbo-13-badge
source:wiki

Car manufacturers' badges have become like fashion clothing brands. Some are less equal than others. Tell someone you drive a Nissan, and they will probably show little interest. Tell them you drive a Maserati, and they suddenly become your best friend.

maserati-biturbo-coupe side
source:maserati

To gearheads, a Maserati is something special. A high-powered exotic beast from Italy that will deliver tons of performance. Less pretentious than a Ferrari but far rarer than an Alfa Romeo, a Maserati appeals to a broader audience.

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9 Innovative Engineering

maserati-biturbo-coupe
source:maserati

An ambitious project from the get-go, the Biturbo was to be the first moderately priced Maserati. A BMW 3 Series rival, it offered up far more luxurious accommodations with a complex, yet potent powerplant that could take a driver's breath away.

88-Maserati-SI-Bi-Turbo-Coupe-119
source:maserati

Boasting the world's first twin-turbo production engine, the Biturbo V6 also had three valves per cylinder. A technological marvel, various displacements were offered, with the 2.5-liter export engine generating around 190 hp and hitting 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.

8 Plenty Of Available Power

maserati-biturbo-1991-01
source:mecum

Those seeking more power could opt for the 2.8-liter variant. This V6 made a generous 225 hp and shot the coupe to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Noted to have plenty of power anywhere within the rev range, the Biturbo was a blisteringly fast machine.

burnout maserati
source:flickr

Highly advanced for its time, the Biturbo engine could embarrass more expensive machines in a straight line. On the move, the Maserati was a force to be reckoned with and would pile on speed effortlessly. It also sounded fantastic at wide-open throttle.

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7 Aggressive Italian Styling

biturbo sr
source:mecum

Distinct with its square jawline and broad shoulders, the Maserati Biturbo came from a period when only a ruler was used in car design. Purposeful in its approach to style, the Biturbo is a fantastic throwback to when straight lines were king.

biturbo front end
source:wiki

Even today, the Maserati Biturbo has a certain aggressive presence. Its squared-off flanks, acres of glass, and low slung stance make it look less dated than some other '80s classics. From trident nose badge to rear decklid lip spoiler, the Maserati is a mean machine.

6 Extremely Luxurious Interiors

biturbo interior
source:wiki

Massively comfortable and deeply luxurious, the Biturbo had the luxury aspect covered. From the soft, gathered leather seating and highly polished wood trim to the trademark analog clock, sitting in the driver's seat of a Biturbo was an event like no other.

Maserati Bi Turbo Interior
Via: Motor1

Making its rival luxury cars seem like they had been upholstered in waste materials, the interior finish was second to none. As comfortable as a limousine and as fast as a sports car, the Maserati Biturbo had the art of grand touring licked.

5 The Honed 222 And 224

224 rear
source:wiki

Following a facelift, the Biturbo name was replaced with the 222 designation that signified it as a 2nd generation vehicle with a 2-door coupe shell and a 2-liter engine. The various Biturbo engine choices remained, but now gained a DOHC head and optional adaptive suspension.

maserati-biturbo-coupe 222
Via: Maserati

Released in 1988, the most powerful version of the Biturbo, the 224 was further enhanced with a 4 valve-per-cylinder engine. Taking on a more modern look, it was more aggressive still and sported NACA ducts in the hood to aid cooling.

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4 Excellent 'Racing' Potential

Maserati-Racing-2.0-BI-Turbo-24V
source:flickr

Further development of the rapid 224 models resulted in the Biturbo racing. Stuffed with performance-enhancing equipment like Koni suspension, a Getrag gearbox, and a limited slip-differential, it would hit 60 mph in an impressive 5.8 seconds.

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source:flickr

Blisteringly fast on the street, the Maserati Biturbo was less successful on the racetrack. It was a competitive car, but it never reached its full potential. The complex nature of the engine made it unreliable, but in recent years the Biturbo has been revised by privateers for historic competition use.

3 Tempting Modern Ownership

biturbo black
source:flickr

Getting a decent example of the Maserati Biturbo is a straightforward affair. Having suffered horrendous depreciation, examples range from cheap to affordable. Many of the car's initial mechanical issues can be remedied via modern fixes to provide an interesting daily driver.

biturbo trunk
source:wiki

A Maserati Biturbo makes a fantastic everyday car. It provides luxurious, sporty transport, and thanks to a generous trunk, it is also family-friendly. Plus, what better way to stand out from the swarm of SUVs that plague the highways than in a gorgeous, classic Italian grand tourer?

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2 We'd Never Buy One: Sadly, It's A Maserati

Maserati-Biturbo-15
source:flickr

Whilst style and speed are definitely on offer with a classic Maserati, so is severe woe. Hugely expensive to maintain, the Biturbo is one of the least reliable cars ever made and it is guaranteed to leave you stranded on the roadside without a moment's notice.

inspecting-maserati-biturbo-clutch
source:wiki

Even for those who are brave enough to tackle the maintenance themselves, the Biturbo will exhaust a bank account. Parts are astronomically priced, it guzzles gas, the wiring will fail more than once, and it will attract the tin worm.

1 We'd Never Buy One: Voted One Of The Worst Cars, Ever

biturbo junker
source:flickr

In a rundown of the worst cars ever to be sold, the Maserati Biturbo placed within the top thirty. Plagued with mechanical faults, poor build quality and horrendous running costs meant it quickly became hated.

082121-1985-Maserati-Biturbo-8
source:flickr

Buying a vintage Maserati is very much like playing Russian roulette with a fully loaded revolver. The outcome is inevitable. Not only will it be one of the biggest mistakes of a car fan's life, but the ongoing stress will no doubt leave them wildly blubbering in a corner with Maserati Madness.