Modena MA-01 Reimagines Maserati Biturbo Shamal

One of the most interesting aspects of the whole automotive remastering segment is the notion of improving upon considerable flaws of the past. Admittedly, there is a segment of cars that were beautifully designed, perhaps even potently fast, but nevertheless flawed by unreliability. Such is the case of the Maserati Biturbo and pinnacle Shamal, cars that create lustful thoughts until reality sets in. Righting those mechanical wrongs can be an epiphany, and that’s what the shot the Modena MA-01 is calling, a shot that’ll set you back about a half million Euros.

Modena Automobili was established in 2022 with the mission to reimagine “an iconic masterpiece of the nineties into a unique, modern, beautiful and fast car of our times.” Their first product is Project MA-01, and a this stage appears to be a computer rendering. Modena Automobili shares that it is a “work in progress”, they are “bringing forward with the help of top notch engineering companies and automotive industry experts on top of Modena Automobili internal team of passionate managers, entrepreneurs, experts of style, powertrain, mechanics, homologation and pilots.” That project is the creation of a Maserati Biturbo Shamal restored.

For those unfamiliar, the Shamal was built from 1990-1996. It was one of the final cars produced by Maserati before Fiat took over the marque in 1993. Only 369 Shamals were produced, and it was the pinnacle of the Biturbo range, a product that actually began further back in 1982.

Using the shell from a donor Biturbo, Modena Automobili builds from there using a more modern Maserati Ghibili S engine (tuned to 500 bhp) as well as the Ghibli’s 8-speed ZF transmission. Modena Automobili reports this configuration is capable of 0-62 mph in 5.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 180 mph.

The design does take more liberties than we typically see in the restomod segment, particularly at the rear with its wrap-over C-pillar. Ducts added to the hood and wheel arch blisters, as well as exposed carbon fiber around LED lights all modernize the car considerably… though traditionalists might question how much modernization is needed. With restomods, this is always a balance and, on that scale, Modena Automobili pushes that envelope with the MA-01.

More Information: Modena Automobili