When it comes to restomods, there are two distinct schools of thought; sympathise and modernise, or completely reimagine the car from tread block to roof top. The MA-01 Biturbo Shamal, unveiled today, is certainly from the latter camp. The work of newly formed Modena Automobili, such are the changes, little of the original donor Shamal remains - potentially not without controversy. 

Engine Transplant: Original V8 Out, Modern V6 In

The elephant in the room is the decision to remove the original Shamal's original V8 engine, fitting a reworked 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 from the current Maserati Ghibli S in its place. Whilst this may remove a key facet of the original, the benefits for the MA-01 Biturbo Shamal are hard to ignore - especially in terms of reliability, efficiency and performance.

The V6 engine, initially designed with Ferrari's input, produces 500bhp and 405lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque, a significant jump from the 326bhp of the V8. Another bonus is the V6 is paired with the renowned ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, with the likely adoption of paddle shifters. The driveline components, including the driveshaft, half-shafts, and differential, have also been harvested from the Ghibli S.

While this change may appeal to fans of Biturbo’s V6 lineage and bring some much needed reliability and efficiency, some may argue the MA-01 now lacks a key part of the Shamal’s identity by omitting the V8 soundtrack. Modena Automobili claims a rather conservative 0-62mph time of “Under 5.0 seconds” with a top speed of 180mph (291kph).

Chassis & Handling

To cope, the Shamal’s suspension system has been overhauled integrating a modern MacPherson setup at the front, and a heavily revised version of the Shamal’s semi-trailing arm layout at the rear. While a semi-trailing arm design is known to have limitations in terms of camber changes under load — especially during hard cornering — it was a popular layout for performance cars of the 1980s. Suspension technology has come a long way, and Modena Automobili promises their revisions maximise stability and agility, much like Redux have with their re-imagined E30 M3. The firm has even gone as far as designing an entirely new rear subframe.

The brakes feature larger, power-assisted ventilated and drilled discs, fitted with fixed Brembo callipers, and the car rides on custom forged wheels reminiscent of the original Shamal’s design, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Updated Design

Further aiding the car’s handling is the extensive lightweighting and strengthening benefits of the new bodywork, crafted from a mixture of carbon fibre and steel. The updated design pays homage to the work of Pierangelo Andreani and Marcello Ghandini, maintaining the Shamal’s blunt aggression, typical of Maserati’s of the period. It looks great, even in pink.

Highlights include a reworked grille, LED headlights set within carbon surrounds, and a prominent front splitter. Distinct air intakes along the body are said to improve downforce, while the muscular box arches receive a dose of steroids, and the rear wings keep the iconic Gandini’s asymmetric slash, albeit updated to suit.

The redesign is further accentuated by a raised bonnet with new air vents and a prominent central pillar, which doubles as a roll-bar, an element carried over from the original. The rear fascia sports a squared-off spoiler, updated tail lights, and a diffuser with dual exhausts — all changes are said to improve airflow and stability at high speeds.

Interior, Exclusivity and Pricing

Inside, the MA-01 attempts to blend original Biturbo Shamal styling with modern conveniences, including Recaro Classic LX seats and a digital TFT instrument cluster. While these elements add to comfort and usability, the introduction of digital controls could feel at odds with the analogue aesthetic that many Maserati fans appreciate. Reassuringly, the oval layout remains, and the screens have been designed to mimic the originals. The update was necessary to incorporate all of the controls for the modernised climate control and infotainment systems. Traditionalists will be pleased to know the famous Maserati clock remains front and centre to the dashboard. 

The MA-01 is certainly an ambitious project, the first "Forever Icon" by Modena Automobili, and the first restomod to target the Trident marque. There is certainly no doubting the shock and awe factor of the original Shamal is retained - whether through styling or specification. The Shamal was an evolution of the Biturbo, and those who view the MA-01 as the next generation will have to fork out €585,000 (excluding taxes). Only 33 examples will be made, fully customisable to the buyer’s specifications, making the MA-01 one for the collectors. Orders are currently open, with deliveries expected by the end of Q1 2025.