Maserati Karif
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Production: | 1988 to 1990 |
Class : | sports car |
Body versions : | Coupe |
Engines: | Gasoline : 2.8 liters (165-210 kW) |
Length: | 4043 mm |
Width: | 1712 mm |
Height: | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase : | 2400 mm |
Curb weight : | 1346 kg |
The Maserati Karif was a two-seat sports car of the Italian car manufacturer Maserati , which was produced from early 1988 to spring 1992. He came from the Maserati kit and was part of the Biturbo series.
History
The Karif was named after an African wind . Maserati combined the short wheelbase and basic body of the Maserati Biturbo Spyder with a fixed roof construction. The body had been designed by Zagato in Milan , in whose workshops the Karif (as well as the Biturbo Spyder) was built.
Similar in it's basic concept to the other cars.The Karif, however, is based on the floorpan of the Biturbo Spyder and shares it's 2.8 litre, twin- turbocharged, 3-valve per cylinder engine with the 430 saloon.
As with many modern cars, electronics play their part and the engine is assisted to it's claimed 250bhp by a Marelli Microplex ignition system in tandem with Weber's multipoint fuel injection. The transmission is by way of a ZF 5-speed gearbox, driving the rear wheels via a 'Ranger' variable torque sharing differential, claimed to be stronger than the 'Torsen' unit. A conventional, but well developed system of front MacPherson struts and rear trailing links supports the car. Interior trim is to the usual Maserati standards, finished in Italian leather and burr-walnut.
The car was powered by Maserati's 2.8-liter V6 with two turbochargers . This initially made 210 kW (285 hp), later 184 kW (250 hp), with catalyst 165 kW (224 hp). Thus, the Karif 255 km / h (catalyst version: 230 km / h) was fast and accelerated to factory specifications in 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h. Later measurements reached a top speed of 237 km / h and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.7 seconds ( engine 16 , 1989) and 242 km / h and 6.8 seconds (Auto Motor und Sport). The chassis of the Karif was considered problematic; in view of the very short wheelbase it came in the opinion of testers quickly to its limits.
Standard equipment included ZF five-speed gearbox, self-locking differential, four-wheel disc brakes. The interior was luxurious and included Alcantara / leather upholstery, air conditioning , walnut wood inserts and steering wheel rim in elm wood.
The Karif was publicly presented at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show. The Maserati owner Alejandro de Tomaso saw in the Karif a "discreet alternative to the Ferrari 308 and the Porsche 911 Turbo". However, the car failed to meet expectations. He remained an exotic in the "already chaotic twin-turbo model series". Until 1990, depending on the source, only 220, 221 or 222 copies were produced. The sale of the last vehicles lasted until the late summer of 1992.
Top speed 154 mph- BHP 250 - CC 2790 - CYL V6
