Review: Maserati 222 (1988-95)

Review: Maserati Mk.I 222 (1988-90)

Overview

Released in Australia in October 1988, the Maserati Mk.I 222 was a five-seat coupe. Manufactured in Modena, Italy, the 222 range initially consisted of the 222 E which was powered by a 2.8-litre V6 petrol engine with three valves per cylinder, twin overhead camshafts, two IHI water-cooled turbochargers and two air-to-air intercoolers. Transmission options consisted of five-speed manual and four-speed automatic units.

Styled by Marcello Gandini, the 222 E was introduced as a replacement for the Biturbo E and could be identified by its rounder nose, new door mirrors and rear spoiler. Furthermore, the 222 E was 4153 mm long, 1714 mm wide, 1255 mm tall and had a 2514 mm long wheelbase.

The 222 E’s front suspension consisted of MacPherson struts with dual-rate telescopic dampers, coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension utilised semi-trailing rear arms, coil springs and Bilstein pressurised gas telescopic dampers.

Safety equipment

The 222 E was not fitted with any safety equipment such as ABS or airbags.

Features

Standard features for the Maserati 222 E included 15-inch alloy wheels with 205/50 VR 15 tyres, a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, leather seats, front fog lights, central locking, power windows, a fully adjustable steering column and briarwood interior trim.

Review: Maserati Mk.II 222 (1991-94)

Overview

Released in 1991, the Mk.II 222 could be identified by its new headlights, radiator grille, front bumper and spoiler at the base of the windscreen. The Mk.II 222 range was also revised to comprise the 222 SR and 222 4v.

The 222 4v was differentiated by its more powerful 2.8-litre engine with four valves per cylinder. The 222 4v was also fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels with wider tyres and active electronic suspension dampers.

Features

Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, standard features for the Mk.II 222 were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Maserati 222