![]() ![]() ![]() While it was briefly the quickest factory-built sedan in the world, the Maserati Biturbo 422 couldn't shake off the negative publicity brought forth by reliability issues and the boring exterior design that made it look cheap.Īlpina started by producing typewriters, but in 1965, owner Burkard Bovensiepen and his eight employees switched to tuning BMWs. Despite this, it could make a healthy 217 hp, which enabled the four-door Biturbo to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in 6 seconds. The engine only displaced 2.0 liters and was chocked by a catalytic converter to keep taxes and insurance premiums at bay, particularly back home in Italy. Both versions were continually improved throughout the years, and in 1988, the Biturbo 422 became the company's flagship four-door model and one of the quickest sedans of the decade.Īs the name implies, it was powered by a twin-turbocharged engine of the V6 variety. Initially introduced in 1981 as a two-door grand tourer, the model line would spawn a four-door sedan version two years later. With bumpers, side skirts, wheels, and interior trims that distinguished it from the standard 5 Series, the E34 M5 was a global sales success for BMW, and today, it remains one of its most revered classic M models.ĭuring that exciting decade, Maserati was trying to reestablish itself as one of Europe's premier luxury carmakers, and the ace up the company's sleeve was called Biturbo. Acceleration improved to 5.9 seconds in 1991 when the S38 grew to 3.8 liters and provided 24 extra ponies. That made it the quickest factory-built sedan powered by a naturally-aspirated unit and one of the most sought-after high-performance sedans on the market. Powered by the brand-new S38 straight-six, which initially displaced 3.5 liters and made 311 hp, the new M5 could sprint to 60 mph (97 kph) in just 6.3 seconds. But, by 1988, it was time for a new M5 based on the E34 generation. They were also among the first carmakers to deliver a high-performance sedan in the shape of the E28 M5. From the 1,350-hp Formula 1 four-cylinder to the E30 M3 homologation special, the Bavarians were among the manufacturers leading the high-performance charge. This figure made it a shade quicker than the L98 C3 Corvette and one of the quickest factory-built sedans that money could buy back then.ĭuring the 1980s, BMW's Motorsport division, headed by the legendary Paul Rosche, was busy creating epic powerplants and road-legal monsters. Thanks to the Yamaha-built engine that redlined at 7,000 rpm and made 220 hp, the SHO could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in 6.5 seconds. However, in terms of performance, it behaved nothing like its boring sibling. Released in 1989, the SHO had a Mercury Sable hood, unique bumpers, side skirts, and bucket seats, but overall, it looked much like the standard Taurus. ![]() While that project was canceled in 1986s, the aluminum DOHC 3.0-liter V6 was too good to be shelved, so it found its way under the hood of the high-performance Taurus. The origins of this crazy high-performance sedan can be traced back to 1984 when Ford commissioned Yamaha to produce a powerful yet compact V6 for their ultra-secret GN34 supercar. In standard form, there was nothing special about either model, but the SHO (Super High Output) version of the Taurus was a different story. Introduced in 1985, the Ford Taurus and its upscale sibling, the Mercury Sable, were two mid-size FWD sedans that helped the Blue Oval navigate through murky financial waters.
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