You probably associate the word ‘restomod’ with ‘Porsche 911’ by now, but how’s this for a change? Dubbed the Project MA-01 and conceived by the recently formed Modena Automobili, it is a truly gorgeous reincarnation of the much-loved Maserati Biturbo Shamal from the ’90s.
It still sits atop the original chassis, albeit one that’s been completely stripped, rebuilt, and strengthened to deal with a new powertrain: the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 from a modern Ghibli S. As you probably guessed, that means a healthy power boost, now at a handy 507hp, which cuts the 0-100kph down to 4.7sec and bumps the top speed up to 285kph. Sheesh.
Suppose we better talk about the styling, too, which is still properly boxy, marked by straight, sharp lines and wrinkle-free bodywork. There’s a thin carbon bodykit sprouting from the front, side, and rear, with redesigned LED light signatures at both ends, broader wheel arches, and a larger track to accommodate the bigger wheels and brakes.
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The curved carbon rear wing is new, but we appreciate the retention of the iconic thick black roofline pillar and quad-exhaust (though it’s likely a new system). Some of the air inlets sculpted into the bodywork have been inflated, too, perhaps to help with cooling or some palaver like that.
Modena Automobili says the MA-01 will be ready for launch next year, with a rumored starting price of close to £500,000 (around P37.8 million) for the proposed 33 units. Dare we ask where you stand on this one?
More photos of the Project MA-01:
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
