Maserati Kyalami
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| Maserati Kyalami | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Maserati |
| Production | 1976-1983 |
| Designer | Pietro Frua[1] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Grand tourer |
| Body style | 4-seat coupé |
| Related | De Tomaso Longchamp |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.2 and 4.9 L V8 petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed ZF manual 3-speed Borg Warner automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm (102 in) |
| Length | 4,610 mm (181 in) |
| Width | 1,870 mm (74 in) |
| Height | 1,320 mm (52 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,670 kg (3,680 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Maserati Mexico |
| Successor | Maserati 228 |
The Maserati Kyalami (Tipo 129) is a four-seat GT coupé produced by Italian manufacturer Maserati from 1976 to 1983. The car was named after the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa where a Maserati-powered Cooper T81 had won the 1967 South African Grand Prix.
The Kyalami was the first new model developed under the Alejandro de Tomaso ownership. It was derived from, and mechanically virtually identical (except for some body panels) to the Longchamp, a three-box grand tourer made by De Tomaso Automobili.
Pietro Frua was commissioned from De Tomaso to undertake the restyling of the Tom Tjaarda-designed Longchamp, to give the new car a distinctive Maserati feel. The interior was also upgraded to incorporate classic Maserati elements such the steering wheel and instrumentation. A four overhead camshaft Maserati 90° V8 was utilized to power the car, as opposed to the American-sourced Ford V8 which was used in the Longchamp.
The Kyalami was launched at the 1976 Geneva Motor Show and was initially powered by a 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) 4.2-litre V8 engine.[1] Starting in 1978, an enlarged version of the 4.9-litre engine, delivering 290 PS (213 kW; 286 hp), was also available. Both engines were coupled with a ZF five-speed manual transmission or upon request a three-speed Borg Warner automatic. Mechanically the Kyalami was closely related to its contemporary Quattroporte, which was also offered with the same engines and gearboxes. 210 Kyalamis were built between 1976 and 1983.[2] Due to its rarity, few performance tests were done by the various international magazines. The performance offered by the 4.9-litre V8 which was added later in the model's lifespan was characterized by increased horsepower and torque over the previous 4.2-litre.
References
- ^ a b "Special Bodies: Illustrations and technical information", World Cars 1977, Pelham, NY: The Automobile Club of Italy/Herald Books: 20, ISBN 0-910714-09-6
- ^ The Maserati Kyalami: The Maserati Kyalami, accessdate: 14. January 2017
Sources
- Cancellieri, Gianni; al. (2003). Maserati. Catalogue Raisonné 1926-2003. Milan: Automobilia. ISBN 88-7960-151-2.
External links
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