Although the archaic Quattroporte mk3 will remain in the catalogue for a few more years, and then only in certain markets, the Biturbo lacks an extra class if it is to move up to the very top end of the range. Not just in terms of cubic capacity, but also in terms of size. The Mercedes SEC (W126), BMW 6 Series, de Tomaso Longchamp and Maserati Kyalami coupés are not in the same league as the Biturbo. With the 228 coupé, de Tomaso will attempt to fill a gap in the Maserati catalogue with an attractive technical and stylistic patchwork. The 228 is a kind of anti-Karif, because while the latter was based on the short wheelbase of the Spyder, the 228 coupé, which was intended to be plush and luxurious, was based on the saloon. The surface was softer, but the lines, designed by Pierangelo Andreani, were still very close to those of its younger sister. The 228 was intended to be the heir to the Kyalami or the 3500 GT. The interior was quite luxurious, with leather and wood. The 2.8-litre engine produced 250 bhp, reduced to 225 bhp in the catalytic converter version, but still with excellent torque.