Named after a hot wind from the Mesopotamian desert, the Shamal marked a radical evolution in the Biturbo family tree. The car is based on the lines of the Maserati Biturbo designed by Marcello Gandini. The front of the car differs in its headlamps: twin headlamps (one round and one rectangular), a prominent front spoiler with integrated fog lamps and a small black grille with the Maserati trident at its centre. A typical feature of Gandini’s design is the asymmetrical shape of the bodywork for the rear wheel. The high central part of the roof acts as a roll bar and is always black in colour. The interior features front and rear bucket leather seats. However, the rear seats offer little legroom. The dashboard is fairly classic, as it was in the 1980s.