The Maserati Bora was the brands first mid-rear engine car. It is also the engine position that gives the car it’s unique shape. Producing 324 hp, the 4.9 L V8 was mounted lengthways on a subframe installed on the monocoque.
On March 11th, 1971 the Maserati Bora was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the trend that had already revolutionised Formula 1 racing cars over previous years, Maserati asked Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign to come up with a mid-mounted rear engine sports car with enhanced performance, design, comfort and safety.
The car’s distinctive features included retractable headlights to prevent aerodynamic drag, projecting differential on the rear axle, independent suspensions on all wheels, disc brakes, dry-mounted single disc clutch, 5-speed gearbox and telescopic suspension dampers. The Bora combined comfort and performance and had a top speed of over 280 km/h, ensuring great driving pleasure thanks to the engine’s exceptionally agile response and the quiet interior.
While the car’s engineering design carried the name of Giulio Alfieri, the aerodynamics and styling were by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who created a two-seater coupé on simple, elegant lineswhich gave the Maserati Bora a balanced appearance.
The approach was futuristic, with a low, slender, almost tapered front styled to cut through the air, while the front grille included two rectangular air vents with a Trident in the centre. The perfectly sleek sides were centrally divided by a thin black rubber trim, while the rear ended in a Kamm or truncated tail.
Quick Facts | |
Year | 1971 |
Cylinders | 8 |
Displacement | 4,930 ccm (301 ci) |
Horsepower | 324 |
Top Speed | 285 km/h (177 mph) |
0-60mph / 0-100kmh | 6.2 s |
Engine | |
Type | V8 |
Position | mid |
Displacement | 4,930ccm (301 ci) |
Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
Boost Pressure | / |
max. RPM | / |
max. Torque @RPM | 461 Nm (340 ft-lb) @4200 |
max. Horsepower @RPM | 324 @6000 |
Valves/Cylinder | 2 |
Valvecontrol | DOHC |
Transmission | |
Drivetrain | RWD |
Type | 5-speed manual |
Gear Ratios (rear) | 3.42 - 2.08 - 1.39 - 1.00 - 0.87 (2.86) |
Final Axel Ratio | 3.77:1 |
Design | |
Seats | 2 |
Doors | 2 |
Length/Width/Height | 4335/1768/1134 mm (170.7/69.6/44.6 in) |
Weight | 1400 kg (3086 lbs) |
Paint Options | / |
Interior Colour Options | / |
Interior Materials | leather |
Cw value | / |
Design by | Giorgietto Giugiaro |
Performance | |
Top Speed | 285 km/h (177 mph) |
0-60mph / 0-100kmh | 6.2 s |
60-120mph / 100-200kmh | / |
60-0mph / 100-0kmh | / |
1/4 Mile | 14.6 s |
Price | |
New | ≈ 26,900 $ |
Used | ≈ 250,000 $ |
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