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Model history and curiosity

The 1990 Maserati Spyder i.e. (often simply referred to as the "Spyder '90") represents the open-top evolution and maturity of the successful Biturbo family.

With this series, Maserati decided to officially drop the "Biturbo" name, introducing a luxurious car that was extensively updated in terms of both aesthetics and mechanics.

The bodywork was entrusted to the renowned design house Zagato, which assembled the cars at its facilities just outside Milan.
To compensate for the lack of a roof, the wheelbase was shortened compared to the sedan and coupé versions; this turned the car into a genuine two-seater (the rear seats offered space that was, at best, nominal) and ensured greater torsional rigidity for the chassis.

Coinciding with the 1990 model year, the car underwent a significant restyling by Marcello Gandini. The rigid geometric lines of the 1980s were softened with new, more wraparound bumpers, aerodynamic side mirrors (the famous "teardrop" style), redesigned 15-inch alloy wheels, and a modernized front grille.

The suffix "i.e." stands for *Iniezione Elettronica* (Electronic Fuel Injection)—a technology that had recently replaced the problematic carburetors of the earlier series, markedly improving reliability and power delivery smoothness.
Although electronic fuel injection had made power delivery more refined compared to the older carbureted models, the V6 engine retained a feisty, temperamental character. Below 3,000 rpm, the car was docile and almost sluggish, but once the twin turbochargers (typically water-cooled IHI units) spooled up, the thrust became brutal and sudden. To help put this sudden surge of power onto the road, Maserati equipped the car with a limited-slip differential (known as Sensitork or Ranger, depending on the version). Designed in-house by Maserati, it significantly improved traction compared to the earliest Biturbo models.

Technical specifications:
- Architecture: 90° V6, twin-turbo;
- Power: 220 hp;
- Max Torque: 260 Nm;
- Top Speed: 225 km/h;
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.5s;
- Drivetrain and transmission: Rear-wheel drive, 5-speed ZF "dogleg" manual gearbox (first gear positioned down and to the left).

The cabin was one of the car's standout features, designed to offer a luxury grand-touring experience and balance out a driving setup that did not prioritize extreme cornering performance. The interior is a triumph of Italian craftsmanship from that era. It is dominated by thick, soft leather upholstery (often two-tone or featuring Alcantara inserts) and genuine walnut burl trim on the dashboard, gear lever, and door panels. It also features the iconic oval analog clock set in the center of the dashboard—a true signature of the Trident marque.

The 1990 Spyder i.e., featuring a styling update by Marcello Gandini, was produced in limited numbers—only a few hundred units—before being replaced by the subsequent and final series (the 1991 Spyder III, equipped with new poly-ellipsoidal headlights).
This makes the "Spyder '90" versions exceptionally rare cars that are seldom encountered on today's classic car market.