Maserati Khamsin : 1977

The Maserati Khamsin (named after the Khamsin, a hot, violent wind in the Egyptian desert) was a sports car introduced as a Bertone protype in the 1972 Turin Motorshow, the next year, it was on display at the Paris Motor Show badged as a Maserati, production started in 1974.

1977 Maserati Khamsin.

It sported a front mounted 4.9 litre V-8 delivering 320 hp, housed in bodywork that resembled a lower, flatter Ghibli, designed by Bertone.

Production of the Khamsin ended in 1982, with only 430 examples produced.

The Khamsin had several unusual features, such as DIRAVI power steering, with higher than usual assistance for parking, decreasing with speed, and a glass rear panel (between the taillights) below the rear window, giving reverse visibility surpassing most cars, especially similar sports cars.

DIRAVI power steering.
DIRAVI is the name given by Citroën to its proprietary power steering system, first seen in 1970.

DIRAVI is an acronym for "Direction à rappel asservi" literally meaning "steering with controlled return" more accurately described in English as "power steering with power assisted return". In the UK, it was marketed as VariPower and in the U.S. as SpeedFeel.

This was the first commercially available variable assist power steering arrangement, allowing the motorist power assist when parking, but recognizing that less steering assistance was needed at high speed. This feature is now spreading to mainstream vehicles.

This DIRAVI system is an addition to the integrated Citroën hydropneumatic suspension and braking system and apart from its hydraulic power supply is independent of it.

This unique Citroën power operated self centring steering system is fitted to: Citroën SM, Citroën CX (most), Citroën XM (early Left Hand drive V6), Maserati Quattroporte II, Maserati Khamsin

(images: Daniel Schmitt and Company. text source: Wikipedia)