From 1978 the 4.9 liter V8 producing 257 hp became available in the Kyalami, and consequently the car’s top speed increased to 245 kmh. A right-hand drive version of the Kyalami was added to the range that same year.

The Kyalami appealed to a clientele favoring comfort and understated elegance for long journeys. The ride was supple and the interior was plush, with Connolly leather enrobing the seats, suede covering the dashboard and thick carpets completing the picture. Out of 200 Kyalamis produced, 25 were specified with a 3-speed automatic Borg-Warner gearbox. The model remained in production until 1983 after which the Maserati range would remain without a V8 coupé until 1990 and the arrival of the Shamal.