Maserati is a brand that has always been synonymous with style, elegance, and performance. The Italian automaker has a rich history of creating stunning vehicles that combine innovation and tradition, blending modern technology with classic aesthetics. One of the most distinctive features of Maserati’s design language is the boomerang-shaped taillights, which have become a signature element of the brand’s identity.
The origin of the boomerang-shaped taillights can be traced back to the Maserati 3200GT, a four-seater grand tourer that was produced from 1998 to 2002. The 3200GT was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, one of the most influential and prolific car designers of all time, who had previously worked on other iconic Maserati models such as the Ghibli, Bora, and Merak.
Giugiaro wanted to create a car that was both elegant and sporty, with a sleek and aerodynamic profile. He also wanted to pay homage to the 3500GT, the first series production grand tourer of Maserati, which was launched in 1957.
The 3200GT was the first car in the world to feature LED taillights, which were arranged in the shape of a boomerang. The outer layer of the boomerang provided the brake light, while the inner layer provided the directional indicator. The taillights were not only a functional innovation, but also a stylistic one, as they gave the car a distinctive and futuristic look. The boomerang-shaped taillights also echoed the shape of the Maserati logo, the Trident, which symbolizes the brand’s heritage and values.
The 3200GT was a success for Maserati, both commercially and critically, as it sold nearly 5,000 units and received positive reviews from the media and customers. The car was praised for its performance, handling, comfort, and design, and was considered a true Gran Turismo in the great tradition of the brand. The 3200GT was also the car that marked the beginning of Maserati’s global revival, as it was followed by other successful models such as the Coupé, the Spyder, the Quattroporte, and the GranTurismo.
The boomerang-shaped taillights became a trademark of Maserati, and were adopted by other models in the following years. The Coupé and the Spyder, which replaced the 3200GT in 2002, retained the boomerang-shaped taillights, albeit with a slightly modified design. The GranTurismo, which was launched in 2007, also featured the boomerang-shaped taillights, as well as the GranCabrio, which was introduced in 2010. The boomerang-shaped taillights were also used on some concept cars, such as the Alfieri, which was unveiled in 2014, and the MCXtrema, which was revealed in 2023.
The boomerang-shaped taillights are a testament to Maserati’s ability to create clean, contemporary lines with quintessential design elements that reflect the brand’s identity and heritage. They are a symbol of Maserati’s passion for excellence, innovation, and beauty, and a tribute to the genius of Giorgetto Giugiaro, who gave the brand one of its most iconic and recognizable features. The boomerang-shaped taillights are more than just a detail, they are a part of Maserati’s DNA.
