Concept Debrief – 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO – Leading Wedge Hypercar



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The wedge.

This design mantra took over the minds of the world’s top stylists collectively around 1970 – as the Ferrari 512 S Module and the Lancia Stratos HF Zero concepts swept everyone to accept the shape.

The design was the ultimate expression of mid-engine hypercar engineering of the time. In wind tunnels of the day, the goal was to have as little front surface area as possible. Something like a rocket for the road.

Ferrari 512 S Modulo at Atlanta Dream Cars exhibit

http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/06/10/dream-cars-1970-ferrari-512s-modulo-pininfarina/

Car-Revs-Daily.com Atlanta Dream Cars Showcase - 1970 Ferrari 512 S Modulo by Pininfarina 1  512 S MODULO Gif 1

 

 

Lancia Stratos HF Zero at Atlanta Dream Cars exhibit

http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/06/10/dream-cars-1970-lancia-stratos-hf-zero-by-bertone/

Car-Revs-Daily.com Atlanta Dream Cars Showcase - 1970 Ferrari 512 S Modulo by Pininfarina 14

Wind tunnels in this era were largely the last step of a design – mostly to flag any huge turbulence issues. The sophisticated computer modelling of today was just a twinkle in the DoD and NASA’s eye at the time, so the intuition of a designer often led the day.

But unlike the 512 S Modulo and others, the Boomerang concept was designed to go into production — tomorrow. It debuted in 1972 just a few months after the Bertone-styled Lamborghini Countach, and aimed to make Lambo’s vision seem quaint. In fact, the Countach has a very blunt nose and shape by comparison.

Production-ready elements are seen in the relatively practical doors, enclosed popup headlights and even the cabin. The steering wheel with its rim-mounted setup is quite breathtaking even today. The gauges are all so accessible, you just want to reach out and tap them to see if they are the real deal.

The Boomerang did not see the light of day at the end of a Maserati factory, but mostly due to economic issues around the world in the early 1970s. Maserati was between owners and cash was tight, making the Boomerang just another icon in Giugiaro’s greatest hits catalog.

Even today, however, the Boomerang is emblematic of the era. Hopeful and lustfully futuristic, the Boomerang even starred in a recent Louis Vuitton advertising campaign. Shot by Annie Leibowitz, no less! The presence of the Boomerang clearly upstages the model and handbags!1972 Maserati Boomerang 111972 Maserati Boomerang 10

1972 Maserati Boomerang  Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 11 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 13 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 14 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 15 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 16 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 17 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 18 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 19 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 20 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 1 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 9 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 12 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 10 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 8 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 7 1972 Maserati Boomerang 11 ??????

Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 6

Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 2 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 3 1972 Maserati Boomerang 10 1972 Maserati Boomerang 22 1972 Maserati Boomerang 25 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 5 1972 Maserati Boomerang 1 1972 Maserati Boomerang 2 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 21 Concept Debrief - 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO 4 ??????1972 Maserati Boomerang 27 ?????? 1972 Maserati Boomerang 301972 Maserati Boomerang 19 1972 Maserati Boomerang 18 1972 Maserati Boomerang 28 1972 Maserati Boomerang 24 1972 Maserati Boomerang 20 1972 Maserati Boomerang 21 1972 Maserati Boomerang 26 1972 Maserati Boomerang 25 1972 Maserati Boomerang 23 1972 Maserati Boomerang 29 1972 Maserati Boomerang 17 1972 Maserati Boomerang 14 1972 Maserati Boomerang 9 1972 Maserati Boomerang 8 1972 Maserati Boomerang 12 1972 Maserati Boomerang 16 1972 Maserati Boomerang 31 1972 Maserati Boomerang 6 1972 Maserati Boomerang 7 1972 Maserati Boomerang 5 1972 Maserati Boomerang 1 ?????? 1972 Maserati Boomerang 2 1972 Maserati Boomerang 22 ??????

 

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