motor

Bernardo · 02-03-2009, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by WCF

Bangle Quits BMW and Auto Industry Altogether
Christopher Bangle, legendary head of BMW Group design, will hand the reigns over to Adrian van Hooydonk

Here is some news that will be a shocker to the industry: Christopher Bangle has quit as head of design for BMW Group and plans to leave the auto industry altogether.

BMW has announced the news in a press release. Bangle says he will be pursuing other design challenges beyond automobiles.

Bangle's influence on BMW's recent history and his contributions to the premium car maker's success are difficult to overstate. Bangle, only 52, is a legend in automotive design and has been head of BMW Design Development since 1992.

He headed the design evolution of the BMW 3, 5 and 7 series from the 1990s into the 2000s, an era of commercial and critical success for those models.

Bangle's team also designed all the new models introduced under his tenure - which include the Z3, Z4, Z8, X5, X6, the 6 series and the 1 series. Bangle was also instrumental in creating the MINI, a car that BMW revamped and launched as a new brand. MINI has also been a success for the Bavaria automaker.

Bangle did take some heat from critics for what was seen as a poor re-design of the 7 series back in 2002 but his achievements have far outweighed any missteps.

Adrian van Hooydonk, 44, currently the head of design at BMW Automobile, will take Bangle's place as Director of BMW Group Design. He has worked closely alongside Bangle for 17 years.

Source: BMW

Late he goes.

jorge · 02-03-2009, 11:17 AM

Thank god

HeilSvenska · 02-03-2009, 12:21 PM

Many may revile him, but no one contributed more to the automotive design field than him in the last 10 years. Brilliant. Maybe too clever for his own good.

wolfganggt · 02-03-2009, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by HeilSvenska

Many may revile him, but no one contributed more to the automotive design field than him in the last 10 years. Brilliant. Maybe too clever for his own good.

Having seen a video of a presentation he gave about design, he seems to know what he doing. Unfortunately, looking at the cars he is responsible for over the last several years, it appears he can't apply the knowledge very well.

The only thing he designed that I like is the Z4 hard top.

He has designed more production cars then I have, so maybe he is doing something right. Or maybe everyone at BMW is blind. Is there such a thing as beer goggles for cars?

nthfinity · 02-03-2009, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by wolfganggt

Having seen a video of a presentation he gave about design, he seems to know what he doing. Unfortunately, looking at the cars he is responsible for over the last several years, it appears he can't apply the knowledge very well.

The only thing he designed that I like is the Z4 hard top.

He has designed more production cars then I have, so maybe he is doing something right. Or maybe everyone at BMW is blind. Is there such a thing as beer goggles for cars?

I can't say his designs are particularly ugly. I may not like some of them... in fact, I'm pretty much in step with you where his best was the Z4 Coupe. The 5er was pretty good too, and the 3 is quite nice in 2 door form.

That said, he has had the most influence on car design in general industry wide; and that IMO is something special. I am shocked. But like some have said... maybe he felt limited in his design aspirations by staying with the auto industry. Maybe he was "too good."

10000rpmlover · 02-03-2009, 01:24 PM

yes, good riddance to that asshole, I'd have fired him the moment I saw a drawing of the M5 he made, idiot

RC45 · 02-03-2009, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by nthfinity

That said, he has had the most influence on car design in general industry wide; and that IMO is something special.

I dont think it was "something special" -I think it was a pity.
Too many pandared to the so called "Bangle rilliance" and for a long time car design suffered.

black_diamond · 02-03-2009, 03:26 PM

Like him or love him he changed the entire car industry-every car maker has introduced his design schemes in one shape or form, personally I still love the Z4. Wish you the best Chris.

I found his new non-automotive design...

Bernardo · 02-03-2009, 03:42 PM

/\ Well, seems like hes doing better in the non car industry...

HeilSvenska · 02-03-2009, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by Bernardo

/\ Well, seems like hes doing better in the non car industry...

But his reputation still in the crapper.

RC45 · 02-03-2009, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by black_diamond

Like him or love him he changed the entire car industry

Thats the problem.. the car industry didnt need him - he took the most classic and beloved BMW models and spent more time making them "hipper"... insetad of better

Alelanza · 02-06-2009, 06:19 PM

Shame, most of the cars were rather good

RC45 · 02-06-2009, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by Alelanza

Shame, most of the cars were rather good

Better looking than pre-bangle BMW's?

10000rpmlover · 02-06-2009, 11:36 PM

Originally Posted by Alelanza

Shame, most of the cars were rather good

good is not a word anyone in the vehicle production business would ever associate with bangle created monstrosities, this guy and his couple of croonies converted BMW into bleh, look at a series 5 from before his time and you will understand

pitfield · 02-07-2009, 09:25 AM

What about the E46? a real stinker?