BMW: Chris Bangle news **Speculation on Departure (page 6)**
10-09-2003, 10:26 AM
#42
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He will always remain a douche
10-09-2003, 01:05 PM
#43
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I think he's fooled himself into thinking most people like his designs and only a few hate them.
Ooh, I like this one "Many vehicles that we look at today with romanticism, when they came out they were very provocative." He's mistaking fugly for "provocative". You gotta love this guy. w00t!
Ooh, I like this one "Many vehicles that we look at today with romanticism, when they came out they were very provocative." He's mistaking fugly for "provocative". You gotta love this guy. w00t!
Yes, he should have been a salesman...a BMW salesman. A.S.S. Arrogant. Shit for brains. Slob. (I'm reaching on the last one) 
10-09-2003, 02:31 PM
#49
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Originally posted by unsure
but wait, arent bmw sales up across the board, even for the cars he designed?
but wait, arent bmw sales up across the board, even for the cars he designed?
The truth is that we still cant tell about the effect that the Bangle influence will have in the bottom line of BMW as a public company (net profits but also revenues too). It's still too early to tell.
A couple of things are clear though. The Z4 is successful. The 7 series is not as successful and the verdict is still out for the 5. It looks like a 50-50 thing right now. Too early though. Finally, I a expect the X3 to be a big hit as well. So, Bangle has not really done anything hugely negative for the company yet.
10-09-2003, 04:39 PM
#51
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Originally posted by gavriil
Exactly my next thought... Bangle is laughing at all of us in the meantime.
The truth is that we still cant tell about the effect that the Bangle influence will have in the bottom line of BMW as a public company (net profits but also revenues too). It's still too early to tell.
A couple of things are clear though. The Z4 is successful. The 7 series is not as successful and the verdict is still out for the 5. It looks like a 50-50 thing right now. Too early though. Finally, I a expect the X3 to be a big hit as well. So, Bangle has not really done anything hugely negative for the company yet.
Exactly my next thought... Bangle is laughing at all of us in the meantime.
The truth is that we still cant tell about the effect that the Bangle influence will have in the bottom line of BMW as a public company (net profits but also revenues too). It's still too early to tell.
A couple of things are clear though. The Z4 is successful. The 7 series is not as successful and the verdict is still out for the 5. It looks like a 50-50 thing right now. Too early though. Finally, I a expect the X3 to be a big hit as well. So, Bangle has not really done anything hugely negative for the company yet.
X3 will be popular because it's an crossover thingy...but I didn't think it was designed by Bangle.
10-09-2003, 05:01 PM
#52
Fahrvergnügen'd
What is this sweeping tide of change in autos that he keeps blathering on about? You'd think someone figured out how to make cars fly or something.
The Z4 is the only design of his I like and that's only because of the 18s that the 3.0i has with the sport package. The base model looks like shit. Wheels make a huge difference, which is why everyone on this board buys them I guess
The Z4 is the only design of his I like and that's only because of the 18s that the 3.0i has with the sport package. The base model looks like shit. Wheels make a huge difference, which is why everyone on this board buys them I guess
10-10-2003, 08:23 AM
#53
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I don't see that many Z4's here... and I live in the bay area, cali... where BMW's outnumber honda's in some neighborhoods.
I know many people who were turned off by the looks of it... especially the droopy eye headlights.
I know many people who were turned off by the looks of it... especially the droopy eye headlights.
10-10-2003, 09:59 AM
#56
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7 series is selling a lil more than before but for the 1st time they have had to offer lease deals to sell them. I am seeing Z4s around and damn, they are ugly. I love the inside though.
BMW will sell cause it's a BMW period. No matter who or what styles em.
BMW will sell cause it's a BMW period. No matter who or what styles em.
01-16-2004, 10:20 AM
#58
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Bye Bye Bangle
From AutoSpies:
Unfortunately, they didn't credit us for breaking this story last spring...
From: Auto Express magazine
BANGLE ON HIS WAY OUT
Highlights from the article...
It looks as though the controversial relationship between BMW and its chief designer,Chris Bangle,could be coming to the end of the road,Auto Express can exclusively reveal.
While the flamboyant stylists radical remake of the German company's range has divided opinion across the car world,BMW has remained fiercely loyal to him.Now however there are rumours that the American,whom we interviewed exclusively back in issue 773,will step down from the hot seat in less than a years time.
According to our source at BMW HQ in Munich,word has it that Bangle will stay for the Global launch of the 1 Series this aut,before declaring that his daring brand rethink is complete and that the time has come for a new design boss to take over.
The fact that Bangle's far reaching overhaul of BMW's family identity is now nearly complete is not the only sign that the Americans influence in the boardroom is slipping.Our spies have told us that re-engineered and facelifted X5 was originaly destined to sport a new nose with radically angled headlamps,not unlike those fitted to the new 5 series.
One insider said he saw the finnished model 2 years ago,but by the time the car was unveiled at last September's Frankfurt Motor Show the adventurous look had been mysteriously dropped in favour of a more conservative style.This suggested that some in the BMW hierarchy aren't happy.
Now a revamped 7 series has reportedly suffered the same fate.The car was expected to adopt new headlamps and a revised tail.And even though a prototype was seen running last spring,the model has yet to be launched.
Auto Spies perspective: He's one of the best and nicest in the business but product results are everything and we think the products could look a lot better across the board...It could signal the end of BMW's "Go ugly early" design strategy.
And here's our first big prediction for 2004...If this is true we predict Henrik Fisker will return to run BMW's design group (Z8, Aston DB9 designer, etc. now at Ford). He's the best in the business right now and BMW is where he should be...our .02
Unfortunately, they didn't credit us for breaking this story last spring...
From: Auto Express magazine
BANGLE ON HIS WAY OUT
Highlights from the article...
It looks as though the controversial relationship between BMW and its chief designer,Chris Bangle,could be coming to the end of the road,Auto Express can exclusively reveal.
While the flamboyant stylists radical remake of the German company's range has divided opinion across the car world,BMW has remained fiercely loyal to him.Now however there are rumours that the American,whom we interviewed exclusively back in issue 773,will step down from the hot seat in less than a years time.
According to our source at BMW HQ in Munich,word has it that Bangle will stay for the Global launch of the 1 Series this aut,before declaring that his daring brand rethink is complete and that the time has come for a new design boss to take over.
The fact that Bangle's far reaching overhaul of BMW's family identity is now nearly complete is not the only sign that the Americans influence in the boardroom is slipping.Our spies have told us that re-engineered and facelifted X5 was originaly destined to sport a new nose with radically angled headlamps,not unlike those fitted to the new 5 series.
One insider said he saw the finnished model 2 years ago,but by the time the car was unveiled at last September's Frankfurt Motor Show the adventurous look had been mysteriously dropped in favour of a more conservative style.This suggested that some in the BMW hierarchy aren't happy.
Now a revamped 7 series has reportedly suffered the same fate.The car was expected to adopt new headlamps and a revised tail.And even though a prototype was seen running last spring,the model has yet to be launched.
Auto Spies perspective: He's one of the best and nicest in the business but product results are everything and we think the products could look a lot better across the board...It could signal the end of BMW's "Go ugly early" design strategy.
And here's our first big prediction for 2004...If this is true we predict Henrik Fisker will return to run BMW's design group (Z8, Aston DB9 designer, etc. now at Ford). He's the best in the business right now and BMW is where he should be...our .02
01-16-2004, 10:51 AM
#63
Cost Drivers!!!!
Originally posted by soopa
damn. i love his designs... he is brilliant.
an arrogant prick... but brilliant.
damn. i love his designs... he is brilliant.
an arrogant prick... but brilliant.
01-16-2004, 12:05 PM
#66
Senior Moderator
Originally posted by Zapata
7 series is nice but the 5 series....looks bad.....different design but just not right.... dunno i liked it on paper.....looks terrible in person. BMWs looks chissled before now....look like they are wearing body armor....aside from the 7 series.....
7 series is nice but the 5 series....looks bad.....different design but just not right.... dunno i liked it on paper.....looks terrible in person. BMWs looks chissled before now....look like they are wearing body armor....aside from the 7 series.....
how can you like the 7 series but not the 5? The 5 is very toned down compared to the 7.
I think you just got used to seeing the 7 and now are fine with it, in time you will feel the same about the 5. IMO
Only thing i hate about the new BMWs are their interior, other than that i still love them.
01-16-2004, 12:24 PM
#67
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Considering its a luxury car, the interior is one of the most important features. The x3 seems to be back on track in that respect. I don't think any of the new designs are great, hopefully the 3 will change that.
"but product results are everything and we think the products could look a lot better across the board...It could signal the end of BMW's "Go ugly early" design strategy."
I don't know what the deal is with AutoSpies and BMW, always seeing comments from them how this or that BMW isn't doing well, but BMW sales have been record setting.
"but product results are everything and we think the products could look a lot better across the board...It could signal the end of BMW's "Go ugly early" design strategy."
I don't know what the deal is with AutoSpies and BMW, always seeing comments from them how this or that BMW isn't doing well, but BMW sales have been record setting.
01-16-2004, 12:39 PM
#71
The sizzle in the Steak
HURRAY!!! Now fix that 5 series pronto!
01-16-2004, 02:18 PM
#72
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I think that Bangle leaving is a loss for BMW. That does not mean that I like the design on the 7, nor the 5 (although I think it looks much better than the previous gen. 5 series).
BMW was missing that hot spice and Bangle gave it to them - the question was if he put too much pepper in some models. Probably yes. Though, in time that would have been fixed.
BMW was missing that hot spice and Bangle gave it to them - the question was if he put too much pepper in some models. Probably yes. Though, in time that would have been fixed.
01-16-2004, 02:42 PM
#73
Cost Drivers!!!!
Originally posted by Crazy Sellout
how can you like the 7 series but not the 5? The 5 is very toned down compared to the 7.
I think you just got used to seeing the 7 and now are fine with it, in time you will feel the same about the 5. IMO
Only thing i hate about the new BMWs are their interior, other than that i still love them.
how can you like the 7 series but not the 5? The 5 is very toned down compared to the 7.
I think you just got used to seeing the 7 and now are fine with it, in time you will feel the same about the 5. IMO
Only thing i hate about the new BMWs are their interior, other than that i still love them.
5 series has a design that doesn't match and previous heritage or new philosophy that the car is trying to get accross. The great thing about the previous generation 5 series is it's refined presence. It performed very well and it did it with grace. The new design lacks the 1. muscularitiy 2. grace 3. distinguished presence that the previous gen had. Bangle went too over the top with it. You don't need your mid level lux sports sedan to be so ostentatious when it doesn't NEED to be. It seems like the car is trying too hard to get people's attention.
I love what Bangle did with the roadsters....you want your roadsters to have a flashy character.
01-16-2004, 03:00 PM
#74
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:bananahump: :bananahump: :bananahump: :blaze: :blaze: :bigclap: :bigclap: :bigclap: :bigclap: :bigclap: 
Thank GOD!!!!!! Only thing that sucks is that is that will still take 6-7 years to even totally phase out his shit.
01-16-2004, 03:02 PM
#75
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Originally posted by Zapata
7 series has a distinctive design that speaks to the character of the car.
5 series has a design that doesn't match and previous heritage or new philosophy that the car is trying to get accross. The great thing about the previous generation 5 series is it's refined presence. It performed very well and it did it with grace. The new design lacks the 1. muscularitiy 2. grace 3. distinguished presence that the previous gen had. Bangle went too over the top with it. You don't need your mid level lux sports sedan to be so ostentatious when it doesn't NEED to be. It seems like the car is trying too hard to get people's attention.
7 series has a distinctive design that speaks to the character of the car.
5 series has a design that doesn't match and previous heritage or new philosophy that the car is trying to get accross. The great thing about the previous generation 5 series is it's refined presence. It performed very well and it did it with grace. The new design lacks the 1. muscularitiy 2. grace 3. distinguished presence that the previous gen had. Bangle went too over the top with it. You don't need your mid level lux sports sedan to be so ostentatious when it doesn't NEED to be. It seems like the car is trying too hard to get people's attention.
But with the 5 i totally agree. and i dont like any of his other designs.
