car_for_mom
02-21-2006, 01:20 AM
Fellow Bimmerphiles,
Well it seems that Chris Bangle has been given absolution by the NY Times (at least); there is a fascinating article in the Monday (2/20/2006) Automobiles section entitled "A Flood of Imitations Flatter a Once-Mocked Rump".
It's a fairly long article, but here are some highlights:
"A circle will be closed next week at the Geneve auto show, when BMW introduces its new Z4, coupe, a production model based on the X coupe design study unveiled in 2001
...In addition to the redesigns of the 7, 5 and 3 Series cars, Mr. Bangle presided over an expansion that included the introduction of the Z8 sports car, a Z4 roadster, the X3 and X5 sport wagons, the sporty 6 Series and the subcompact 1 Series (which is not sold in the United States). He also supervised the styling of the Mini Cooper and the Rolls-Royce Phantom at BMW's subsidiaries.
...Mr. Bangle is arguably the most influential auto designer of his generation - and he is not yet 50. He has certainly been the most vilified, inspiring letters of outrage to editors and indignant postings on Web sites [hmmm, wonder which ones are they thinking of? :angel: ]
...In his work, the American-born Mr. Bangle has tried to convey that a car's shape can be expressive as well as functional. To relieve the bulk and express the dynamism of the previously stolid 7 Series, he sculptured the sides, creased the hod and separated the rear deck from the fenders, producing a look widely mocked as the "Bangle Butt".
...Critics focused on what seemed an ungainly afterthought, a committee-ordered addition. But -- wonder of wonders -- customers were less offended than the press. That most derided feature is today one of the most imitated. Many Korean and Japanese models now feature similar rear ends. The 2007 Toyota Camry is one; even Mercedes-Benz, BMW's archrival, seems to have taken a page from Mr. Bangle's sketchpad for its new S-Class flagship."
The rest of the article describes the re-redesign of the 7 Series, some quotes from Bangle and a critique of his design from the VP of design for Ford Motor, a Mr. J. Mays. Mr. Mays does not care for Mr. Bangle's designs, while acknowledging his considerable influence upon the industry. There is a picture showing the rear ends of the 7 Series, Lexus LS460, Hyundai Azera, Lexus GS 450h, Toyota Camry and Chrysler Imperial - how the others resemble the 7 Series.
The article ends with this:
"Some of the most vocal Bangle critics seemed to have softened their tone, even the hard-core enthusiasts. Mr. Bangle, never overly modest, is now more muted. He is doing all he can not to claim victory too loudly"
Well it seems that Chris Bangle has been given absolution by the NY Times (at least); there is a fascinating article in the Monday (2/20/2006) Automobiles section entitled "A Flood of Imitations Flatter a Once-Mocked Rump".
It's a fairly long article, but here are some highlights:
"A circle will be closed next week at the Geneve auto show, when BMW introduces its new Z4, coupe, a production model based on the X coupe design study unveiled in 2001
...In addition to the redesigns of the 7, 5 and 3 Series cars, Mr. Bangle presided over an expansion that included the introduction of the Z8 sports car, a Z4 roadster, the X3 and X5 sport wagons, the sporty 6 Series and the subcompact 1 Series (which is not sold in the United States). He also supervised the styling of the Mini Cooper and the Rolls-Royce Phantom at BMW's subsidiaries.
...Mr. Bangle is arguably the most influential auto designer of his generation - and he is not yet 50. He has certainly been the most vilified, inspiring letters of outrage to editors and indignant postings on Web sites [hmmm, wonder which ones are they thinking of? :angel: ]
...In his work, the American-born Mr. Bangle has tried to convey that a car's shape can be expressive as well as functional. To relieve the bulk and express the dynamism of the previously stolid 7 Series, he sculptured the sides, creased the hod and separated the rear deck from the fenders, producing a look widely mocked as the "Bangle Butt".
...Critics focused on what seemed an ungainly afterthought, a committee-ordered addition. But -- wonder of wonders -- customers were less offended than the press. That most derided feature is today one of the most imitated. Many Korean and Japanese models now feature similar rear ends. The 2007 Toyota Camry is one; even Mercedes-Benz, BMW's archrival, seems to have taken a page from Mr. Bangle's sketchpad for its new S-Class flagship."
The rest of the article describes the re-redesign of the 7 Series, some quotes from Bangle and a critique of his design from the VP of design for Ford Motor, a Mr. J. Mays. Mr. Mays does not care for Mr. Bangle's designs, while acknowledging his considerable influence upon the industry. There is a picture showing the rear ends of the 7 Series, Lexus LS460, Hyundai Azera, Lexus GS 450h, Toyota Camry and Chrysler Imperial - how the others resemble the 7 Series.
The article ends with this:
"Some of the most vocal Bangle critics seemed to have softened their tone, even the hard-core enthusiasts. Mr. Bangle, never overly modest, is now more muted. He is doing all he can not to claim victory too loudly"
