Autoblog

Is Chris Bangle headed back to Fiat?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Fiat, Celebrities

Now here's a juicy rumor. Word on the web is that Chris Bangle may be looking to step back into the auto-design mainstream by revisiting one of his former employers. Don't expect new BMW models to be wearing any of the guy's influences though. From what we understand from our Google Translator, Caradisiac believes that Bangle would be the perfect choice for Fiat to give its products an extra level of pizzazz as the company wades even deeper into international waters.

On one level, the move makes sense. After all, Bangle called Fiat home before he moved to BMW in 1991, and the designer cut his teeth and made a name for himself while working on the likes of the Fiat Coupe way back when. But we haven't heard word one from the designer about making a return to the mainstream auto world.

For now, we'll simply file this one under rampant rumor and wishful thinking. Fiat isn't having any trouble cranking out stylish products, and one would think the company has its hands too full dealing with bringing Chrysler back to life to bring on a big name like Bangle. Doesn't hurt to ponder "what if?" though, especially since the guy's non-compete dried up in March.

[Source: Caradisiac]

Is Chris Bangle headed back to Fiat? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The DetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein

Paul Eisenstein — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM, Celebrities

Where have all the mavericks gone?

When he hands in his office keys a few days from now, General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz will begin an oft-delayed retirement that was originally set to begin shortly after the ill-fated "merger of equals" between Daimler and Chrysler.

His decision to rejoin the automotive workforce a few years later wasn't all that much of a surprise to those who knew the former Marine pilot and what quite literally could be called his driving ambition. That leads many to suspect we'll continue to hear from Lutz, even though he bluntly wonders, "Who would hire a senior executive who's nearly 80 years old?"

Finally, it seems, this old soldier really may fade away, taking on a book assignment and a board seat or two. And, in the process, Lutz's departure will bring with it a different sort of change in the auto industry, the departure of the last classic automotive maverick.

Pull out a pen and jot down the names of the best-known auto industry executives. Your list might include Billy Ford or Alan Mulally, Ed Whitacre or even Carlos Ghosn, if you're taking the global view. Despite their prominence, even their willingness to take risks, these aren't exactly the sort of mavericks and eccentrics the industry was long known for.

That goes for Sergio Marchionne, the head of both Fiat and Chrysler. True, he's not your typical gray-flannel executive - he buys his trademark black sweaters "by the dozen," he jokes - and is clearly playing a high-risk poker game in his effort to turn around a desperately ill American automaker. But in the end, if someone eventually writes the Harvard Business Review analysis of the Canadian-educated executive, he'll still turn out to be another by-the-books strategist.

Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading The DetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein

The DetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CAR catches up with designer Chris Bangle - Will he resurface after March 2010?

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Design/Style

There's little question Chris Bangle is one of the greatest designers of his generation. His cars were rarely pretty, but their influence resonated around the automotive world like a pipe bomb in an echo chamber. Much like cutting edge graphic design is born inside art school graduate schools years before it's ready for massive public consumption, Bangle's Bimmers were ahead of their time. And they changed nearly everything. Controversial? Of course, but that's how the public digests new design. Skittishly at first, before becoming so used to the flavor that it's hardly noticed anymore.

Case in point: The Toyota Camry, probably the most conservative car in the world, and one that attempts to appeal to as great a cross-section of buyers as possible, uses the rear end (a.k.a. Bangle Bustle or in the parlance of our times, Bangle Butt) from the 2002 BMW E65 7 Series. Again, you don't have to like Chris Bangle's work, but to deny his influence is to be willfully ignorant. This past February, Mr. Bangle retired from both BMW and the car industry as a whole. And to our knowledge he's been laying pretty low. That is until Britain's Car caught up with him at his design studio/vineyard in northern Italy.

How's he doing? Well, he seems to be the big art school nerd he was before he was able to retire to the Italian country side. In other words, he talks about a car's inherent "carness," as well as stuff like, "It is about creating a different type of relationship between design, design's outcome, the product and the people who use and enjoy it." A big however, however, is in order because we get treated to a more critical, dare we say, unrestrained side of Chris Bangle.

"I feel incredibly motivated to find out how design can overturn this horror of a world," Bangle tells Car. That's one way of taking design to the next level. Bangle also lays some wood into the current state of car design. "You can always argue that the generation before didn't have the constraints that we have, but that's crap." As you can see, it's a fun read. As for the big question - whether or not Chris Bangle will once again design cars after his non-compete clause expires in March of next year, let's just say... maybe.

[Source: Car]

CAR catches up with designer Chris Bangle - Will he resurface after March 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former BMW designer Chris Bangle to open own studio?

Chris Paukert — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW, Rumormill

For those who have been wondering when and where lightning-rod designer Chris Bangle will surface again, Automotive News has some scuttlebutt for you. According to the industry publication, the controversial BMW stylist has some plans of his own - for a new design studio.

While Bangle has not yet gone on record as saying anything, BMW's development head, Klaus Draeger has reportedly spilled the flame-surfaced beans, saying: "He's going to make his own dream come true. He's going to open his own design studio."

It isn't yet clear whether Bangle's next project will have an automotive focus or take his talents to other disciplines, but early reports (and a likely non-compete clause in his Bavarian contract) would probably indicate that he will move on to other things. If Bangle does make room for automotive consulting at some point, his design influence could well spread beyond BMW.

[Automotive News - subs req.]

Former BMW designer Chris Bangle to open own studio? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: BMW 5 Series GT Concept breaks out!

Chris Paukert — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 5 Series Gran Touring Concept

It's been several years in the making, but BMW's plan to expand their inroads further into the "lifestyle" market appears ready to finally bear fruit. Looking something like a ground-bound X6 that's missed a few collagen injections, the 5 Series Gran Turismo concept will likely be one of the last Bimmers that Chris Bangle has had a significant hand in designing (for better or worse).

In any case, these first shots of the 5 Series GT have slipped out in advance of the car's planned Geneva Motor Show unveiling, and it looks like it was caught at some sort of an unveiling for what looks to be a select group of invited media (notice the camera and video rigs in plain sight).

We'll leave the judgments up to you and the gimmicky segmentation jargon to BMW ("Progressive Activity Sedan"... really?), but this double-jointed slant-back definitely looks production-ready, with its evolutionary front end (grille borrowed from the 2010 7-Series, headlamps from the Concept CS, rump from the X6, etc.), We would expect the interior textures and colors to be toned down a bit for production, and perhaps the wheels will get an inch smaller or so, but other than that, we expect this on dealer forecourts without necessitating any major changes. Thanks for the tips, everyone!!

Gallery: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo First Images

[Source: Canalmotor.es via BMWBlog]

Geneva Preview: BMW 5 Series GT Concept breaks out! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bangle rumored to resign over Project i

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW

Earlier this week, the automobile world was shocked with news that BMW Design Chief Chris Bangle was not only retiring from his duties at BMW, but leaving the auto realm entirely. Say what you want about the direction that Bangle took BMW styling, but there's no evidence that the automaker wanted to see him go. In fact, all indications are that the German automaker wanted him to stay, even extending offers to take on other roles within the company.

So, this begs the question: What made him leave? According to BMWBlog, the designer and his minions - especially his successor Adrian Von Hooydonk - disagreed on what direction to take on the upcoming Project i, which could either be released as its own brand or under the existing BMW or MINI tents. At this point, we don't have any indication which way Bangle was leading, but we should find out soon enough as the automaker has already given the project the green light.

[Source: BMWBlog]

Bangle rumored to resign over Project i originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Other Perspectives: Chris Bangle - The man who saved BMW?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW

Chris Bangle, who left BMW earlier this week to move "beyond the automobile," did not create the butt that bears his name - Adrian van Hooydonk did. But most importantly, Bangle did not stand behind that butt; he stood in front of it. It was Bangle's vision for not just BMW, but for automobiles entirely, that allowed that bustle butt to come into existence. Two new essays that look at BMW design before Bangle and the scope of automotive design after Bangle are well worth reading, even if you aren't a fan of the man or his machines.

So while this particular blogger is unmoved by the current 3 Series and 7 Series, bristles at the X3 and X6, and thinks the 6 Series looks like some rare species of giant clam, this same blogger can readily assert that Bangle's vision did something lasting, influential, and important. The exact measures of those three feats will be determined by history's refining hand, but they will not be erased.

If nothing else, providence provided a man named Bangle to hang our epithets on, saving us from having to say "Hooydonk Butt" which just sounds dirty. Follow the links for the stories and see if you think that far from destroying BMW design, the man not only helped rescue the company but perhaps car design itself.

[Source: Speed Sport Life and Motor Trend]

Other Perspectives: Chris Bangle - The man who saved BMW? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Chris Bangle quits BMW, auto industry

Alex Nunez — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW

You won't have Chris Bangle to kick around anymore. The BMW Group design chief famously (or infamously, depending on your point of view) took BMW styling in a radical new direction beginning with the 2002 7-Series, a car that featured the extremely controversial "Bangle Bustle," and then really pushed the envelope (and some enthusiasts' patience) with the "flame-surfaced" 2002 Z4. The automaker's designs have mainstreamed considerably in the intervening years, but Bangle's impact is without question. Cues he pioneered have since been aped by other automakers; take the bustled trunklid of the Acura RL, for example.

And now he's quit BMW.

According to a brief statement released by the automaker, the 52-year-old Bangle has left to "...pursue his own design-related endeavors beyond the auto industry." From the sound of things, the breakup would appear to be an amicable one, as he will "maintain strong ties to the BMW Group." Then again, that could simply be an oblique way of noting that Bangle's influence on the vehicle lineup will be felt long after his departure. Adrian van Hooydonk, the head of design for the BMW brand, will succeed Bangle at the top of BMW Group design.

UPDATE: Official press release added after the jump.

[Source: Dow Jones | Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty]

Continue reading BREAKING: Chris Bangle quits BMW, auto industry

BREAKING: Chris Bangle quits BMW, auto industry originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW influencing low-cost housing with GINA Concept?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Technology, BMW, Lifestyle

The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model was not only about doing more with your car, it was about multiplying the concept of what kind of object a car could be. BMW's design chief ,Chris Bangle, the man behind the BMW GINA Concept, was a recent guest professor at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and brought the vision of GINA with him.

Bangle's challenge to the class was that they utilize the transformable skin from the concept car to create "futuristic housing concepts." The students came up with homes that almost act as foils for their owners - one "would give you more space, but only if you negotiated it with your neighbors." The idea of a house that can mutate along with us is a clever carryover of technology from concept auto to domicile. Even so, the idea of a house that chides us with "Go ask Bob next door if it's all right..." could take some getting used to. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

[Source: NY Times via BMW Blog]

BMW influencing low-cost housing with GINA Concept? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 BMW Z4 moons the camera

Chris Shunk — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, BMW

We're waiting with bated breath for the December 15 unveiling of the all-new BMW Z4, but as we inch closer to Z-day we're getting a clearer picture of how the redesigned roadster will look. On Wednesday we caught a glimpse of the Z4 that revealed much smoother, very un-Bangle-looking side panels. Above is the newest Z4 teaser, and as you can see, its a booty shot. The first thing we noticed was the bulging rear wheel arch, which gives the Z4 a more sporting personality than its predecessor. BMW designers also added a strong character line that starts from the inside of the headlamp and continues back to the very BMW-looking tail lamps, complete with white LED accent lights. Two healthy-sized exhaust tips reside out back to keep the Z4's naturally aspirated or turbocharged 3.0L in-line six breathing freely.

If you see the hard top and assume that you're looking at the Z4 coupe, you're likely wrong. The new Z4 will come as a hard-top convertible for 2009, with a soft-top variant rumored to be arriving one year later. Future Zs could also include an M-inspired variant with the M3's 4.0L V8 and a smaller Z2 roadster. The new Z4 looks very promising, but we'll hold off on final judgment until we can check out the high-res photos on the 15th.

[Source: BMW Blog]

2010 BMW Z4 moons the camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IED students imagine a pod-shaped BMW in 2015

Michael Harley — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, BMW

Click above image for more IED concepts in high-res

While we certainly don't expect BMW to make such drastic design changes to its lineup within this decade, third-year students at the Turin-based IED (istituto Europeo di Design) were asked to interpret what the German automaker's automobiles would look like in 2015. Although they worked from a clean slate, inspiration was to come from natural elements such as the sea, wind, or the earth. Thirty-five students were divided into eighteen teams for the task. Those teams conjured up, and approved, twelve proposals. Of those, eight were developed into 1:4 scale models. To ensure the quality standards of their trademark, each of the stages of development were supervised under the watchful eye of BMW execs Thomas Plath, Anders Warming, and the controversial Mr. Bangle-butt himself...Chris Bangle. Check the gallery below for high-res images of the fruits of their labor.

Gallery: IED BMW Concepts

[Source: Car Body Design]

IED students imagine a pod-shaped BMW in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-Series snagged in Melbourne

Michael Harley — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

BMW's future flagship 7-Series sedan has been spotted in Melbourne, Australia on its way back from a photo shoot. Not due until 2009, this all-new platform will carry BMW's internal designation F01/F02 (the F02 is the long-wheelbase model). It is expected to go into production later this year with cars rolling into showrooms shortly thereafter.

We've seen other spy shots of the 7-Series, however these latest shots are indicative of a vehicle in near-finished form. The exterior and interior appear complete, as well. While we still aren't seeing clear shots of the exterior, it has been widely rumored that the new 7-Series will be a departure from the current Bangle-designed sedan, with styling reported to look much like the BMW CS Concept. BMW may show us its new 7-Series as early as September at the Paris Auto Show. Of course, Autoblog will be there. Thanks for the tip Mike S!

[Source: Carpoint]

Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-Series snagged in Melbourne originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chris Bangle talks BMW X6

Chris Shunk — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW

Click the image above for a 60-shot high-res gallery

The BMW X6 production concept CUV blends the looks and driving dynamics that aficionados expect with the high seating position and extra cargo space of a crossover. The X6 appears to be more of a fashion statement than it is a fully functioning "Sport Activity Vehicle," as that steeply raked butt dooesn't look like it can hold too many golf bags inside.

One look at the X6 reveal comments shows how polarizing the big utility "coupe" is, but the video of the X6 after the jump makes the concept look like a world-beater. Chris Bangle and his design team give us a peek at the new sports crossover, as well as the thinking behind BMW's next big idea. Take a look after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Gallery: BMW X6 - Live from Frankfurt

Continue reading VIDEO: Chris Bangle talks BMW X6

VIDEO: Chris Bangle talks BMW X6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: BMW X6 teaser with Chris Bangle

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Videos, Crossover, BMW

The build-up to the debut of the BMW X6 is nigh, and in addition to the de-camo'd mule that was spied earlier today, the boys from Bavaria have decided to let Chris Bangle explain the design ethos of the new SAV in front of a cloaked concept.

Mr. Bangle goes into detail over the six-minute flick about what BMW's aim for the X6 is, who it's targeting and what kind of capabilities we should expect from this 'ute in coupe's clothing. He even says that it might have some off-road prowess. We shall see.

In the meantime, check out the BMW-produced video after the jump and keep tabs on all the unveilings from the IAA in Frankfurt here.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW X6 teaser with Chris Bangle

VIDEO: BMW X6 teaser with Chris Bangle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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6 + 7 = smitten: BMW 7-Series goes under the knife

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, BMW

We just showed you spy shots of a heavily disguised 7-series a couple of weeks ago, but here is an artist's interpretation of the new 7 in the raw. With an oh-so-sexy 6-series nose grafted to the formidable sedan, it makes quite an impression. Losing some of the flame-surfacing that Chris Bangle has made into a household ~~joke~~ name, at least among car geeks, the more subtly styled 7 appears to be taking the more conservative road, leaving rival Mercedes alone on the cutting edge, or the cutting room floor depending on your perspective. Indeed, with the new S-class now more closely resembling its big brother Maybach, this 7-series update might actually appear old-fashioned to some.

On the market since 2002, with a nip tuck in '05, the current 7-series has been praised for everything except its looks, and BMW has decided 2008 is the time to change that. Everybody seems to refer to this redesign as a toned-down shape for BMW, but the truth is that it is at the same time sexier and more elegant, making the 7 look more like the new 3- and 6-series, which isn't a bad thing at all. Click the read link for more photos and info.

[Source: Auto Express]

6 + 7 = smitten: BMW 7-Series goes under the knife originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coachbuilder tour de force: the Antas GT

Stuart Waterman — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance

On display this week at the Top Marques auto show in Monaco is this extravagant one-off by Italian coachbuilders Walter Faralli (right, above) & Luca Mazzanti (left). Although pictures of the car are all over the net this week, it actually debuted in September 2005 at the Gran Premio Automobilistico di Roma.

The Antas GT is at the opposite end of the car-building spectrum from the Caparo T1, also on display in Monaco. While the T1 is a pure expression of form following function, the Antas is rolling sculpture, with its roadgoing performance secondary to the expression of historic design themes of the 1930's and 1950's. With a nod to its Italian roots, the Antas gets its name from the ancient Etruscan word for "Eagle."

Even the engine bay plays a part, scorning fuel injection for the crowning touch of the chrome intake trumpets of four two-barrel Weber carbs - the classic performance statement of the '50s and '60s brought back to life.

The Antas wasn't "designed" in the way that Chris Bangle or J Mays probably thinks of design, it was drawn. In the words of Faralli & Mazzanti, "Nothing was developed by computer; everything came from the heart, from the imagination and the capable hands of experts."

Whether or not you think the Antas is a beautiful car, it's nice to know that the automotive world still has a place for artists like Faralli & Mazzanti. More pictures after the jump, and check out the extensive galleries at the F&M website, here.

[Source: Progettofem.it]

Continue reading Coachbuilder tour de force: the Antas GT

Coachbuilder tour de force: the Antas GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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