Previous work of Chris Bangle

When he was at Fiat he did the Multipla...

http://www.showroom@fiat.co.uk/merismus/Gallery/c4021a.jpg

http://www.buy@fiat.com/merismus/Gallery/c2012a.jpg

No comments.. ouich

Which cars did he do before this??

So we should blame BMW HRD Manager / recruitment manager then? Well, anyone looking at THAT in an applicants CV surely know that admitting him/her means you're looking for trouble :D

OMG! *Hits forehead in shame* Why BMW? Why?

I give up... *shaking head*

Not taking sides here as I also dislike many of the designs. Didn't Bangle design the beautiful Z8? Perhaps there is some light at the end of this very dark tunnel. Let's keep our fingers crossed on the official debut of the 5 series...

I don't think he designed anything.. wasn't he just the lead guy and not the actual designer?

Is that horrible thing his work? God save BMW! :mad:

Best regards,

Fedde

Originally posted by KRM5
Not taking sides here as I also dislike many of the designs. Didn't Bangle design the beautiful Z8? Perhaps there is some light at the end of this very dark tunnel. Let's keep our fingers crossed on the official debut of the 5 series...

Henrik Fisker (now with Aston Martin) was responsible for the Z8.

Originally posted by B8 Guru
When he was at Fiat he did the Multipla...

No comments.. ouich

Which cars did he do before this??

If that is right then he is a a bit of a genius, because Fiat Multipla is the MPV of the year for 2 years running in Europe. I like it too because it is so different and individual but still gets thumbs up for space design.

I just read his interview in Autocar and he says: "When BMW does a car it is not a me-too car" and "not one sausage in different lengths"

:) Honestly, he made a point there.

I start to appreciate this man. His E65 is a bit too bold. Knowing Germans, they must already have drawn up contingency plans for future face-lifts. Not to worry Mates.

Originally posted by Pamilih
Knowing Germans, they must already have drawn up contingency plans for future face-lifts. Not to worry Mates.

Hope so...

Yes Mr Bangle was the lead guy. That means he was responsible for the designs. Chief designers are one managment category that are not hired manly because of their managment capabilities but because of their previos work in the design industry and their ideas re future directions in the designs of the prospective employee. How many of the lines on the new BMWs and the Multipla were actually penned by Mr Bangle we will never know. What we do know is that he is the boss and even if we assume that he has done no design work at all he has still approved the designs and I would guess that a good design boss would want to take a prominent role in the devolopment of a new design theme for the brand. I assume it's no coinsidence that FIATs short period of making extreamly strange looking cars coincided with Mr Bangles stay there.

Regards/Robert

Originally posted by tfung
I don't think he designed anything.. wasn't he just the lead guy and not the actual designer?

The Multipla is probably a very good car capability wise. Fiat were planning to sell 200 000 multiplas a year. Actual production has been 30 000 a year. And this is for the best car in the class. If you accept that the multipla is the best car in it's class what is it that makes them sell so poorly? I have no doubt that the new BMWs will be the best cars in their classes either but if they are considered ugly by a large part of their potential customers will they sell?

Regards/Robert:)

Ps. Can't remember the last time BMW made a me too car. Before or after Bangles arrival. Ds

Originally posted by Pamilih


If that is right then he is a a bit of a genius, because Fiat Multipla is the MPV of the year for 2 years running in Europe. I like it too because it is so different and individual but still gets thumbs up for space design.

I just read his interview in Autocar and he says: "When BMW does a car it is not a me-too car" and "not one sausage in different lengths"

:) Honestly, he made a point there.

I start to appreciate this man. His E65 is a bit too bold. Knowing Germans, they must already have drawn up contingency plans for future face-lifts. Not to worry Mates.

Originally posted by luxobarge
The Multipla is probably a very good car capability wise. Fiat were planning to sell 200 000 multiplas a year. Actual production has been 30 000 a year. And this is for the best car in the class.
Ps. Can't remember the last time BMW made a me too car. Before or after Bangles arrival. Ds



You made a precise point here. Let's throw Bangle into the shark pond...:hihi:

Originally posted by Pamilih


If that is right then he is a a bit of a genius, because Fiat Multipla is the MPV of the year for 2 years running in Europe. I like it too because it is so different and individual but still gets thumbs up for space design.

I just read his interview in Autocar and he says: "When BMW does a car it is not a me-too car" and "not one sausage in different lengths"

:) Honestly, he made a point there.

I start to appreciate this man. His E65 is a bit too bold. Knowing Germans, they must already have drawn up contingency plans for future face-lifts. Not to worry Mates.

Another thing: haev you seen the crash test results for the Multipla?? They were horrendous!! This thing is one of the most dangerous cars on the road today. Couple that with the polarizing ...*cough* *cough*... design and the commercial failure of the car and the picture is pretty clear to me ;)

I did a double take when I saw that picture. I've seen that car in Greece and when I saw it I thought that it was honestly the ugliest thing that I ever saw.

God, BMW hired Bangle based on that design? Are there any other examples of his work before he was hired by BMW? Wow that car is ugly. I can't imagine what BMW will turn into if he continues to design BMW's cars.

Anybody can confirm that the E39 was the work of Wolfgang Reitzle and his team, such H Fisker? Now he heads the Ford Premier Automotive Groups (Jaguar, Aston Martin, Volvo, etc.) taking with him BMW's best talents. He was the victim of the Rover debacle.

Now having lost the best talents, BMW is trying to reinvent itself with half-baked talents.

If this is the case, maybe it is time to look into Jaguars, Aston Martin and Volvo in the next few years.

I shall be more cautious then.hmmm :confused3

OMG! That car is soooooo sexxxxxxy! Look at that sexy body!**we are all doomed** Well look at the bright side.....ummm...errrrrr.....at least your current BMW will have a high resale value! I just don't understand how someone can make such an ugly car

WylM5:confused: :confused: :confused3 :confused2 :confused2 grrrrrrr

Mr Bangle was also responsible for the fiat coupe while there (the headleamp form, legend has it, is based on his wife's butt!!) however neither of these cars were on the market (the coupe was about to be launched i think)when he joined BMW and given car makers almost anal attitude to product secrecy BMW probably had no idea what the cars looked like. Also, i f memory serves me correctly (prob not to many:cheers: over the years!!) he did not go straight in as director of design. just my 2c worth

The more I see the controversy the more I began to agree that BMW design is going downhill particularly after the 850. If you look at the 850 again, it does not look dated. Timelessly elegant. To me among BMW competitors, only the old Jaguars and the Mercedes could achieve this sort of timelessness.

The new Bangle approach is more deconstructivistic, like the architecture of Peter Eisenmann, Frank Gehry etc. It is meant to challenge the middle of the road sense of esthetics.

Not everyone is in favour of Bangle's approach.

Yes in fact in the recent Autocar magazine there was a short article that mentions that the public demands the resignation of Chris Bangle. He actually makes a strong statement does not he?

The difference between architecture and car design is that once the controversial building was built, many people will use it. But in cars, if the design is not liked, then nobody will buy it. The commercial implication is very very different.

Originally posted by B8 Guru


Henrik Fisker (now with Aston Martin) was responsible for the Z8.

Thanks for the info B8 Guru, I stand corrected. The April issue of 'CAR' did mention that he was.

The 850 does indeed wear time well.
To me the old 6 series seems to be timeless as well, with only the interior looking slightly dated.

Also, the trouble is, if you throw Mr B into the shark pond, they will no doubt chuck him back. After all the shark has been around for god knows how long, & they don't want their reputations ruined!

Originally posted by B8 Guru
When he was at Fiat he did the Multipla...

That is why the car is a FIAT (Failed Italian Attempt in Transportation) hiha

Chris Bangle was the lead guy when Z8 was made. So, Bangle is indeed responsible for the Z8, but Henry Fisker designed it... :)

And Chris indeed designed e46 which is huge success, so he is not that bad...

I believe Bangle has been at BMW for over 10 years and has lead roles/significant input in the design of the E46. Apparently there were issues with the E46 designs and they had to be revamped. He had a hand in the Z8 but it was really designed by Fisker. This new generation of 5's and 7's are his cars through and through. Other than the aforementioned Fiat Multipla I don't know what he designed before.

There has been a trend to hire "innovative, young" designers. Also seen at GM and Ford. I think a lot of car makers are taking an edgier approach to design. Look at the new Caddy's with those big square front ends. The new Monteros have a big bulbous hood. Aztec anyone?

Ultimately market forces will decide what works. We're the ones in the driver's seat :biggrin: .


:cheers: