Bangle on His Way Out ?
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 autumn,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 Septembers 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.
I guess i need to post this stuff when i read it, i see it 3 days ahead of time from when it shows up here
I agree, at least the 3 series still looks classy.
The new one is very much a BANGLE.
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Give it some time.. It will also suffer the same fate.

-Anthony
I'll post pics!
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I saw some spy pics in a german magazine this week.
The new one is very much a BANGLE.
On anothe note, I just picked up the Feb 2004 issue of Road and Track and I was surprised when it stated that the new Corvette was designed by Tom Peters who designed the Aztek. Talk about learning from your mistakes, I think he did a great job with the C6!
As for the Vette, haven't seen a new one yet but I think it is not a bad freshening. The butt has gone on a diet and while I don't mind the fixed headlights and they did try to mimic Ferrari, what they wound up with looks a bit cheap to me. Have to see it in the flesh.
so yea... opinions from eric....
7, hot (headlights shouldnt have such a saggy look though)
5, eh, from head on, its kinda ok... too much flare on the headlights
current 3, kinda fish eye looking on the front, i actually prefer the 2002 3 headlights to current ones
x5, its cool
x3, too goofy looking in the front, good idea though
m3, HOT
m5, only thing that makes a 5 even worth looking at
z4, growing on me, liking it more and more
z8,











