An alert Austrian reader sent in this photo of what apparently is BMW's new 645 coupe driving "naked" along the mountainous roads of the French Riviera last week. It seems that BMW has taken the harsh criticism of the preposterous, disjointed styling of Chris Bangle to heart and contracted the services of Ralph Gilles, DCX's chief designer to re-establish it's automotive credentials. No doubt, BMW's loyal following will be relieved to see the end of "flame" surfaces, and the way-out proportions of Bangle's earlier designs.
"God, has the madness finally ended?" gasped one aged Berliner who had seen his share of Teutonically-inspired plans for world domination.
"I never wanted to hide in the cellar again, but Bangle, he made me gladly return."
Notably, DCX's public affairs office in Stuttgart was quick to disavow all knowledge of the photographic revelations, saying only that it respected all German automobiles, at least those designed by real Germans. Chris Bangle was born in Wisconsin.
For more information on the "Stop Chris Bangle" movement, please check here:
http://www.petitiononline.com/STOPCB/petition.html