Over two decades ago, and yes, it has been that long, auto enthusiasts got to discover a new and shocking design trend. In 1999, the Chris Adrian van Hooydonk-penned BMW Z9 Gran Turismo Concept was presented to the world and hinted at a future where conservative BMW embraced some curves. More specifically, the visionary Director of BMW Group Design, Chris Bangle, embraced something known as ‘flame surfacing,’ which resulted in curvaceous panels that looked like they had just been licked by fire. Enthusiasts called it the Bangle Butt as Bangle’s team hammered out car after car with huge auto butts.
BMW’s flame surfacing was controversial back then, but is it time for the Bangle Butt to make a comeback? Our secret designer, Bishop, thinks so, and gave the Hyundai Ioniq 6 a virtual butt lift. SAABstory says:
Did you listen to the Bangles while redesigning that butt?
I’ll see myself out.
The Bishop responded:
Just Another Manic Hyundai
Here’s the reference, just in case you’re one of our younger readers:
This morning, Jason wrote a fascinating Cold Start about the wet meat used in the Apollo program. They were all very wet and extremely thermostabilized. TheDrunkenWrench:
Last time I asked a date if I could serve them some thermostabilised wet meat, I learned what thermostabilised wet pepper spray feels like.
What’s fascinating is what Phyrkrakr noted:
So, how did it taste?
Here’s a 75-page PDF after-action report that was written following Apollo 14 about space food:
I’m also fascinated that people actually eat freeze-dried food from museums. Max Johnson:
One of the most popular field trips for kids in the Cleveland area was (possibly still is) to NASA Lewis Space Center (now Glenn Space center) which is right next to Hopkins airport. Sure, the space stuff was cool and all, but the highlight was getting to hit the gift shop on the way out and buy some freeze dried ice cream in a foil pouch. “Just like the astronauts eat” and in 3 flavors (Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla). As a 9 year old in the mid-80’s it was pretty spectacular.
Finally, Adrian explained why a Dodge Challenger Hellcat-based Plymouth Cuda looked weird. Canopysaurus returns to COTD with:
Yeah they ‘Cuda done a much better job in design.
Have a great evening, everyone!
(Topshot: BMW)
Called it.
I thought Bangle butt is where the panel gap was moved from the top of the trunk lid to the side. Which makes it look uglier. Yet every manufacturer has recently decided the same detail should be applied to the front hood lid too. I do not understand why they all have to copy each other.
Spelling error: Adrian van Hooybadonkadonk
It’s complicated, I know.
Damnit, now I have Manic Monday stuck in my head for a day of mindless pressure-washing. Better make sure my earbuds are charged.
Prince’s earworms live on!
Either I’ve upped my game, or Mercedes’ standards have dropped significantly, for me to be included in COTD this many times in a row.
Turbo Farts beat me to the Sir Mix a Lot lyrics, but I came here to recommend that you trust people who like big butts. They cannot tell a lie.
“ I like big butts and I cannot lie
You other brothers can’t deny
That when a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist
And a round thing in your face, you get sprung” – Sir mix a lot
“Professor, what’s another word for ‘pirate treasure’?”
“Well, I think it’s ‘booty’. Booty, booty, that’s what it is.”
All I can think of is the Sir Mix A Lot song now.
As the owner of a ’94 Fleetwood Brougham, and someone whose favorite Porsches are the 928 and 1st gen Panamara, I’m on board with this sentiment.
How about no?
To bodacious car booty. Yes to Adrian content.