Hugo Becker

Hugo Becker is our resident curmudgeon and technology maven. Having had a driver’s license for over 40 years, he also has seat time in a large number of cars, from the silly to sublime. He brings a Sputnik era emphasis on science and technology to BMWBLOG, along with a passion for automotive history. Did we mention he’s old and crotchety?

Column: The Zaftig GT

There seem to be multiple definitions of the term, Gran Tourismo Turismo . How else could such disparate vehicles like a Mustang GT, Bentley Continental GT, Nissan GT-R, Ferrari 599 GTB, Pontiac GTO and the…

Interview: Dr. Oetker and the BMW M3/335is Dilemma

Interview: Dr. Oetker and the BMW M3/335is Dilemma

We’ve been having an internal debate here at BMWBLOG as to which car represents the greater value, the 335is or the M3. After the dust settled we decided to consult with our resident expert, the…

Analysis: BMW 1 Series Coupe Styling

Analysis: BMW 1 Series Coupe Styling

The Amish are renowned for their restrained appearance, and a well crafted simplicity. Loath to emulate what they view as the discordant modern world, they have shunned any affect of modernity. Amish building and furniture…

Origins of the BMW Roundel

The Origins of DesignworksUSA’s Heritage

  DesignworksUSA is a design ‘skunk works’, a hotbed of automotive styling located in southern California. But it wasn’t always in BMW’s hands. It was purchased from Chuck Pelly by BMW. So who is Chuck…

Editorial: Bangle’s Legacy

Regardless of popular sentiment, from either pole, Chris Bangle has had a significant impact on BMW. His retirement in March of 2009 marked the end of a decade and a half of service designing automobiles…

Column: When a Supplier Is More Than a Supplier

Floating below the surface of the news that Magna International is in negotiations to purchase Opel is Magna’s future relationship as a Tier 1 supplier to other auto manufacturers. If Magna was strictly a parts…

It Was Fifty Years Ago Today . . .

In the late fall of 1959, BMW was on the ropes. The demand for motorcycles was soft, they had cars at two market extremes, luxury and economy, and there was no middle ground. In addition…