From 1992 until 2009, BMW design was led by Chris Bangle, one of the most controversial car designers of all time.

In what's already being heralded as the "Chilla in Geneva," infamous BMW designer Chris "Big Butts" Bangle tussled with Jason "Cassius" Castriota over the design of the inspired-by-jets Saab PhoeniX. Rhetorical fists fly as Bangle angles to flame Castriota's surfaces.

A study by German researchers speculates a preference for round-and-proud cars indicates a subconscious fear of sharp, dangerous objects.The desire for boxier designs arises when we're bored with safety. None of this explains the appeal of the Bangle Butt. [LiveScience]

Chris Bangle, polarizing and iconic BMW chief design honcho, is quitting "to pursue his own design-related endeavors beyond the auto industry," the German carmaker said Tuesday. A gallery of "Bangle Butts" below the jump.