A similar concept from UI design is Apple's async progress indicator. Many more non-Apple applications and websites (eg. Twitter) seem to be using it now, but Microsoft (like Mercedes) will probably never use it.

http://developer.apple.com/documentation/UserExperience/Conc...

http://developer.apple.com/documentation/UserExperience/Conc...

Pales in comparison to the history and market effect of 'the kink'.

Truly an awesome article, submitted it to Autoblog as well. I'll be on the lookout for the kink.

The picture where it says E90, looks like it's actually an E93, the folding hard top convertible.

You know, the prius has one of these, too. ;) Or at least, the one particular model I saw. It may vary from year to year.

All Prius (Priuii?) have them. I can't decide if it is because it is a hatchback (common there) or if it is because they are marketing towards the wealthy.

never noticed that kink

And if you read the comments you find out why suit sleeves dont have button holes, except for doctors.

Fascinating in a way that only geeks would ever admit too ;)

Me either. But now I'm going to see it everywhere.