Video: Bob Lutz Ready for Cadillac CTS-V Challenge
Bring it!
He's not scared and even if he was, he has no reason to be seeing as how much the CTS-V kicks ass.
Lutz Calls Out Other Manufacturers against CTS-V
Now that is ballsy!
Bob thinks that GM has a lineup of vehicles that can stack up with the best the rest of the automotive manufacturing world has to offer. One of the examples he cited was the Cadillac CTS-V, and went so far as to challenge the journalists to find a stock production sedan on the planet that could outperform the CTS-V on the track. The guys at Jalopnik.com were the first ones to respond to the challenge, quickly and most enthusiastically, but they suspect there will be more. GM will be having a full racetrack challenge October 29 at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, N.Y., not far from the New York City area.
Source: CTSV Challenge
Source: CTSV Challenge
Lutz Stays On With New GM
He has been unretired.
General Motors' Bob Lutz will stay on with the new version of the automaker as head of not only product development but also GM's brands, marketing, advertising and communications.
Earlier, Lutz, 77, had announced plans to be an advisor through the end of the year when he would retire entirely. He turned over his day-to-day duties as head of global product development to Tom Stephens on April 1.
In his new role, Lutz will report directly to GM CEO Fritz Henderson and will be part of the executive committee. Lutz will work directly with Stephens and Ed Welburn, vice president of design.
Source: Auto Observer
Earlier, Lutz, 77, had announced plans to be an advisor through the end of the year when he would retire entirely. He turned over his day-to-day duties as head of global product development to Tom Stephens on April 1.
In his new role, Lutz will report directly to GM CEO Fritz Henderson and will be part of the executive committee. Lutz will work directly with Stephens and Ed Welburn, vice president of design.
Source: Auto Observer
Bob Lutz set to retire at the end of 2009
GM Vice Chairman to Retire
Shucks, things are bound to be a heck of a lot less interesting without Bob Lutz around. According to General Motors, the automaker's own Car Czar will transition from his current role as Vice Chairman – Global Product Development to the position of Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor on April 1 and officially retire at the end of the year. The automotive world is sure to be a quieter place.
Lutz's absence means that there will be some very big shoes to fill in GM's executive ranks, and GM's Board of Directors has responded by promoting Thomas G. Stephens to Lutz's vacated role, again effective in early April. Past vehicles brought to market under Lutz's watch at GM include the 2004 Pontiac GTO, the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky duo and, most recently, the Pontiac G8 sports sedan.
One major project that won't quite be completed when Lutz leaves is the Chevy Volt, a vehicle championed by Lutz since its debut as a concept back in 2007. GM's product line may change somewhat as a result of Lutz's retirement, but we'll all surely miss his eminent quotability just as much.
Source: AutoBlog
Lutz's absence means that there will be some very big shoes to fill in GM's executive ranks, and GM's Board of Directors has responded by promoting Thomas G. Stephens to Lutz's vacated role, again effective in early April. Past vehicles brought to market under Lutz's watch at GM include the 2004 Pontiac GTO, the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky duo and, most recently, the Pontiac G8 sports sedan.
One major project that won't quite be completed when Lutz leaves is the Chevy Volt, a vehicle championed by Lutz since its debut as a concept back in 2007. GM's product line may change somewhat as a result of Lutz's retirement, but we'll all surely miss his eminent quotability just as much.
Bob Lutz moves to Senior Advisor Role; Will Retire at End of 2009; Tom Stephens Becomes Vice Chairman - Global Product Development
DETROIT – GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner today announced that Robert A. Lutz, GM Vice Chairman – Global Product Development, will transition to a new role effective April 1, 2009 as Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor. Lutz, 76, will provide strategic input into GM's global design and key product initiatives until his retirement at the end of 2009. He will continue to report to Wagoner.
Wagoner also announced that effective April 1, 2009 the GM Board of Directors elected Thomas G. Stephens, Vice Chairman – Global Product Development, reporting to President and Chief Operating Officer Fritz Henderson. Stephens, 60, is currently Executive Vice President, Global Powertrain and Global Quality. In this new assignment, Stephens will maintain his responsibility for overseeing GM's global quality activity.
Concurrent with this appointment, GM is restructuring its global powertrain group to integrate powertrain functional activities into their respective global GM functions. Accordingly, in his new role, Stephens will have responsibility for global powertrain engineering, in addition to global design, product engineering, product planning and program management. Powertrain manufacturing will report to Gary Cowger, Group Vice President of GM Global Manufacturing and Labor Relations. Other staffs that support the GM Powertrain organization will be integrated into their respective global functions. These moves represent another important step in GM's restructuring initiative to create a leaner, more efficient organization.
"Bob Lutz was already a legendary automotive product guy when he rejoined GM in 2001," Wagoner said, "and he's added to that by leading the creation of a string of award-winning vehicles for GM during his time here. His 46 years of experience in the global automotive business have been invaluable to us. I've personally learned a great deal from Bob and have very much enjoyed the time we've worked together," Wagoner added. "I'm looking forward to Bob's continued contributions to GM for the remainder of 2009 – and I know the impact of his efforts leading GM global product development will continue for years to come.
"Tom Stephens is the perfect guy to take the reins of GM's global product development," Wagoner continued. "He's had extensive experience in virtually every aspect of our global product development activities. With his 40 years at GM, Tom has an extraordinary understanding of our products and our organization, and is highly respected worldwide. I'm confident that with Tom's passion for great products and vast knowledge of advanced propulsion, he will continue to raise the bar in executing outstanding GM cars and trucks.
DETROIT – GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner today announced that Robert A. Lutz, GM Vice Chairman – Global Product Development, will transition to a new role effective April 1, 2009 as Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor. Lutz, 76, will provide strategic input into GM's global design and key product initiatives until his retirement at the end of 2009. He will continue to report to Wagoner.
Wagoner also announced that effective April 1, 2009 the GM Board of Directors elected Thomas G. Stephens, Vice Chairman – Global Product Development, reporting to President and Chief Operating Officer Fritz Henderson. Stephens, 60, is currently Executive Vice President, Global Powertrain and Global Quality. In this new assignment, Stephens will maintain his responsibility for overseeing GM's global quality activity.
Concurrent with this appointment, GM is restructuring its global powertrain group to integrate powertrain functional activities into their respective global GM functions. Accordingly, in his new role, Stephens will have responsibility for global powertrain engineering, in addition to global design, product engineering, product planning and program management. Powertrain manufacturing will report to Gary Cowger, Group Vice President of GM Global Manufacturing and Labor Relations. Other staffs that support the GM Powertrain organization will be integrated into their respective global functions. These moves represent another important step in GM's restructuring initiative to create a leaner, more efficient organization.
"Bob Lutz was already a legendary automotive product guy when he rejoined GM in 2001," Wagoner said, "and he's added to that by leading the creation of a string of award-winning vehicles for GM during his time here. His 46 years of experience in the global automotive business have been invaluable to us. I've personally learned a great deal from Bob and have very much enjoyed the time we've worked together," Wagoner added. "I'm looking forward to Bob's continued contributions to GM for the remainder of 2009 – and I know the impact of his efforts leading GM global product development will continue for years to come.
"Tom Stephens is the perfect guy to take the reins of GM's global product development," Wagoner continued. "He's had extensive experience in virtually every aspect of our global product development activities. With his 40 years at GM, Tom has an extraordinary understanding of our products and our organization, and is highly respected worldwide. I'm confident that with Tom's passion for great products and vast knowledge of advanced propulsion, he will continue to raise the bar in executing outstanding GM cars and trucks.
Source: AutoBlog
Video: Bob Lutz talks Volt on Colbert Report
Learn about how the Volt gets you laid.
Bob Lutz explains how GM's new electric car works. Colbert rebuttles with questions about global warming, if the Volt can get you laid, if you can pimp it, and other great topics. Lutz does a great job rolling with the punches. Hit up the jump to watch the video!
2009 Pontiac G8 GT gets Tremec 6-speed stickshift
Lots of changings planned for the G8.
Bob Lutz spilled some dirt on some upcoming changes to the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT in a recent interview. Both the G8 GT and the upcoming Camaro will be getting an optional Tremec 6-speed manual transmission if you hope to be slamming gears. Questioned as to why more cars are showing up as automatics, Lutz talked about how today's automatic transmissions are more efficient thanks to advances in computer technology.
Also, for those who hated those cheesy auxiliary gauges that were part of the center console in the G8 can rest easy. They will not be returning and could possibly be replaced with optional navigation option. About time navigation carries over!
Also, for those who hated those cheesy auxiliary gauges that were part of the center console in the G8 can rest easy. They will not be returning and could possibly be replaced with optional navigation option. About time navigation carries over!
Lutz says Volt is going as planned
On-time is a good thing to GM.
The grand venture that is the Chevrolet Volt (concept pictured) has appeared at alternate times to be almost certainly doomed and almost a sure thing. The latest pronouncement from GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz leaves an ‘almost’ in the car’s future, but is the most positive statement in recent times that the Volt will be on-schedule and as expected.
Testing for the car’s drivetrain has been underway for some time as last-generation Chevy Malibu mules outfitted with the Volt’s batteries and motor have been seen driving in and around Detroit. Those tests are apparently going well, according to Lutz, reports Automotive News.
“I would say there’s almost no reasonable doubt in our minds anymore that this is going to work,” he said.
The test mules have been driving in all-electric mode for mile ranges in the “high 30s, [and] low 40s” according to Lutz, “and they go up hills with it and everything” he noted.
Thirty to 40 miles per charge puts the engineering prototype powertrains very close to the Volt’s target range of 40mi on electricity alone, although sourcing the battery for mass production is another hurdle to clear. The company is reportedly close to naming a supplier, but it has not yet made an official announcement.
Source: Motor Authority
Testing for the car’s drivetrain has been underway for some time as last-generation Chevy Malibu mules outfitted with the Volt’s batteries and motor have been seen driving in and around Detroit. Those tests are apparently going well, according to Lutz, reports Automotive News.
“I would say there’s almost no reasonable doubt in our minds anymore that this is going to work,” he said.
The test mules have been driving in all-electric mode for mile ranges in the “high 30s, [and] low 40s” according to Lutz, “and they go up hills with it and everything” he noted.
Thirty to 40 miles per charge puts the engineering prototype powertrains very close to the Volt’s target range of 40mi on electricity alone, although sourcing the battery for mass production is another hurdle to clear. The company is reportedly close to naming a supplier, but it has not yet made an official announcement.
Source: Motor Authority
50 Cent and Bob Lutz Flossing the G8
Straight up representing.
Rapper artist Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson today helped GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz introduce the 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck at the New York auto show yesterday.
For those who don't watch music videos (where the hell can you watch them, MTV doesn't play them), 50 Cent was the first person to ever feature a G8 in a music video. And did you know, he has a personal G8 that has a LSX 427 motor and a 800-watt JBL sound system. Sure, he probably doesn't wrench on it, but at least he is supporting GM, right?
So, this photo begs to ask - think they hang out on the weekends?
For those who don't watch music videos (where the hell can you watch them, MTV doesn't play them), 50 Cent was the first person to ever feature a G8 in a music video. And did you know, he has a personal G8 that has a LSX 427 motor and a 800-watt JBL sound system. Sure, he probably doesn't wrench on it, but at least he is supporting GM, right?
So, this photo begs to ask - think they hang out on the weekends?
Lutz Fires Back at those Who Shot at Him
After giving his thoughts on Global Warming, many were quick to judge Lutz on his opinion and many took it out of context. He quickly tried to clear things up on the topic.
It amazes me sometimes what kinds of things seem to "catch on" out there.
An offhand comment I made recently about the concept of global warming seems to have a lot of people heated, and it’s spreading through the Internet like ragweed. But I think that the people making a big deal out of it are missing the real point. My beliefs are mine and I have a right to them, just as you have a right to yours. But among my strongest beliefs is that my job is to do what makes the most business sense for GM.
Never mind what I said, or the context in which I said it. My thoughts on what has or hasn’t been the cause of climate change have nothing to do with the decisions I make to advance the cause of General Motors. My opinions on the subject — like anyone’s — are immaterial. Really. The point is not why and how did we get where we are, it’s what are we going to do to get where we’re going.
And I think that many of the people who’ve been spewing their virtual vitriol in my direction in the past week are guilty of taking the easy way out.
Instead of simply assailing me for expressing what I think, they should be looking at the big picture. What they should be doing, in earnest, is forming opinions not about me but about GM, and what this company is doing that is — and will continue to be — hugely beneficial to the very causes they so enthusiastically claim to support.
Source: Fast Lane
It amazes me sometimes what kinds of things seem to "catch on" out there.
An offhand comment I made recently about the concept of global warming seems to have a lot of people heated, and it’s spreading through the Internet like ragweed. But I think that the people making a big deal out of it are missing the real point. My beliefs are mine and I have a right to them, just as you have a right to yours. But among my strongest beliefs is that my job is to do what makes the most business sense for GM.
Never mind what I said, or the context in which I said it. My thoughts on what has or hasn’t been the cause of climate change have nothing to do with the decisions I make to advance the cause of General Motors. My opinions on the subject — like anyone’s — are immaterial. Really. The point is not why and how did we get where we are, it’s what are we going to do to get where we’re going.
And I think that many of the people who’ve been spewing their virtual vitriol in my direction in the past week are guilty of taking the easy way out.
Instead of simply assailing me for expressing what I think, they should be looking at the big picture. What they should be doing, in earnest, is forming opinions not about me but about GM, and what this company is doing that is — and will continue to be — hugely beneficial to the very causes they so enthusiastically claim to support.
Source: Fast Lane
Bob Lutz: Global Warming a "total crock of sh*t"
GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz is fully behind development of Chevrolet's aggressive Volt plug-in hybrid, but not for the same reasons as many environmentalists. Mr. Lutz — GM's go-to man for one-liners and candid opinion — had some choice words against the claim of global warming.
"Global warming is a total crock of shit.” Lutz told a group of mostly local journalists during a closed-door meeting at the Cacharel restaurant near Dallas and Fort Worth. "I'm a skeptic, not a denier … I’m motivated more by the desire to replace imported oil than by the CO2."
Aside from CEO Rick Wagoner, Lutz is among the highest-ranking GM executives who speaks with the press on a regular basis.
According to D Magazine, Lutz made it clear his opinion doesn't guide GM. "My opinion doesn’t matter," he said. Of course, GM has done nothing to tone down the outspoken executive during his tenure as head of product development.
Indeed, Lutz is no stranger to controversial points of view. He is openly opposed to the U.S. government's new CAFE fuel efficiency standards, which he has claimed will add $6,000 to $10,000 to the price tag of most cars.
He even went as far as blasting his own company in 2006 for failing to compete with Japanese automakers early on. "I can't believe that we were so stupid," he said in March of that year.
Like him or not, Lutz ain't afraid to tell it like it is.
Source: Leftlanenews
"Global warming is a total crock of shit.” Lutz told a group of mostly local journalists during a closed-door meeting at the Cacharel restaurant near Dallas and Fort Worth. "I'm a skeptic, not a denier … I’m motivated more by the desire to replace imported oil than by the CO2."
Aside from CEO Rick Wagoner, Lutz is among the highest-ranking GM executives who speaks with the press on a regular basis.
According to D Magazine, Lutz made it clear his opinion doesn't guide GM. "My opinion doesn’t matter," he said. Of course, GM has done nothing to tone down the outspoken executive during his tenure as head of product development.
Indeed, Lutz is no stranger to controversial points of view. He is openly opposed to the U.S. government's new CAFE fuel efficiency standards, which he has claimed will add $6,000 to $10,000 to the price tag of most cars.
He even went as far as blasting his own company in 2006 for failing to compete with Japanese automakers early on. "I can't believe that we were so stupid," he said in March of that year.
Like him or not, Lutz ain't afraid to tell it like it is.
Source: Leftlanenews
Bob Lutz and General Motors Like the Number 77
GM announced earlier today that it sold 9,369,524 vehicles around the world last year, which official makes it the world's best-selling automaker for the 77th year in a row, though by the slimmest of margins. Bob Lutz is happy but strives to do even better to make the gap a larger one.
GM is in the midst of a turnaround in the U.S. market with sales in its own backyard still yet to rebound while Toyota is gaining marketshare in most regions around the world. Their global sales numbers are bound to cross paths at some point putting Toyota on top, and most analysts expect that to happen in 2008. Even if Toyota does pass GM in global sales for 2008, however, we don't expect it will be able to keep the title for very long before the General snaps it back. GM has a stronger presence in China and is doing very well in emerging markets, while Europeans seem to have taken a liking to the Chevy brand over there. If GM can get its U.S. sales back up, we expect it will remain the world's largest automaker.
Source: Automotive News
GM is in the midst of a turnaround in the U.S. market with sales in its own backyard still yet to rebound while Toyota is gaining marketshare in most regions around the world. Their global sales numbers are bound to cross paths at some point putting Toyota on top, and most analysts expect that to happen in 2008. Even if Toyota does pass GM in global sales for 2008, however, we don't expect it will be able to keep the title for very long before the General snaps it back. GM has a stronger presence in China and is doing very well in emerging markets, while Europeans seem to have taken a liking to the Chevy brand over there. If GM can get its U.S. sales back up, we expect it will remain the world's largest automaker.
Source: Automotive News
Lutz Still Loves the Volt
Bob Lutz still is all gungho about the Volt and that it would begin production by the end of decade and will be ready by 2010. Lutz points out that 400 advanced fuel scientists, 200 dedicated engineers and 40 designers are pumping heart and soul into the project and it would mark a nice notch on his belt if he could pull this off. In a few years, who knows what gas prices might reach, so we're hoping GM makes some great decisions for the Volt to make it a very likable car for the consumers.
Bob Lutz Shows You the New Chevrolet Malibu
GM's Fastlane Blog recently posted a video that shows off the new Chevrolet Malibu from GM. Bob Lutz takes you on a tour showing the fit and finish that is sure to please the consumer with this upcoming model.
Ed Welburn Hugging the "Maybe" Production Camaro
Remember how Lutz said that they took a picture of him hugging his creation? Well, they just put it on the GM FastLane Blog to show his true love for the Camaro. Also, this could very welll be the first official shot of the production Camaro, camouflaged for any onlookers who want to see what made it from the concept design. Oh GM, just show us already!
External: GM FastLane Blog
Lutz Takes the New Camaro For a Spin
The GM FastLane Blog gave us a chance to cue in on what Bob Lutz is doing over in Australia. Be jealous, as he had time to spend with the new G8 prototypes and the almost-finished Camaro.
"One I can sort of talk about is the Camaro. We had the first fully representative prototype with close to final surfaces standing at track side. It looked as awesome as the concept, and the blotchy black/white camo scheme could not destroy the great stance and proportion. The body fits were already better than what came off the line a few years ago. The interior had some hand-made plastic parts and showed some gaps, but was remarkable for the first car.
I got to drive it first, not only because “rank has its privileges,” but because I didn't want anyone stuffing it into a barrier before I got to drive.
Twisting the key produced a muted rumble from the big V8. We pulled away smoothly in the first cog of the new, slick, six-speed manual. Depressing the accelerator shifted the world into fast forward, with three or four more quick upshifts. The car had just been completed and had had no tuning or finessing. But I loved the response, the sound, the steering and the brakes. There's more work to be done, for sure, and the group knows it. They still have time for further development. The goal of the team led by Gene Stefanyshyn is to produce the finest car in its class, ever. Do I think they will get there? I wouldn't bet against that team!
On a side note, Vice President for Global Design Ed Welburn was on the drive, too. Seeing his beloved Camaro as a real car… in near-final metal, glass, rubber and plastic… transformed from a visionary dream into a highly drivable reality… well, it was almost too much for him. He broke ranks, ran over to it, and hugged it! I have the photo to prove it — but of course we can’t show it to you just yet!"
Full Story: GM FastLane Blog
"One I can sort of talk about is the Camaro. We had the first fully representative prototype with close to final surfaces standing at track side. It looked as awesome as the concept, and the blotchy black/white camo scheme could not destroy the great stance and proportion. The body fits were already better than what came off the line a few years ago. The interior had some hand-made plastic parts and showed some gaps, but was remarkable for the first car.
I got to drive it first, not only because “rank has its privileges,” but because I didn't want anyone stuffing it into a barrier before I got to drive.
Twisting the key produced a muted rumble from the big V8. We pulled away smoothly in the first cog of the new, slick, six-speed manual. Depressing the accelerator shifted the world into fast forward, with three or four more quick upshifts. The car had just been completed and had had no tuning or finessing. But I loved the response, the sound, the steering and the brakes. There's more work to be done, for sure, and the group knows it. They still have time for further development. The goal of the team led by Gene Stefanyshyn is to produce the finest car in its class, ever. Do I think they will get there? I wouldn't bet against that team!
On a side note, Vice President for Global Design Ed Welburn was on the drive, too. Seeing his beloved Camaro as a real car… in near-final metal, glass, rubber and plastic… transformed from a visionary dream into a highly drivable reality… well, it was almost too much for him. He broke ranks, ran over to it, and hugged it! I have the photo to prove it — but of course we can’t show it to you just yet!"
Full Story: GM FastLane Blog
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