Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Fisker-based Destino still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

VL Productions Destino

Wards Auto reports the VL Productions Destino is still moving forward. As you may recall, that machine takes a Fisker Karma hybrid, guts the drivetrain and replaces it with a honking 556 horsepower V8 from General Motors. Bob Lutz, while speaking with Wards, confirmed that VL Productions had obtained 20 Karma "gliders" without a battery, engine or electric motor, and that VL may purchase Karma hybrids from dealers currently looking to dump their inventory. Lutz also says that hundreds of current Karma owners have approached VL Productions about the possibility of converting their hybrids to V8 power.

That conversion could cost between $85,000 and $95,000. Right now, VL has around 100 orders for standard Destino models, each with a price tag of $185,000. Not surprisingly, much of that demand has come from the Middle East. Wards reports that the first wave of deliveries are set to begin in the third quarter of this year. Buyers can expect to find a 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 engine lifted from the Cadillac CTS-V under the hood, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fisker-based Destino still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzdestinofiskerfisker karmavl productions destinoMon, 06 May 2013 09:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/20558418/article-detail.xml 20558418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vl-destino-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vl-destino-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz pokes fun at Ed Whitacre's GM memoir]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/bob-lutz-pokes-fun-at-ed-whitacres-gm-memoir/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/bob-lutz-pokes-fun-at-ed-whitacres-gm-memoir/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/bob-lutz-pokes-fun-at-ed-whitacres-gm-memoir/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Any time Bob Lutz gets hired on for a gig putting pen to paper, we're for it. Case in hilarious point is this book review Lutz has penned for the readers of Forbes, wherein Maximum Bob gives good quote after good quote about Ed Whitacre's American Turnaround. Whitacre's book, you'll remember, focuses on the former General Motors CEO's time dealing with the aftermath of the automaker's bankruptcy.

Lutz doesn't take long to call out as fallacy the notion that Whitacre had a lot to do with the turnaround. From the title of his editorial (How Ed Whitacre Saved GM In Just 10 Months, And Other Fables) onward, Lutz jabs at the notion of Whitacre' effectiveness. In one passage he characterizes the CEO's tenure as being filled with, "... wandering around uncovering employees who were insufficiently entrepreneurial, cautious or didn't have enough 'can-do' spirit."

But, if there's a paragraph that succinctly summarizes Lutz's 'respect' for Whitacre and his time as CEO, it's got to be this gem:

Ed's most notable contribution to design was a comment I recall at a Cadillac styling session. Professing to know nothing about cars (true), he nevertheless opined that Cadillacs had the look of "old-fashioned Choo-choo trains".

We digested that opaque bit of input and elected to stay with what we had.


Good stuff, Bob, we miss you man. Click through here to read the rest of Lutz's short, funny summary.

Bob Lutz pokes fun at Ed Whitacre's GM memoir originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american turnaroundbailoutbob lutzed whitacregeneral motorsgmMon, 04 Mar 2013 08:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20485254/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/04/bob-lutz-pokes-fun-at-ed-whitacres-gm-memoir/20485254/article-detail.xml 20485254 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/bob-lutz-ed-whitacre-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/bob-lutz-ed-whitacre-628.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac ELR, Nissan Resonance and Ford Atlas win Eyes on Design awards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/cadillac-elr-nissan-resonance-and-ford-atlas-win-eyes-on-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/cadillac-elr-nissan-resonance-and-ford-atlas-win-eyes-on-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/cadillac-elr-nissan-resonance-and-ford-atlas-win-eyes-on-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



This year's annual Eyes on Design awards were presented at the end of press days for the Detroit Auto Show on Tuesday. Given out for the best production and concept car designs that debuted at the show, and voted on by an esteemed panel of actual car designers, this year's award for best production vehicle design went to the 2014 Cadillac ELR. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, which was the show favorite among Autoblog editors, apparently did not impress the Eyes on Design judges enough with its all-new vent-festooned design.

The award for best concept design was actually split as a tie among the Nissan Resonance and Ford Atlas concepts. Last year's winners were the 2013 Ford Fusion and the Lexus LF-LC concept.

The Eyes on Design organization also presented a new honor this year called the Catalyst Award to Bob Lutz, former Vice Chairman of General Motors. Lutz is reported to have given a defense of design in his acceptance speech, arguing that advancements in quality across the industry as a whole have made good design a key differentiator for buyers.

Cadillac ELR, Nissan Resonance and Ford Atlas win Eyes on Design awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto show2014 cadillac elrbob lutzcadillacdetroitdetroit 2013elreyes on designeyes on design awardfordford atlas conceptnissannissan resonance conceptFri, 18 Jan 2013 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20431874/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/18/cadillac-elr-nissan-resonance-and-ford-atlas-win-eyes-on-design/20431874/article-detail.xml 20431874 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2014-cadillac-elr-detroit-2013---01-opta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2014-cadillac-elr-detroit-2013---01-opta.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz brings Destino, a ZR1-powered Karma, to Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/vl-automotive-destino-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/vl-automotive-destino-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/vl-automotive-destino-detroit-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



There's nothing wrong with the Fisker Karma that a honkin' American V8 engine won't fix. At least according to Bob Lutz, it seems. Called the VL Automotive Destino, this machine is the brainchild of industrialist Gilbert Villereal and the aforementioned Lutz, and is intended to compete with such well-regarded performance sedans as the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

As you can see, there are some significant styling changes made in the conversion from Karma to Destino, notably in the front and rear fascias, including exhaust tips out back and a new hood that's raised to accommodate what lies underneath. The interior is also reskinned and can be further customized by the buyer.

But it's the engineering work under that shapely skin that's truly noteworthy. Replacing the electric motor, battery pack and turbocharged range extender is one 638-horsepower supercharged LS9 V8 borrowed from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 driving the rear wheels through either a manual or automatic transmission. Power numbers are identical to the ZR1 and while fuel economy is not yet known, we can expect is to be a bit lower than the Corvette's 15 city / 24 highway.

The Destino will be built at VL Automotive's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and it will be delivered through still-in-development distribution network starting this summer. Pricing is expected to be around $180,000, which is significantly more than the Karma's $102,000 base price. Check out our high-res image gallery live from the Detroit Auto Show above and the press release below.

Continue reading Bob Lutz brings Destino, a ZR1-powered Karma, to Detroit

Bob Lutz brings Destino, a ZR1-powered Karma, to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto showbob lutzchevroletcorvettedestinodetroitdetroit 2013fiskergilbert villerealkarmavl automotivezr1zr1 fiskerzr1fiskerMon, 14 Jan 2013 10:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20428050/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/14/vl-automotive-destino-detroit-2013/20428050/article-detail.xml 20428050 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/000-vl-automotive-destino-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/000-vl-automotive-destino-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Via Motors promises three EV debuts in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/25/via-motors-promises-three-ev-debuts-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/25/via-motors-promises-three-ev-debuts-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/25/via-motors-promises-three-ev-debuts-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

VIA Motors

Via Motors will descend on the 2013 Detroit Auto Show with three new full-size electric vehicles. Company spokesperson Bob Lutz will pull the sheets back on each of the extended-range EVs personally, including an 800-horsepower, four-wheel-drive pickup truck, a luxury four-wheel-drive SUV and what VIA is calling the world's first 12-passenger extended-range electric van. Given the company's previous efforts, it's a good bet each of the new products will be based on General Motors platforms.

As you may recall, Via hopes to reduce fuel consumption by focusing on popular vehicles that use the most gasoline, including full-size trucks, vans and SUVs. A year ago, Bob Lutz joined the company in a spokesperson role, and has since showed up on Jay Leno's Garage to show off the company's wares. You can check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Via Motors promises three EV debuts in Detroit

Via Motors promises three EV debuts in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto showbob lutzdetroitdetroit 2013viavia motorsTue, 25 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20410210/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/25/via-motors-promises-three-ev-debuts-in-detroit/20410210/article-detail.xml 20410210 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/via-motors-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/via-motors-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Leno's Garage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/bob-lutz-and-his-volt-like-truck-visit-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/bob-lutz-and-his-volt-like-truck-visit-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/bob-lutz-and-his-volt-like-truck-visit-jay-lenos-garage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jay Leno and Bob Lutz

Bob Lutz recently stopped by to see Jay Leno at the comedian's Big Dog Garage, and the legendary auto executive has brought along his latest project, an extended-range VTrux electric pickup by Via Motors. The creation combines a 4.3-liter V6 with an electric motor to offer around 50 miles of all-electric driving and a full range of 300 miles. When connected to a 220-volt outlet, the truck takes just four hours to fully charge. What's more, Lutz says Via Motors can install the same driveline in full-size General Motors vans as well as models like the Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe and, of course, the Cadillac Escalade.

Leno seems pretty taken with the final product, saying he can't tell a difference between the VTrux plug-in hybrid and a standard Silverado pickup, save for its quiet operation. Just like in the Chevrolet Volt, once the batteries go dead, the V6 under the hood takes over to turn a generator to provide power to charge the batteries of the electric motor once again. It sounds like a pretty neat setup, though there's always the looming question of cost - Via Motors estimates the price of a Silverado-based VTRUX at $79,000 - when built "in volume." Check out the full episode of Jay Leno's Garage featuring Bob Lutz below.

Continue reading Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Leno's Garage

Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big dog garagebob lutzchevroletchevrolet silveradojay lenojay lenos garagephevsilveradovia motorsvia motors vtruxvtruxMon, 16 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20278933/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/16/bob-lutz-and-his-volt-like-truck-visit-jay-lenos-garage/20278933/article-detail.xml 20278933 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/jay-leno-and-bob-lutz-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/jay-leno-and-bob-lutz-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lutz stumps for Romney despite opposition to auto bailout]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/lutz-stumps-for-romney-despite-opposition-to-auto-bailout/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/lutz-stumps-for-romney-despite-opposition-to-auto-bailout/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/lutz-stumps-for-romney-despite-opposition-to-auto-bailout/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bob Lutz in front of reporters

Bob Lutz has put Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's numerous past comments about the automotive bailout behind him, according to Automotive News. During a recent episode of "The Kudlow Report" on CNBC, the former auto executive made it clear he now backs Romney for the 2012 presidential election, saying "[Romney] now says he was totally in favor of [the bailout] and suggested it."

In 2008, Romney wrote an op-ed for The New York Times titled, "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt." The piece adamantly opposed the government bailout in favor of a managed bankruptcy for both General Motors and Chyrsler. He has maintained his opposition to the auto bailouts publicly along the campaign trail, and Lutz's comment is the first news we've heard of the candidate's apparent change of heart. As recently as February 18, Lutz himself criticized the presidential candidate for his stance, especially for suggesting that the automakers simply needed to borrow from banks. According to Lutz, the banks were in worse shape than either of the imperiled manufacturers.

But that was then. Lutz now says he forgives Romney for his earlier statements, and that his support has more to do with opposing President Barack Obama than it does any actual faith in Romney's policies. Lutz said, "You know, all is forgiven. It depends on who [Romney's] opponent is."

While speaking with The Detroit News recently, Romney said that if elected, he would quickly sell the U.S. Treasury's stake in GM. He's also criticized the Obama Administration's proposed fuel economy requirements and support of electric vehicle manufacturing and development. Having helped usher the Chevrolet Volt to market, Lutz is a major proponent of electric vehicles.

Lutz stumps for Romney despite opposition to auto bailout originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 presidential electionautomotive bailoutbailoutbarack obamabob lutzbob lutz supports romneyelectionlutzmitt romneyobamaFri, 15 Jun 2012 09:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20259290/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/15/lutz-stumps-for-romney-despite-opposition-to-auto-bailout/20259290/article-detail.xml 20259290 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bob-lutz-with-reporters_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bob-lutz-with-reporters.jpg <![CDATA[Original Dodge Viper Concept shows up in new Chrysler video]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/original-dodge-viper-concept-shows-up-in-new-chrysler-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/original-dodge-viper-concept-shows-up-in-new-chrysler-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/original-dodge-viper-concept-shows-up-in-new-chrysler-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

1989 Dodge Viper Concept

Got 13 minutes to spare? Of course you do - it's a Friday. Then we've got just the way to burn them.

Chrysler has posted three new SRT Viper videos, the first being a nice seven-minute documentary about Viper history, from its origins to the present.

We're happy to see the automaker make no attempts to distort the truth here, wisely including period footage of both Carroll Shelby and Bob Lutz, despite the fact that those two automotive legends currently work for its most bitter rivals, Ford and General Motors, respectively. The inclusion of a clip from the Viper TV series, however, was perhaps a less inspired choice. We'd have left that on the cutting room floor in favor of more racing footage, like maybe something from Le Mans.

The second video is three minutes of Ralph Gilles, President and CEO of SRT Brand and Motorsports at Chrysler. Gilles walks us around a static Viper, explaining some of the details in the design that might escape a casual observer - and help the new Viper hit 206 miles per hour.

The final video goes inside Conner Avenue Assembly in Detroit where Chrysler builds the Viper. So maybe Chrysler employees like Shelly Brown Alore, the operations manager at the plant, aren't quite the celebrity that Gilles is, but then again, we're exactly the type of car nerds that actually find this stuff interesting.

Scroll down to watch the videos.

Continue reading Original Dodge Viper Concept shows up in new Chrysler video

Original Dodge Viper Concept shows up in new Chrysler video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viperbob lutzcarroll shelbyconnor avenue assemblydodgegilleslutzralph gillesshelbysrtvideoviperviper srt10Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20220765/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/20/original-dodge-viper-concept-shows-up-in-new-chrysler-video/20220765/article-detail.xml 20220765 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/1989-dodge-viper-concept-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/1989-dodge-viper-concept-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz praises Leaf and Volt, says national security requires going electric]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bob-lutz-praises-leaf-and-volt-says-national-security-requires/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bob-lutz-praises-leaf-and-volt-says-national-security-requires/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bob-lutz-praises-leaf-and-volt-says-national-security-requires/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - front dead-on view

Bob Lutz is not going to take attacks on the electric car lying down - the closest he'll come to that is doing push-ups on The Colbert Report. After spending a few of his Forbes columns laying into right-wing pundits for their attacks on the Chevrolet Volt, he is switching to a positive message about how plug-in cars can help with American national security. It is not surprising that Lutz, a former Marine, co-authors the article with two former U.S. Marines commandants and the CEO of FedEx (the three are all members of Securing America's Future Energy's (SAFE) Energy Security Leadership Council). The gist? Well, here's part of the opening paragraph:

When ... threats exist because the United States is the protector of the world's global oil supply lines, it is a clear illustration of how our nation's over-reliance on a single, globally priced fuel impacts our national and economic security.

America's addiction to gasoline costs the government billions of dollars a year, an estimated $80 billion, in fact, to guard the sea lanes, including one little area by Iran:

From a national security perspective, the U.S. military is forced to protect the world's vital oil infrastructure. The single greatest chokepoint is the Strait of Hormuz, through which 17 million barrels of oil per day passed in 2011 - 20 percent of global supplies. Protection of the sea lanes of commerce has become an American burden and will remain so, costing the United States Treasury an estimated $80 billion per year while taxing our military, which is already engaged on multiple fronts.

It's arguments like this that have made the recent right-wing criticism of the Volt such a mystery. If we use less gasoline, we can spend fewer lives and less treasure importing the fuel (of course, we don't lose many lives at the Canadian border, which is where most of our imported oil comes from). The Army says that today's soldier uses an average of 22 gallons of gasoline a day.

Lutz and his co-authors are quite clear that high gas prices are hurting Americans' pocketbooks, "essentially" wiping out tax cuts that Presidents Bush and Obama put into place. That's why, they say, "government action is needed to mitigate the risks of oil dependence, because there is no free market for oil." This intervention contains both expanded domestic production and - surprise - plugging in our light-duty transportation fleet as much as possible and feeding our big trucks lots of natural gas. To that end, they write:

Regarding electrification, the beauty of plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf is that they are powered by electricity, which can be generated from many sources: nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewables. Best yet, these are all domestic energy sources, meaning OPEC won't be able to corner the market. And the retail price of electricity is far less volatile that the price of oil.

Hard to disagree with that. There's more at Forbes.

Bob Lutz praises Leaf and Volt, says national security requires going electric originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet volt2012 nissan leafbob lutzchevroletchevrolet voltenergy independencegmleafnational securitynissanplug-in hybridstraights of hormuzvoltTue, 17 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217607/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/bob-lutz-praises-leaf-and-volt-says-national-security-requires/20217607/article-detail.xml 20217607 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2011-chevrolet-volt-front-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2011-chevrolet-volt-front-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz wins push-up contest on <em>The Colbert Report</em>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bob Lutz takes on Stephen Colbert in a push-up contest

Former General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz went bicep-to-bicep with "America's ballsiest pundit," Stephen Colbert, last night - and came out ahead. Ostensibly, Lutz was on Colbert to talk about his new book, Car Guys Vs. Bean Counters, but as one might expect, the discussion veered into Mitt Romney vs. President Obama territory pretty quickly.

The actual car industry part of the discussion, though, revealed more potential good news for the Chevrolet Volt, the car that Lutz is obviously trying to make his legacy and called "a huge success." Sure, Colbert talked about what his friends over at Fox News have been saying, but Lutz responded by predicting that sales would be "about 3,000 a month from here on out." This would not only set a new record (Volt sales for March 2012 were 2,289, the highest so far) but would also put GM's plug-in car into the 36,000-a-year range. That's commendable, but still not where GM CEO Dan Akerson said last December things would be this year. Of course, Akerson's 60,000 number could have included the Opel Ampera and its Vauxhall twin. In any case, things are looking up for the Volt, and that's something Lutz is more than happy to tell Colbert or anyone else. Watch the video - including an impromptu push-up contest between the two - right now by scrolling below.

Continue reading Bob Lutz wins push-up contest on The Colbert Report

Bob Lutz wins push-up contest on The Colbert Report originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltamperabob lutzchevroletchevy voltcolbertcolbert reportlutzstephen colbertvideovoltTue, 10 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20212216/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/20212216/article-detail.xml 20212216 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lutz-vs-colbert-push-ups_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lutz-vs-colbert-push-ups.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz: Hey right-wingers, stop attacking Chevy Volt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/bob-lutz-hey-right-wingers-stop-attacking-chevy-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/bob-lutz-hey-right-wingers-stop-attacking-chevy-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/bob-lutz-hey-right-wingers-stop-attacking-chevy-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bob Lutz rolls Chevrolet Volt onto stage

In the wake of last week's bruising hearing on Capitol Hill about the safety of the Chevrolet Volt (which itself followed an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that concluded plug-in vehicles do not "pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles") former General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has written a column for Forbes that strikes back against the media (especially conservatives) who are attacking the car he thought would be one of his most important legacies.

Politicians and members of the media on the right, from Mitt Romney to Neil Cavuto, have talked smack about the Volt, and Lutz says this "has attracted my attention and ire." In typical Lutz fashion, he doesn't mince words, writing:

The Oscar for totally irresponsible journalism has to go to The O'Reilly Factor on Fox News, with, as its key guest, Lou Dobbs. Amid much jocular yukking, the Volt was depicted as a typical federal failure. ... Boiled down to the subtext, Dobbs' message was this: "All Volts catch fire, and therefore all Volts have been recalled." That simply isn't the case. ...

To top it off, these two media pros lamented the fact that the same government that had forced GM to produce the Volt was now extending $7,500 tax credits towards its purchase, thus squandering even more of "our taxpayer" dollars on this failed Socialist-collectivist flop. Truth? The $7,500 tax credit was enacted under the Bush administration!

Don't let Lutz's words make you think he's taking a left/liberal stance. He's still a self-declared "conservative Republican" who hates that right-wing talking heads are spiraling downward into this sort of "deliberate misstatement of facts." They "have managed to make me embarrassed to describe myself as a conservative," he writes, adding, "Let's leave the 'invention of facts' to the left-wing climate-change alarmists." There - that should offend pretty much everyone who's not in the dead political center.

Bob Lutz: Hey right-wingers, stop attacking Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet volt2012 chevy voltbob lutzchevroletchevyfox newsoreilly factorvoltvoltecTue, 31 Jan 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160261/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/bob-lutz-hey-right-wingers-stop-attacking-chevy-volt/20160261/article-detail.xml 20160261 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bob-lutz-introduces-chevy-volt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bob-lutz-introduces-chevy-volt.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz: "I honestly think Tesla's going to make it."]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/bob-lutz-i-honestly-think-teslas-going-to-make-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/bob-lutz-i-honestly-think-teslas-going-to-make-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/bob-lutz-i-honestly-think-teslas-going-to-make-it/#commentsFiled under:

bob lutz

Back around 2006, GM's Bob Lutz was spurred to action by Tesla Motors. Unable to get The General to move forward on a plug-in car, he pointed to the California start-up as a reason to get the Chevy Volt project going. This is all made pretty clear in the Revenge of the Electric Car movie, which is opening in theaters nationwide this fall. In a new interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Lutz describes how Toyota also played a big role in getting the Volt on the road: he didn't want GM to fall behind in the public eye.

The key point is that Lutz doesn't get behind plug-in cars for their fuel efficiency or environmental reasons - he's famously said that global warming is a crock of sh*t and that a CAFE standard of 42 mpg is "totally ridiculous" - but he can still strongly support them. This is because they can be good cars. Plain and simple. Speaking to the Chronicle, Lutz said that Tesla's long-term prospects are uncertain but that:

[Tesla's] stock's doing well and everyone's got a buy on it. Meanwhile, they're losing a ton of money. My philosophy always is, if you have a desirable product, you can muddle your way past the financial problems. Elon Musk and the team were smart enough to get, without question, some of the world's finest designers on the Model S. The car is so beautiful that you look at it and say, "I don't care what drives it, I just want one." That's really the secret of this business. I honestly think they're going to make it.

Lutz and Musk were both interviewed on Charlie Rose last night, and you can watch that video here.

Bob Lutz: "I honestly think Tesla's going to make it." originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzcharlie rosechevroletchevy voltelectric vehicleelon muskmodel splug-in hybridteslatesla motorsvoltFri, 11 Nov 2011 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20104671/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/11/bob-lutz-i-honestly-think-teslas-going-to-make-it/20104671/article-detail.xml 20104671 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lutz-keynote-la-09_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lutz-keynote-la-09.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz joining EV maker VIA Motors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/bob-lutz-joining-ev-maker-via-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/bob-lutz-joining-ev-maker-via-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/bob-lutz-joining-ev-maker-via-motors/#commentsFiled under:



Bob Lutz is apparently planning to keep busy in his retirement. In addition to snapping up an advisory role with General Motors, the former automotive executive has just announced that he is joining up with VIA Motors, an electric vehicle manufacturer responsible for converting full-size GM products into extended-range hybrids.

At this point, it's unclear exactly what kind of role Lutz will play in the company or what his duties will be. For that matter, Lutz didn't say whether his new position with VIA Motors will conflict with his advisory role with GM.

Lutz says that of all of the feats he accomplished during his illustrious career across multiple manufacturers, helping usher the Chevrolet Volt to market is his proudest achievement, making the new position at VIA Motors a convenient fit.

Bob Lutz joining EV maker VIA Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzgeneral motorsgmvia motorsMon, 26 Sep 2011 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20066266/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/26/bob-lutz-joining-ev-maker-via-motors/20066266/article-detail.xml 20066266 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lutz-solstice-sunglasses-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lutz-solstice-sunglasses-630.jpg <![CDATA[GM announces Bob Lutz retained as advisor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/gm-announces-bob-lutz-retained-as-advisor/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/gm-announces-bob-lutz-retained-as-advisor/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/gm-announces-bob-lutz-retained-as-advisor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bob Lutz, General MotorsThe man nicknamed "Maximum" isn't completely retired yet.

General Motors has announced that it has retained Bob Lutz as an advisor. Executives at GM will be able to reach out to Lutz and tap into his knowledge base, which was garnered from a career in the automotive industry lasting over four decades.

Since retiring from GM in 2010, Lutz has supplied information to executives on an informal basis. Now the assistance will be provided on an official retainer, presumably on a more frequent (or at least regularly scheduled) basis.

Click through to the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading GM announces Bob Lutz retained as advisor

GM announces Bob Lutz retained as advisor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzgeneral motorsgmlutzrobert lutzFri, 02 Sep 2011 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20033709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/02/gm-announces-bob-lutz-retained-as-advisor/20033709/article-detail.xml 20033709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bob-lutz-headshot-200_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bob-lutz-headshot-200.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz briefly considered Michigan gubernatorial run [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/bob-lutz-briefly-considered-michigan-gubernatorial-run-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/bob-lutz-briefly-considered-michigan-gubernatorial-run-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/bob-lutz-briefly-considered-michigan-gubernatorial-run-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: , ,

bob lutz

The man they call Maximum Bob had visions of becoming Governor Maximum Bob. When the former vice chairman of General Motors saw his tenure with automaker drawing to a close, Bob Lutz considered running for governor of Michigan. It appears this was merely a brief consideration, ahead of the 2010 election.

A gubernatorial run faded into an afterthought once Lutz was informed of the sheer volume of cash he would need to spend on a campaign. Couple the amount of money with a never-ending sea of meetings and appearances along the campaign trail, and Lutz apparently realized this wasn't a pool he felt like diving into.

Since it's nothing more than a thought exercise at this point, why not take a moment to cast a completely meaningless vote in our poll below. Come on, Lutz, we're pulling for ya.

View Poll

Bob Lutz briefly considered Michigan gubernatorial run [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzbob lutz gubernatorial rungeneral motorsgmgovernorgovernor of michiganlutzlutz for governormaximum bobWed, 06 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19984572/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/06/bob-lutz-briefly-considered-michigan-gubernatorial-run-w-poll/19984572/article-detail.xml 19984572 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/bob-lutz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/bob-lutz.jpg <![CDATA[Lutz dishes dirt on GM in latest Autoline Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/lutz-dishes-dirt-on-gm-in-latest-autoline-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/lutz-dishes-dirt-on-gm-in-latest-autoline-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/lutz-dishes-dirt-on-gm-in-latest-autoline-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

bob lutz on autoline detroit
Bob Lutz sits down for Autoline Detroit - Click above to watch video after the jump

Autoline Detroit recently played host to Bob Lutz, and, as is always the case, the former General Motors vice chairman dished out some great commentary. Lutz was promoting his new book Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business, and talk quickly turned to his role as it related to product development and high-level decision making at GM. While on the topic of brand management, Lutz revealed a few rather interesting tidbits about his former employer:
  • All Chevrolet vehicles were required to have five-spoke aluminum wheels and a chrome band up front, as part of the Bowtie brand's overall image.
  • Pontiac was required to utilize "see-through" headrests, despite the fact that they cost more to produce while offering no consumer value.
  • All Buicks required a sweep spear in the exterior design language.
  • Cadillac considered building a 550-horsepower supercharged Escalade.
  • Saturn was working on a seven-passenger Vue.
  • Many of the non-car person GM board members preferred to drive imports.
  • Proportion and shape didn't matter as long as all the brand-image boxes were checked.
Lutz provides an interesting look at the type of decision making that forced GM into a position of bankruptcy. The automaker was being run solely by folks focused on techniques and ideals that don't work in the industry. We don't want to give away the entire interview, but it's worth watching all 26 minutes. Click past the jump to see for yourself.

Also, judging solely by the above screenshot, we'll cast a vote for Robert De Niro to play Lutz in the inevitable movie about this period in General Motors' history.

Continue reading Lutz dishes dirt on GM in latest Autoline Detroit

Lutz dishes dirt on GM in latest Autoline Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autolineautoline detroitbob lutzbuickcadillaccadilllacchevroletescaladegeneral motorsgmlutzpontiacsaturnsaturn vuesupercharged escaladevideoMon, 20 Jun 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19971881/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/20/lutz-dishes-dirt-on-gm-in-latest-autoline-detroit/19971881/article-detail.xml 19971881 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/bob-lutz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/bob-lutz.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz illustrates GM's decline in a Christmas card]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/bob-lutz-illustrates-gms-decline-in-a-christmas-card/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/bob-lutz-illustrates-gms-decline-in-a-christmas-card/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/bob-lutz-illustrates-gms-decline-in-a-christmas-card/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Bob Lutz is in The Wall Street Journal this week, and the former Vice Chairman at General Motors discusses what he sees as the reason for the automaker's previous failings. His illustrative example? A company Christmas card. Sounds weird, but Mr. Lutz's example hit home nicely.

Lutz tells the story of Cadillac then-boss Jim Roche, and a drawn-out mission to get the Wreath and Crest's Christmas card just right. After countless versions, a simple painting of a boy with a sled turned into a Cadillac driving to a mansion along a snow-covered drive.

The point? Lutz's example shows in glaring detail the level of corporate waste and inefficiency that characterized GM through much of the post-war period. That culture, and the lack of an iron-fisted leader, are what Lutz blames for dragging the company down. Check out Lutz's full thoughts here.

Bob Lutz illustrates GM's decline in a Christmas card originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bobbob lutzcadillacchristmas cardgeneral motorsgmjim rochelutzMon, 13 Jun 2011 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/13/bob-lutz-illustrates-gms-decline-in-a-christmas-card/19964871/article-detail.xml 19964871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/bob-lutz-fist-pump_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/bob-lutz-fist-pump.jpg <![CDATA[Majority of Americans want 62 mpg CAFE standards; automakers don't]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/majority-of-americans-want-62-mpg-cafe-standards-automakers-don/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/majority-of-americans-want-62-mpg-cafe-standards-automakers-don/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/majority-of-americans-want-62-mpg-cafe-standards-automakers-don/#commentsFiled under:

cafe 62 mpg

If you want to find examples of ways Americans disagree on politics, all you need to do is turn on any cable news channel right now. But here's a curious case of the majority agreeing on one important point: 62 percent of Americans support an increase in the average fuel economy mandate in the U.S. to 60 miles per gallon by 2025.

That's around the level currently under loose discussion in Washington (which is 62 mpg), and the strong, bi-partisan support is the finding of a survey released today by the Consumer Federation of America, conducted by Opinion Research Corporation under commission. The current CAFE rules, announced in April 2010, require 35 mpg by 2016.

There is one group that's against the 60+ mpg level, though: automakers. As former General Motors vice chair Bob Lutz told us the other day when talking about a CAFE increase that wasn't quite 62 mpg, "Nobody knows how to do a full-line fleet with the equivalent of 42 miles per gallon. That's ain'tgonnahappen.com."

More broadly, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents many major automakers, asked the Obama administration to not consider a 62 mpg standard until more studies on this level's impact on the industry are completed. It warned that such a high level might negatively affect safety, sales and jobs.

Majority of Americans want 62 mpg CAFE standards; automakers don't originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>62 mpgalliance of automobile manufacturersbob lutzcafecafe mpgcafe standardsconsumer federation of americampgobama mpgTue, 17 May 2011 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19942090/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/17/majority-of-americans-want-62-mpg-cafe-standards-automakers-don/19942090/article-detail.xml 19942090 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/abg-cafe-cup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/abg-cafe-cup.jpg <![CDATA[Report: GM trying to re-hire Bob Lutz]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/report-gm-trying-to-re-hire-bob-lutz/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/report-gm-trying-to-re-hire-bob-lutz/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/report-gm-trying-to-re-hire-bob-lutz/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bob LutzGeneral Motors is reportedly looking to re-hire none other than Bob Lutz as a consultant to vehicle development. Lutz, 79, left GM in May of 2010 after leading the company's product development efforts for many years.

The push to rehire Lutz reportedly comes from GM CEO Dan Akerson's initiative to rush development and reduce cost of its new crop of vehicles. The United States government, which currently owns one-third of GM, has apparently opposed Lutz's re-appointment, with The Daily Beast saying that the U.S. Treasury is reluctant to re-hire Lutz on the grounds that paying him so close to his retirement could look like a "sweetheart payout."

GM recently promoted Mary Barra, 49, to senior vice president in charge of global product development, even though she has very little experience in the field. By bringing Lutz back, GM hopes to regain an intelligent eye into strategies for quick product development, as well as marketing and design. Thanks for the tip, Phrime!

[Source: The Daily Beast]

Report: GM trying to re-hire Bob Lutz originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzgeneral motorsgmlutzTue, 15 Feb 2011 16:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19845427/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/15/report-gm-trying-to-re-hire-bob-lutz/19845427/article-detail.xml 19845427 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/lutz-solstice-sunglasses-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/lutz-solstice-sunglasses-630.jpg <![CDATA[How Bob Lutz made four auto journalists his "Secret Weapons" at GM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/how-bob-lutz-made-four-auto-journalists-his-secret-weapons-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/how-bob-lutz-made-four-auto-journalists-his-secret-weapons-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/how-bob-lutz-made-four-auto-journalists-his-secret-weapons-at/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Can His Arsenal Survive New Management?

Bob Lutz

When Bob Lutz ran General Motors' product development efforts, he did something that no other car company has done in the history of making cars. He hired four automotive journalists to assess all of GM's new vehicles before they were OK'd for production. And their word was law. Everything had to be developed to their satisfaction.

That didn't go down well with GM's traditional engineering staff, at least not at first. They didn't like the fact that four outsiders, four media critics with no product development experience, could force them to make changes on a new-car program. But because the journos reported to Lutz, they had all the protection they needed.

[Lutz] personally asked me not to write anything about them. That's how much of a competitive advantage he felt they brought to GM.
Lutz hired them as full-time employees because he wanted an independent, third party voice to evaluate GM's cars as they went through their development stages. "These are four guys who made a living out of critiquing cars," Lutz says, "and they made a pretty good living at it." Since the four didn't hold any allegiance to the design, engineering or manufacturing staffs at GM, they could feel free to critique any car just as they would when they were full-time journalists.

Lutz tells me they were his secret weapons. He credits them with the reason why GM's cars are now tuned to world-class standards. These guys didn't design, engineer or develop any vehicles. That was done by GM's long-standing employees. But the journos brought an enthusiast magazine mind-set to the evaluation process to make sure there would be very little for the press to pick apart.

I've known about Lutz's secret weapons for several years. But he personally asked me not to write anything about them. That's how much of a competitive advantage he felt they brought to GM. He didn't want to see any other car company copying this approach. Since these guys are friends and colleagues whom I've known for years, I also didn't want to jeopardize their jobs. So I didn't write about them. Until now. And now I think it's important that I do.

Continue reading...
John McElroyJohn McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as a Detroit insider to Autoblog readers.

Continue reading How Bob Lutz made four auto journalists his "Secret Weapons" at GM

How Bob Lutz made four auto journalists his "Secret Weapons" at GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzdan akersonfeaturedgeneral motorsjack keeblermary barranick tworkrich cepposron sessiontom stephensTue, 25 Jan 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19813421/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/25/how-bob-lutz-made-four-auto-journalists-his-secret-weapons-at/19813421/article-detail.xml 19813421 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/bob-lutz-eyes-2-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/bob-lutz-eyes-2-opt.jpg -1 2