Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V-challenging BMW M3 - click above for high-res image gallery

This guy. So, some of you no doubt remember the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge. If you don't, here's a refresher: General Motors vice-chairman Maximum Bob Lutz challenged any journalist to bring a CTS-V competitor to California's Laguna Seca where the 77-year-old Lutz would mop the floor with he/she and whatever fancy-pants, Euro sedan they done brung. Of course, the event got moved to New York's Monticello Motor Club, and to guarantee that the Cadillac didn't lose, GM brought in a backup pilot, John Hienricy, the company's noted hot shoe engineer and race car driver. And then every other manufacturer (Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar) decided not to play into GM's marketing ploy, and withdrew their cars' support.

To be frank, we here at Autoblog toyed with the idea of throwing our hoon-hat in the ring, but after Heinricy became Cadillac's ace in the hole, we figured the whole challenge was unwinnable (we've driven with Mr. Heinricy - he's that good). While it would no doubt have been fun, totally playing into General Motor's hands like that (by also losing), well, not so much. Luckily, privateer Michael Cooper and his BMW M3 wasn't in on our conference call.

Mr. Cooper showed up to the Caddy Challenge and laid down a 2:50.424, beating not only Bob Lutz's 2:56.321 in the way more powerful CTS-V, but our pals Lawrence Ulrich (2:53:026) and Jack Baruth (2:51:153), both of whom were driving the big supercharged Caddy. Not surprisingly, Heinricy blew the doors off of every single person, ripping off a 2:46.560. Probably while flossing. But let's not overlook young Michael Cooper, who with 142 less horsepower and a boatload less torque to work with came in less than four seconds behind John (ringer *cough* ringer) Hienricy.

BMW was so taken by Mr. Cooper's feat of good driving that they reportedly invited him down to their North American headquarters in New Jersey and gave him a BMW Performance Multifunction Steering Wheel. How else to thank the guy that tossed such an effective monkey wrench into GM's marketing plans? BMW installed the wheel in Cooper's M3 while he was given a ride in a special BMW Performance enhanced 335i Sedan. So, one more time, a hearty Autoblog congratulations to Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V challenging BMW M3. The one with the fancy new steering wheel.


Gallery: Michael Cooper's BMW M3


[Source: BMW Blog]

CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 BMW M32009 M32009BmwM32009M3BMWBMW M3BMW M3 SedanBmwM3BmwM3SedanBob LutzBobLutzCadillacCadillac CTS-VCadillac CTS-V ChallengeCadillacCts-vCadillacCts-vChallengeJohn HienricyJohnHienricylutzMaximum Bob LutzMaximumBobLutzMicahel CooperMicahelCoopermonticellomonticello motor clubMonticelloMotorClubMon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/lutz-high-performance-chevy-volt-ss-a-possibility/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/lutz-high-performance-chevy-volt-ss-a-possibility/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/lutz-high-performance-chevy-volt-ss-a-possibility/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Electric cars are for those who would rather drive slow, boring commuters that don't consume fossil fuels and therefore don't spew pollutants from their tailpipes. Gas-powered cars - and especially those wearing time-honored badges like SS, R/T or GT - are for those who prefer fire-breathing, tire-screeching performance and care much more about nitrous oxide than nitrogen oxide. Right? Not so fast, says Bob Lutz.

When asked whether or not Chevy could shock the performance crowd with an SS version of the upcoming Volt, Lutz said, "I would not discount that possibility." That's as close as you're going to get to an admission of intent this early in the game. Lutz goes on to suggest that the Voltec powertrain will allow for plenty of on-demand power. "[I]f we want to sacrifice a little bit of fuel efficiency in the interest of performance and still get over 200 miles per gallon, we can do that any time."

Following the same logical train of thought, we could certainly see a V-Series of the Cadillac Converj. If you're interested in hearing the news straight from the horse's Lutz's mouth, click past the break for a video.


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: Fox Car Report via GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility"

Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltbob lutzBobLutzcadillac converj vCadillacConverjVchevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet volt ssChevroletVoltChevroletVoltSschevychevy voltchevy volt ssChevyVoltChevyVoltSslutzvoltvolt ssVoltSsTue, 10 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[V-Series Challenge participants announced, no surprises inside]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/v-series-challenge-participants-announced-no-surprises-inside/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/v-series-challenge-participants-announced-no-surprises-inside/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/v-series-challenge-participants-announced-no-surprises-inside/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

In less than a week, Bob Lutz will be joined by a few automotive journalists and a handful of regular Joes at the Monticello Motor Club in New York to race some fast sedans around a fast track to see if anything with four doors can outrun a Cadillac CTS-V. Sounds like fun. But, after reading through the preliminary list of applicants The General has accepted, it's looking more and more like the cards are stacked heavily in GM's favor.

The three participating journalists include Jalopnik's Wes Siler, who will be racing Lutz in a Jaguar XFR; Jack Baruth representing The Truth About Cars and freelancer and New York Times contributor Lawrence Ulrich. We have no idea what the latter two journos will be piloting, but we do know that four private car owners will bring along their personal contenders: a BMW M3, a BMW M5, an Audi RS4 and finally, a, um, Cadillac CTS-V.

According to GM's Cadillac Notes Blog, there's room for a couple more contestants... and we're really hoping that someone (preferably someone with track experience) steps up to the plate with a Porsche Panamera and something with AMG written across the decklid to turn this into a proper sampling of potential spoilers.


Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V


[Source: Cadillac Notes]

V-Series Challenge participants announced, no surprises inside originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Cadillac CTS-V2009CadillacCts-v2010 cadillac cts-v2010CadillacCts-vBob LutzBobLutzcadillacCadillac CTS-Vcadillac cts-v challengeCadillacCts-vCadillacCts-vChallengeCTS-Vcts-v challengeCts-vChallengelutzmonticellomonticello motor clubMonticelloMotorClubFri, 23 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge at Monticello]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/video-bob-lutz-prepares-for-v-series-challenge-at-monticello/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/video-bob-lutz-prepares-for-v-series-challenge-at-monticello/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/video-bob-lutz-prepares-for-v-series-challenge-at-monticello/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge - Click above to watch video after the jump

The pieces are now in place for the V-Series Challenge set to take place at the Monticello Motor Club on October 29. Behind the wheel of a Cadillac CTS-V, Bob Lutz will take on the competition in a run-what-you-brung type shoot out against players chosen by GM from the automotive media and general population. The video after the jump shows Lutz already on site practicing his lines on Monticello's 22-turn track (we're not sure yet what track configuration will be used). Maximum Bob will clearly have an advantage in terms of knowing the track, though General Motors is also bringing along ace pilot and former GMer John Heinricy in case the competition comes with some pro-am or above drivers.

Sounds like a good time, though we've heard through the grapevine that despite receiving around 120 applicants, the five vehicles chosen by GM to take on the CTS-V don't stand much of a chance. One we do know that will be present is a Jaguar XFR piloted by Wes Siler from Jalopnik.

We also asked Porsche about this whole business, since it would seem that the Panamera Turbo has one of the best shots at beating a CTS-V. Unless an actual owner was chosen by GM to be a challenger, however, there won't be a Panamera Turbo present. Porsche told us that they weren't approving any loans of the Panamera Turbo to the media for this event, and we've heard rumblings of the same sort from Mercedes-Benz concerning its AMG-fortified hardware.

We can't blame them. This is a GM event and the deck is stacked in their favor. Letting an auto journalist represent your brand in this super sedan pissing contest seems like a lose-lose proposition for any automaker in its right mind. Jaguar apparently disagrees, but we'll see what happens come October 29.

UPDATE: GM got in touch with us to clarify that the video footage was shot at the company's Milford Proving Grounds, and that Lutz has never raced at Monticello before.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge at Monticello

VIDEO: Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge at Monticello originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzcadillaccadillac cts-vCadillacCts-vctscts-vlutzmonticellomonticello motor clubMonticelloMotorClubv-series challengeV-seriesChallengeFri, 23 Oct 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/cts-v-challenge-opened-up-to-any-would-be-caddy-killers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/cts-v-challenge-opened-up-to-any-would-be-caddy-killers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/cts-v-challenge-opened-up-to-any-would-be-caddy-killers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

May the best car win. So says General Motors' Bob Lutz, and he's willing to put his Pilotis where his mouth is... so to speak. On a conference call last month, Maximum Bob challenged any journalist to a duel with the Cadillac CTS-V, and, not surprisingly, the mantle was picked up right quick by the boys at Jalopnik.

Rules? Sorta. Any stock production four-door sedan is reportedly eligible to go up against the Big V, and the drivers will be lining up against the clock on October 29 at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, N.Y. While Jalop's Wes Siler was originally slated to go up against Lutz in a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, that car has since been switched out in favor of the Jaguar XFR (earning the ire of TTAC in the process).

Here's the best part: Anyone who happens to own a new comparable sport sedan, such as a BMW M3 or M5, perhaps a Mercedes-Benz AMG sedan or the Audi S4 (not to mention the Mitsubishi Evolution), is welcome to submit themselves for consideration to take part in the festivities in New York. We're not sure how the participants will be selected or exactly what the racing will entail, but if you're interested in throwing your hat into the ring, click here. For what it's worth, we've driven the CTS-V around Monticello, and we figure the smart money is on the Daddy Caddy.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V


[Source: CTS-V Challenge]

CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Cadillac CTS-V2009CadillacCts-vamgbob lutzBobLutzcadillacCadillac CTSCadillac CTS-Vcadillac cts-v challengeCadillacCtsCadillacCts-vCadillacCts-vChallengeCTScts vCTS-Vcts-v challengeCts-vChallengeCtsVjag XFRjaguar XFRJaguarXfrJagXfrlutzXF-RXFRWed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Lutz's resume includes reviving BMW with "Ultimate Driving Machine" tagline?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/lutz-resume-includes-reviving-bmw-with-ultimate-driving-machin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/lutz-resume-includes-reviving-bmw-with-ultimate-driving-machin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/lutz-resume-includes-reviving-bmw-with-ultimate-driving-machin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bob Lutz. His name alone is enough spark heated discussions amongst us four-wheel loving types. But aside from being "Maximum" and getting GM to construct the Lutz 'Ring and using little more than personal chutzpah to push projects like GM's ill-fated Kappa platform through the General's special brand of extra-thick red tape, have you ever stopped and thought about the jet fightin', cigar chompin' uber car dude's credentials? If you guessed engineer or designer you would be wrong. Turns out that Lutz is little more than a (much) glorified marketer. Says Bob, "I had been practicing medicine without a license."

But he's a really good marketing guy. Lutz was instrumental in not only reviving the ailing BMW brand, but successfully introducing the Roundel to Americans in the 1970s. In fact, he saved the Roundel - BMW wanted to ditch the logo but Lutz said, "Nein." In 1971, BMW CEO Eberhard von Kuenheim lured a 39-year-old sales and marketing exec named Lutz away from Opel. See, after WW2, BMW had tried producing big luxury cars like the 503 and 504 (and the super fly 507), but soon learned that no one in Europe had any money. Then it turned to bubbly Isettas that were neat but hardly mass market stuff. Lutz's job was not only to revive the moribund brand, but get some traction in the plum U.S. market with good products like the 700, the 2002 and the guibo-laden Bavaria.

Since BMW was the underdog, Lutz went with an underdog ad agency called Ammirati & Puris after being impressed by their Fiat ads. Ammirati & Puris came up with the tag line, "The Ultimate Driving Machine," and Lutz had the good sense to green light the campaign. In the early 1970s, Baby Boomers were out of college, making money and ready to start spending that money, especially on premium products. And it's hard to argue with a tag line like "Ultimate Driving Machine," especially for people whose fathers owned sloppy Buicks for the last two decades. Lutz's gamble paid off, as no yuppy worth their salt in the 1980s drove anything less than a 320i. Now, the question becomes: does Lutz have enough left in the tank at 77-years-old to pull a similar stunt for General Motors as the recently bankrupt automaker's chief marketer? We shall wait and we shall see.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd | Photo: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]

Lutz's resume includes reviving BMW with "Ultimate Driving Machine" tagline? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBob LutzBobLutzgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmLutzWed, 19 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/video-a-lap-of-the-milford-road-course-in-the-2010-corvette-gra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/video-a-lap-of-the-milford-road-course-in-the-2010-corvette-gra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/video-a-lap-of-the-milford-road-course-in-the-2010-corvette-gra/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here at Autoblog we've been fortunate enough to have two separate opportunities to drive what is officially known as the Milford Road Course. Informally, the facility is better known as the Lutz-ring. Early this decade when Bob Lutz was lured out of retirement to provide guidance to the product development staff at General Motors he quickly came to the realization that despite all of the different test surfaces at the Milford Proving ground there was no proper facility for evaluating the limit handling performance of its vehicles.

Under Lutz's prodding the development staff led by Jim Mero designed a 3 mile, 17 turn course where 97 percent of every lap is spent undergoing lateral acceleration to one side or another. The facility is used for both handling evaluation and development and as part of the durability cycle for new GM vehicles. We shot some footage the other day while driving in the Corvette Grand Sport and you can follow along for a lap of the Lutz-ring after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

corvettegrandsport000corvettegrandsport001corvettegrandsport002corvettegrandsport003corvettegrandsport004

Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport

VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet corvettechevrolet corvette grand sportchevrolet corvette grand sport 2010ChevroletCorvetteChevroletCorvetteGrandSportChevroletCorvetteGrandSport2010chevychevy corvettechevy corvette grand sportChevyCorvetteChevyCorvetteGrandSportfeaturefeaturedfeaturesfirst driveFirstDrivelutzlutz ringLutzRingmilford proving groundsmilford road coursemilfordprovinggroundsMilfordRoadCourseSat, 01 Aug 2009 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Lutz confirms Cadillac CTS-V coupe is coming, sport wagon... doubtful]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/lutz-confirms-cadillac-cts-v-coupe-is-coming-sport-wagon-dou/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/lutz-confirms-cadillac-cts-v-coupe-is-coming-sport-wagon-dou/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/lutz-confirms-cadillac-cts-v-coupe-is-coming-sport-wagon-dou/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

During a Web-chat held on General Motors' FastLane blog, GM's former product head and newly appointed Vice Chairman, Bob Lutz, sat down with the unwashed throngs to take questions and a deliver a few tender morsels to the product obsessed.

Chief among them was Lutz' confirmation that a Cadillac CTS-V coupe is on the way. "As of now," Lutz told the assembled Netizens, "the V package is planned only for the sedan and coupe." As for more CTS-V models - specifically a Sport Wagon variant - Lutz said, "... should sufficient demand materialize, there is no reason why we couldn't do a V-Series wagon, and I would be standing in line for one, just ahead of you." That doesn't sound encouraging, but at least it's on the table.

Lutz also discussed the possibility of the Pontiac G8 being branded as the Caprice and said, "...we're studying the feasibility of bringing it in as a Caprice for both law enforcement and the public."

Lutz when on to address questions about GM's green image, alternative fuels and powertrains, some of his controversial statements from the past and his affection for Jeremy Clarkson. You can read it all here, and hope these chats become a regular occurrence from GM execs.


Gallery: Cadillac CTS Sport Concept


[Source: GM FastLane]

Lutz confirms Cadillac CTS-V coupe is coming, sport wagon... doubtful originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzcadillaccadillac cts-v coupeCadillacCts-vCoupechevrolet capriceChevroletCapricecoupects-vctsvlutzpontiac g8PontiacG8Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Limited cash to keep GM from green-lighting Cadillac Converj?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/report-gms-limited-cash-may-keep-cadillac-converj-from-product/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/report-gms-limited-cash-may-keep-cadillac-converj-from-product/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/report-gms-limited-cash-may-keep-cadillac-converj-from-product/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Cadillac Converj concept unveiling
Click image above for a gallery of Cadillac Converj live shots

General Motors' increasingly empty coffers could consign the Cadillac Converj show car to 'concept only' status. The Detroit Auto Show coupe has been the subject of production rumors since before it rolled onto the stage in Cobo earlier last week, but now Automotive News is reporting that GM may not have enough money to make Converj a reality.

AN quotes GM vice chairman Bob Lutz as saying that the Converj is far from a done deal:
"Ready to go? Well, first we have to prove to ourselves that we have the money... and then that it's a high enough priority to displace something else, and that we can actually make money on the vehicle, and that there is potential customer interest and so forth. We haven't done any of that work yet."
Our take? The angularly gorgeous Cadillac was designed around the same extended-range Voltec architecture as Chevrolet's forthcoming Volt, itself a spectacularly expensive research and development effort. GM is clearly committed to making the Volt a production reality, and if it ever has hopes of making money on its plug-in hybrid technology, a higher-priced, higher-margin product like from an upper-crust brand like Cadillac would seem like one of the best ways to defray R&D costs. In short, GM may still have to conduct due diligence on the Converj's business case, but if there's any money at all left in the company's bank accounts, we still think the future for the showstopper is a bright one. Given the 2011 date attached to the Volt, we would expect the Caddy to roll into showrooms for 2012.

Let's just hope it arrives in showrooms wearing a new name.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

Gallery: Cadillac Converj concept


[Source: Automotive News: subs. req.]

Limited cash to keep GM from green-lighting Cadillac Converj? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob LutzBobLutzCadillacConverjGMLutzNAIASNorth American International Auto ShowNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowMon, 19 Jan 2009 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Bob Lutz on the Colbert Report]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/video-bob-lutz-on-the-colbert-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/video-bob-lutz-on-the-colbert-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/video-bob-lutz-on-the-colbert-report/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to watch the video

Apple pie, baseball and Bob Lutz. It doesn't get much more American than that. So why did it take this long for Maximum Bob to appear on the Colbert Report, the most Lincolnishly patriotic show on television? Well the GM vice-chairman pulled up onto the set for last night's episode of the Comedy Central mainstay to talk about the new Chevy Volt.

Of course we wouldn't want to spoil the surprise any more than we already have, but if you missed Colbert last night, then just follow the jump to see Lutz actually at a loss for words (!) while he tries to explain why you can't drive a plug-in hybrid while it's actually plugged in.

[Source: Colbert Nation]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bob Lutz on the Colbert Report

VIDEO: Bob Lutz on the Colbert Report originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzbob lutz colbert reportbob lutz comedy centralbob lutz daily showBobLutzBobLutzColbertReportBobLutzComedyCentralBobLutzDailyShowcolbertcolbert lutzcolbert reportColbertLutzColbertReportgm vice chairman bob lutzGmViceChairmanBobLutzlutzrobert lutzRobertLutzstephen colbertStephenColbertsteven colbertStevenColbertthe colbert reportTheColbertReportThu, 18 Sep 2008 07:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Lutz: '09 Pontiac G8 GT gets optional Tremec 6-speed stick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/lutz-09-pontiac-g8-gt-gets-optional-tremec-6-speed-stick/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/lutz-09-pontiac-g8-gt-gets-optional-tremec-6-speed-stick/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/lutz-09-pontiac-g8-gt-gets-optional-tremec-6-speed-stick/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

CarDomain recently sat for lunch with GM car czar Bob Lutz, and one of the topics that came up was the ever-vanishing manual transmission. Lutz explained that modern automatics are no longer the less efficient option by default, and with CAFE dictating so much nowadays, carmakers can actually improve their fleet average fuel economy more by going with automatics that can be programmed to deliver maximum efficiency (as far as the EPA is concerned, at least). He then went on to state that there will be manuals available in both the Camaro and the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT, which gets a 6-speed unit from Tremec. So if you waited on Poncho's new muscle sedan, your patience will be rewarded. Of course, your patience will also got you a price increase too, but at least those dopey digital auxiliary gauges will be gone, as well.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT


[Source: CarDomain]

Lutz: '09 Pontiac G8 GT gets optional Tremec 6-speed stick originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Pontiac G8 GT2009PontiacG8Gt6-speedcardomaing8gtlutzmanualpontiactremecFri, 20 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2008: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe live reveal [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-2008-pontiac-solstice-coupe-live-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-2008-pontiac-solstice-coupe-live-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-2008-pontiac-solstice-coupe-live-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res live shots of the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

A self-effacing and impeccably dressed Bob Lutz took shots at the old Pontiac during the live reveal of the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe. Busting on the arrowhead's former taste for cladding and Iron Dukes in the "excitement" product line, Lutz confidently strode alongside a silver 2009 Solstice GXP Coupe as it rolled out amidst fanfare provided by the Young Lords. Strobe lights flashed, music blared - it was like catching the last act of Kimmel, complete with Pontiac Garage signage. The Solstice Coupe replaces the world's flimsiest soft-top setup with a composite targa panel. 50-Cent also made an appearance and touted the performance of the GXP-trim Solstice, saying "It's faster than a Porsche Boxster. For $30,000... pick this one, not that one," while pointing at the Porsche display. The look of the Solstice Coupe is definitely zoomy - think of a C3 Corvette left in the dryer too long and you get the idea. Inside, the feeling is perhaps slightly less claustrphobic, but the general low-budget interior continues, though the GXP on the stand was wearing leather on the seats. The price of entry will still be a bargain when you look at the style it buys (official pricing hasn't been announced) - and the Coupe may even have enough trunk for an overnight bag.

Gallery: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe - Live Reveal

Continue reading New York 2008: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe live reveal [w/VIDEO]

New York 2008: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe live reveal [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showAutoShowbob lutzbob lutz gmBobLutzBobLutzGmbreakinglutznew yorknew york 2008new york auto shownew york international auto showNewYorkNewYork2008NewYorkAutoShowNewYorkInternationalAutoShownyiasnyias2008pontiac solsticepontiac solstice coupe gxpPontiacSolsticePontiacSolsticeCoupeGxpsolstice coupesolstice gxpSolsticeCoupesolsticegxpWed, 19 Mar 2008 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[The US according to Lutz: ethanol, yes, diesels, not so much]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/the-us-according-to-lutz-ethanol-yes-diesels-not-so-much/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/the-us-according-to-lutz-ethanol-yes-diesels-not-so-much/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/the-us-according-to-lutz-ethanol-yes-diesels-not-so-much/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In the fuel economy and future tech debate, the hybrid vs. diesel vs. hydrogen fuel cells vs. smaller cars and smaller engines always provokes a fair bit of discussion among Autoblog commentators. At this point, no one yet knows what's going to win since nobody knows how the volatile mix of products, timelines, prices, regulations, legislation, state standards, and gas prices will ultimately pan out. Bob Lutz's prediction is that diesels, at least as far as the US is concerned, won't be much of a factor.

His reasoning is simple: "I think customers are going to say, 'Wait a minute. At equal fuel prices I'm paying $4,000 more for this." Unlike many countries in Europe, the US offers no incentive for people to buy diesels. In the States the price of a diesel vehicle is often more than $1,000 higher than that of a gasoline-engined car, and diesel fuel is just as expensive as gas (throughout California and other states, it's slightly more expensive than premium unleaded). In that case, Lutz's opinion is that just about all the customer will glean from an oilburner is a higher car payment.

Lutz sees diesel uptake in the US hovering at about eight-percent. The technology he sees as winning the day: ethanol. It's clean, it's easy to integrate into the refueling infrastructure, and it "doesn't require a change in consumer behavior." (Except for the people in emerging markets who've seen the price of corn skyrocket.) For another take on the fuel economy battle, according to Kelly Blue Book, 40-percent of US new car shoppers think hybrids are the future, with just 17-percent citing flex-fuel.

[Source: The Car Connection]

The US according to Lutz: ethanol, yes, diesels, not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzdieseldieselse85ethanolflex fuelFlexFuelhybridslutzMon, 28 Jan 2008 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Want a Volt in 2010? Then take $40,000 to your nearest Chevy dealer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/27/want-a-volt-in-2010-then-take-40-000-to-your-nearest-chevy-dea/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/27/want-a-volt-in-2010-then-take-40-000-to-your-nearest-chevy-dea/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/27/want-a-volt-in-2010-then-take-40-000-to-your-nearest-chevy-dea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


click above for more high-res images of the Chevy Volt Concept

Wired magazine got in the queue for some face time with Bob Lutz at the Detroit Auto Show, and came back with a quote that's raised a few brows. When asked what the target market for the car would be, Lutz said "I don't know. You'd like to have it at about $30,000 for the customer, but what I'm hearing from the team is we're not going to get there.... [I]f it costs closer to 40 than 30, well, that's too bad."

The issue is the timeline. His engineering team said that if they had more time they could cost-optimize the car, but Lutz doesn't want to wait for that. As for the recent go-round about when the Volt would appear, November 2010 is such a firm deadline in his mind that when it comes to the internal team, his only question is: "What is there about November 2010 that you don't understand?"

Lutz must know how important it will be to price this car competitively. A $40,000 Volt before you start checking options boxes will do a lot to keep people looking elsewhere for green options. For Lutz, though, the Volt -- like the moon landing -- is much about prestige, saying, "If it doesn't work, it's not fatal. But if it does work, it will be sensational." It is also just as much about a return to the kind of design and technological form that the marque hasn't seen in a long time. "GM's credibility is rapidly returning and it's beginning to be reflected in the marketplace.," Lutz said, "[b]ut there is no doubt you'd like to be able to leapfrog Toyota and come out with a car they aren't ready to do. There's nothing magic about the technology. Two or three years after the Volt is introduced, everybody will have something like it. We'd just like to be first for once."

Gallery: Chevy Volt Concept


[Source: Wired]

Continue reading Want a Volt in 2010? Then take $40,000 to your nearest Chevy dealer

Want a Volt in 2010? Then take $40,000 to your nearest Chevy dealer originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowlutznaiasvoltSun, 27 Jan 2008 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Micro to become macro? GM looking at competing with the Nano]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/26/micro-to-become-macro-gm-looking-at-competing-with-the-nano/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/26/micro-to-become-macro-gm-looking-at-competing-with-the-nano/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/26/micro-to-become-macro-gm-looking-at-competing-with-the-nano/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image for a gallery of the GM China Chevrolet Spark

If everyone else is going to build cars like Tata's headline-grabbing Nano, GM's going to pile on, too. The Lutz cites GM's part-ownership stake in Wuling Motors, a Chinese manufacturer of sub-$3,000 utility vehicles as a possible source of a GM Nano competitor. Lutz went on to say that one way to make an inexpensive car for the developing world is to repurpose a legacy platform that has become obsolete. The tooling and design will have long been paid off, and there'll be plenty of experience from the manufacturing side, too. This is essentially what GM China is already doing with the Daewoo Matiz/Chevrolet Spark. It might smack of dumping an old product that isn't safe or clean enough for mature markets, but is "good enough" in other parts of the world. That said, it could also be a way to maximize the life of an investment while also providing developing markets with a better product than they'd have otherwise. Lutz also called into question whether the average Nano would sell for its rock-bottom $2,500 price of entry, anyway. Adding extra amenities will likely push the price of most Nanos higher, says Bob.

[Source: Auto News - sub req]

Gallery: GM China Chevrolet Spark


Micro to become macro? GM looking at competing with the Nano originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzchinageneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlutznanosaictatawulingSat, 26 Jan 2008 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Due to CAFE, Lutz declares RWD Impala and Monaro dead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/20/due-to-cafe-lutz-declares-rwd-impala-and-monaro-dead/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/20/due-to-cafe-lutz-declares-rwd-impala-and-monaro-dead/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/20/due-to-cafe-lutz-declares-rwd-impala-and-monaro-dead/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



It's finally (semi) official: RWD cars like a new Pontiac GTO (and Holden Monaro) and Impala are "gone for now." Bob Lutz has been making noises about it for a while, and every announcement gets more and more certain that the front wheels will be pulling more GM cars.

Just a month ago, Lutz told Forbes "That's where the internal debate [on the Impala] is now -- no firm decision at this point, but my guess is that we will come down on the side of the front-drive car." By the time of last week's Detroit Auto Show, Lutz was telling GoAuto "I think the (Monaro/Pontiac GTO) is gone for now.... [T]hat's not the end of the market where we want to stimulate demand. We have to find ways to stimulate demand and desirability in cars that will get us closer to the 35 MPG average."

How will that be done? Perhaps by using the Alpha midsize platform and making CUV's. However, the Alpha still hasn't been signed off on, and won't be until GM figures out what -- and how many -- standards it will need to adhere to when the CAFE tug-of-war ends.

[Source: GoAuto]

Due to CAFE, Lutz declares RWD Impala and Monaro dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzchevrolet impalaChevroletImpalachevy impalaChevyImpalagmholden monaroHoldenMonarolutzpontiac gtoPontiacGtorwdSun, 20 Jan 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Says Rick Wagoner: Volt might come in 2010... or it might not]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/03/says-rick-wagoner-volt-might-come-in-2010-or-it-might-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/03/says-rick-wagoner-volt-might-come-in-2010-or-it-might-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/03/says-rick-wagoner-volt-might-come-in-2010-or-it-might-not/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Bob Lutz has staked a fair amount of his and GM's reputation on the Volt. Even though he has said since the beginning that the Volt needs battery technology that isn't ready for the mass market yet, he also said that the Volt would go on sale by the end of 2010.

Rick Wagoner, though, in a 50-minute Q&A session with journos and bloggers, said that the Volt launch date is "fluid." Citing, again, the lack of battery technology that the Volt would need, he said, "We continue to put massive resources into production as soon as possible. 2010 would be great, but (we) can't guarantee that at this time. We'll keep you posted regularly on our progress."

GM critics -- like the Toyota rep who called the Volt "vaporware" -- will take this as a sign that GM is waffling. GM supporters will say, correctly, that this doesn't mean the Volt won't come out in 2010 -- it simply isn't assured. We would love to see the Volt appear tomorrow. Short of that, we'd love to see GM get the batteries it needs to deliver the Volt on time.

[Source: Detroit News]

Says Rick Wagoner: Volt might come in 2010... or it might not originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyAlternativeEnergybob lutzBobLutzchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltemissionsgmhybridslutzrick wagonerRickWagonervoltwagonerThu, 03 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Lutz <i>not</i> leaving the building: GM head has no plans to retire in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/13/lutz-i-not-i-leaving-the-building-gm-head-has-no-plans-to-re/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/13/lutz-i-not-i-leaving-the-building-gm-head-has-no-plans-to-re/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/13/lutz-i-not-i-leaving-the-building-gm-head-has-no-plans-to-re/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an interview with WunderBob Lutz, the Associated Press reported that "he wants to retire from General Motors Corp. after the company brings a plug-in electric car to market, possibly sometime in 2010." After what must have been enough phone calls and e-mails to bust a switchboard, Lutz has clarified the AP story with a resounding "I'm not thinking retirement."

The AP stands by its story, which it said was a story about retirement. The confusion perhaps came from Lutz saying he wanted to retire after a plug-in electric comes out, and the AP writing that he could "possibly" retire immediately after it came out.

Lutz also said, "Unfortunately, this was misinterpreted as a statement that I would retire at the end of 2010. While this remains a possibility, it is not 'a plan'! We'll just take it a year at a time!" Of course, the furor also points out just how important Bob Lutz is to GM. The General said that whenever the time comes, a replacement will be found, but come on -- a guy called "Maximum Bob" will probably be difficult to replace.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Lutz not leaving the building: GM head has no plans to retire in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzbob lutz gmBobLutzBobLutzGmlutzlutz retiringLutzRetiringThu, 13 Dec 2007 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Keeping the Enclave on boil - GM keeps a lid on production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/keeping-the-enclave-on-boil-gm-keeps-a-lid-on-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/keeping-the-enclave-on-boil-gm-keeps-a-lid-on-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/keeping-the-enclave-on-boil-gm-keeps-a-lid-on-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above image to see more of the increasingly exclusive Buick Enclave

General Motors has a hit on its hands with the big, beautiful Enclave CUV. People all over the country are trying to get their hands on Buick's luxurious iteration of the Lambda Ute. Rather than follow the time-dishonored practice of running as many copies of a hot model out the door as possible, GM's keeping production on the Enclave under strict control. In fact, even though some dealers have sold out of their Enclave inventory, GM will be reducing shifts at the Lansing plant that builds the Enclave. Bob Lutz explained the restrictions thusly: "We want to keep [the Enclave] hot... Nothing destroys the value of a new product faster than over producing." That's it in a nutshell, right there. The practice of tying production to demand is what Toyota and Honda tend to do. Take the Fit, for example. Part of the allure of that vehicle is that buyers often have to wait to get one. The same kind of "best kept secret" mystique surrounds the Enclave - you don't see them everywhere, and they're rather opulent once you finally get a chance to check one out. Exclusivity can also spur customers into paying full price, where before a glut of product would mean heavy discounts. Of course, GM can't afford moves such as restricted production and labor layoffs at every plant and on every model, but we hope this new tack pays off in boosting the General's image as well as its bottom line.

[Source: WSJ]

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave

Keeping the Enclave on boil - GM keeps a lid on production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzbuickbuick enclaveBuickEnclavecuvenclavegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlambdalutzproductionrobert lutzRobertLutzsalessold outSoldOutsuvWed, 31 Oct 2007 18:42:00 EST<![CDATA[El Camino may return, but it won't be a Chevy!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/26/el-camino-may-return-but-it-wont-be-a-chevy/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/26/el-camino-may-return-but-it-wont-be-a-chevy/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/26/el-camino-may-return-but-it-wont-be-a-chevy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Holden just released a new version of its Australian Ute, and it's been rumored that the VE Trucklet will be US-bound. There's no doubt that GM is taking a look at the possibility of reintroducing the El Camino's ethos to American consumers, and fans of past El Caminos (and Sprints and Caballeros) are excited. GM Inside News forum member and photoshopper MonaroSS whipped up a chop of the VE Ute with an imagined Chevrolet nose and emailed it to everyone's friend, Maximum Bob, at GM HQ. Accompanying the picture was the note "hope the new Ute gets a more Chevy look if it goes Stateside." The reply from Lutz confirmed a desire on GM's part to bring the Ute over, but went on to state that it wouldn't be a Chevrolet if it happens.

What? An El Camino that's not an El Camino? What brand would sell it, then? There's GMC, which had versions of the El Camino in the past (the aforementioned Sprint and Caballero), but is it a good fit with the rest of the GMC product line? Pontiac's already getting the VE cars as G8s, so there would be a level of familiarity on the part of the sales/service organization were the Ute to end up at the Excitement branch. Of course, GM could take a total left-turn and sell it at Saturn or Buick stores, too, but we see those as a remote possibility. Saturn have a slight edge over Buick if it were to ever end up in either of those stores, but it's nearly as doubtful as the Ute becoming a Cadillac. So - while a certain number of consumers would welcome a new version of GM's not-a-car-not-a-truck, it's anyone's guess who will sell it and what they'll call it.

[Source: GM Inside News]

El Camino may return, but it won't be a Chevy! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Aug 2007 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacaballerochevroletchevyel caminoElCaminogmcholdenlutzsprintuteSun, 26 Aug 2007 17:47:00 EST