Conversation with Mr. Bob Lutz
11-05-2012, 02:21 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Conversation with Mr. Bob Lutz
Was invited to the Concours d Elegance at Hilton Head, S.C. this past weekend. Mr. Bob Lutz was the honorary Grand Marshall. Was able to talk to him on two occasions and C7's were on my mind. Thought about how I would approach him on that subject, and what I came up with was, will we have any disappointments on the new C7?
He was very talkative, and had nothing but high praise for this new car, said it would be like no other car they ever built, with world class interior, and engineering. Said the difference between the C6 and the C7 would be like the difference between 1962 and 1963, in styling.
Mentioned that the wheelbase was a bit longer, and the engine had been moved back slightly to achieve a 50/50 weight distribution, and that the Viper engineers knew full well that they would be taking a back seat very shortly when the C7 is released. I tried to approach him about the shape of the tail light, but got no response, sorry. Did ask him on the second conversation if he had actually seen the car, and he said "Oh Yes". Also said the design was pretty much done by the old regime, and that mid engine, like the Cadillac Sixteen was slated for production until the problems with economy came upon GM. The V16 Cadillac was there running the show field, and was a beautiful concept car that was extremely quiet.
Mr. Lutz mention he couldn't wait for his, and that the ZR1 when released would be untouchable, did ask my wife more than once, did he say that? It was a thrill to talk, or listen to him about his life, so I thought I would pass this on to the forum members that can't wait for the C7.
Very special weekend for us, having won our class in the Preservation Class with our BMW Motorcycle.
He was very talkative, and had nothing but high praise for this new car, said it would be like no other car they ever built, with world class interior, and engineering. Said the difference between the C6 and the C7 would be like the difference between 1962 and 1963, in styling.
Mentioned that the wheelbase was a bit longer, and the engine had been moved back slightly to achieve a 50/50 weight distribution, and that the Viper engineers knew full well that they would be taking a back seat very shortly when the C7 is released. I tried to approach him about the shape of the tail light, but got no response, sorry. Did ask him on the second conversation if he had actually seen the car, and he said "Oh Yes". Also said the design was pretty much done by the old regime, and that mid engine, like the Cadillac Sixteen was slated for production until the problems with economy came upon GM. The V16 Cadillac was there running the show field, and was a beautiful concept car that was extremely quiet.
Mr. Lutz mention he couldn't wait for his, and that the ZR1 when released would be untouchable, did ask my wife more than once, did he say that? It was a thrill to talk, or listen to him about his life, so I thought I would pass this on to the forum members that can't wait for the C7.
Very special weekend for us, having won our class in the Preservation Class with our BMW Motorcycle.
11-05-2012, 02:54 PM
#3
Melting Slicks
Thanks for the info fla-buckeye. Got me extra excited about the C7!
11-05-2012, 03:02 PM
#4
Race Director
Difference between 1962 and 1963 in styling? What we have seen; convertible top, mirrors, exhaust surround and concave side panels, major styling changes from the C6, less we forget the emblem. Engineering changes; LT1 engine, transmissions. The more we discover (???) this car will be amazing.
11-05-2012, 03:40 PM
#5
GM has never delivered on the interior quality. Never. Maybe over the C6 the C7 interior will be a huge leap, but I doubt compared to other euro 2014 models it will be superior.
Here's to hoping it is not lip service this time around!
Here's to hoping it is not lip service this time around!
11-05-2012, 04:04 PM
#6
Team Owner
Thanks for sharing. I'm dumbfounded that he said it was going to be mid-engine until the economy tanked. That I don't believe for a minute, nor do I think it should be mid engine as it takes away from day-to-day practicality. I think that is a myth that GM folks are told to perpetuate with every new generation coming.
11-05-2012, 04:09 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
Was invited to the Concours d Elegance at Hilton Head, S.C. this past weekend. Mr. Bob Lutz was the honorary Grand Marshall. Was able to talk to him on two occasions and C7's were on my mind. Thought about how I would approach him on that subject, and what I came up with was, will we have any disappointments on the new C7?
He was very talkative, and had nothing but high praise for this new car, said it would be like no other car they ever built, with world class interior, and engineering. Said the difference between the C6 and the C7 would be like the difference between 1962 and 1963, in styling.
Mentioned that the wheelbase was a bit longer, and the engine had been moved back slightly to achieve a 50/50 weight distribution, and that the Viper engineers knew full well that they would be taking a back seat very shortly when the C7 is released. I tried to approach him about the shape of the tail light, but got no response, sorry. Did ask him on the second conversation if he had actually seen the car, and he said "Oh Yes". Also said the design was pretty much done by the old regime, and that mid engine, like the Cadillac Sixteen was slated for production until the problems with economy came upon GM. The V16 Cadillac was there running the show field, and was a beautiful concept car that was extremely quiet.
Mr. Lutz mention he couldn't wait for his, and that the ZR1 when released would be untouchable, did ask my wife more than once, did he say that? It was a thrill to talk, or listen to him about his life, so I thought I would pass this on to the forum members that can't wait for the C7.
Very special weekend for us, having won our class in the Preservation Class with our BMW Motorcycle.
He was very talkative, and had nothing but high praise for this new car, said it would be like no other car they ever built, with world class interior, and engineering. Said the difference between the C6 and the C7 would be like the difference between 1962 and 1963, in styling.
Mentioned that the wheelbase was a bit longer, and the engine had been moved back slightly to achieve a 50/50 weight distribution, and that the Viper engineers knew full well that they would be taking a back seat very shortly when the C7 is released. I tried to approach him about the shape of the tail light, but got no response, sorry. Did ask him on the second conversation if he had actually seen the car, and he said "Oh Yes". Also said the design was pretty much done by the old regime, and that mid engine, like the Cadillac Sixteen was slated for production until the problems with economy came upon GM. The V16 Cadillac was there running the show field, and was a beautiful concept car that was extremely quiet.
Mr. Lutz mention he couldn't wait for his, and that the ZR1 when released would be untouchable, did ask my wife more than once, did he say that? It was a thrill to talk, or listen to him about his life, so I thought I would pass this on to the forum members that can't wait for the C7.
Very special weekend for us, having won our class in the Preservation Class with our BMW Motorcycle.
When I saw him being interviewed by Autoline he said the C7 was going to be " radically different " and I guess he is still sticking to that description !
11-05-2012, 04:14 PM
#8
The new ATS an XTS are more than on par with the competition in terms of build quality and materials from the reviews I've read and by sitting in them. I'm betting that the C7 will be the same.
11-05-2012, 04:35 PM
#9
Hmmm my take aways are "ZR1", which we have been told is gone, and the term "radical". I have to wonder what radical is to him. AWD? Turbos? Maximum Bob is not above joining in diversionary tactics.
11-05-2012, 05:07 PM
#10
That is good stuff and thanks a bunch for sharing buckeye ! Everyone can say what you want about him but there is no doubt he is a car loving maniac.
When I saw him being interviewed by Autoline he said the C7 was going to be " radically different " and I guess he is still sticking to that description !
When I saw him being interviewed by Autoline he said the C7 was going to be " radically different " and I guess he is still sticking to that description !
11-05-2012, 05:48 PM
#12
Safety Car
If GM continues on progress they have made with the XTS and ATS interiors, then I suspect we will not be let down by the build and materials quality. I may be let down if the the shapes of the dash, and console look similar to the Audi R8 which I do not think is attractive from a styling pespective. I much prefer symtry.
11-05-2012, 06:56 PM
#13
Safety Car
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That's some good info. I'm down at Hilton Head for vacation this week.seen some nice cars cruising up and down 278 on Sunday.I was wondering what was going on.
11-05-2012, 06:57 PM
#14
Drifting
...... Also said the design was pretty much done by the old regime, and that mid engine, like the Cadillac Sixteen was slated for production until the problems with economy came upon GM. The V16 Cadillac was there running the show field, and was a beautiful concept car that was extremely quiet.
11-05-2012, 08:17 PM
#17
11-06-2012, 06:11 AM
#20
Safety Car
when the C7 ZR1 comes out we will be the judge of that...if...when...that is...preferably without vibrating rotors...perhaps they should [have] focused on that more...