BOB LUTZ: LIVE & UNLEASHED (AND YES, HE TALKS ABOUT TESLA) - AUTOLINE AFTER HOURS 436

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In this episode of Autoline After Hours, Bob Lutz, former Vice Chairman of GM, discusses the highly anticipated mid-engine Corvette. Lutz expresses excitement for the new platform, predicting a phased rollout of performance variants, culminating in a ZR1 model with over 800 horsepower within four years. He explains the necessity of the mid-engine layout for achieving superior lap times, driven by competition and technological limits of the front-mid-engine design. Lutz also speculates on a potential plug-in hybrid variant for enhanced performance and all-wheel-drive capabilities. The conversation touches upon the possibility of a Cadillac version, which was planned for the original mid-engine program, and the challenges of differentiating mid-engine sports cars in today's market. Lutz also shares his perspective on the declining interest in car ownership, the saturation of vehicle niches, and the evolving automotive landscape, while highlighting the enduring appeal of performance vehicles and the surprising strength of the truck market. He fondly recalls the success of the Pontiac Solstice program, emphasizing the importance of cost control and focused design, and contrasts it with the challenges faced by the VLF automotive group.