Corvette engineering all-stars give a jolt to GM’s broader EV efforts

Posted by Talbot Payne on August 28, 2020

General Motors is moving its Corvette engineering all-stars into its autonomous and electric vehicle programs, a move intended to give a jolt to the automaker’s commitment to an all-electric future.

The move is more than a shuffling of corporate chairs.

Headed by Tadge Juechter, the Corvette squad employs some of the company’s top engineering talent. In particular, the team knows how to push the envelope of vehicle performance — a capability GM is determined to bring to its fast-growing electric portfolio.

Tadge Juechter heads GM's Corvette engineering team, which is moving to the electric-vehicle program of the automaker.

“GM is committed to a zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion future,” Juechter, who is executive chief engineer for Global Corvette, said in an exclusive interview. “But we are also committed to vehicles that give a transportation experience. How do you make EVs a joyful experience when you remove the internal combustion engine and transmission options? We will work to bring that passion into the EV space.”

GM’s automotive product development is essentially housed under two umbrellas: Global Products Programs include internal combustion-engine vehicle lines from trucks to cars as well as engines and transmissions; that’s where the Corvette team has operated. Then there’s Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs which oversee development of EVs in brands as diverse as Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC; that’s where the Corvette team is headed.

While not divulging future products, Juechter said his team will look to influence a new breed of performance electric stallions across GM’s portfolio. The automaker has already touted the capabilities of forthcoming products like the electric GMC Hummer which promises neck-snapping zero-60 mph acceleration in 3 seconds.

Juecheter hinted there’s more like that to come.

“We want to develop bespoke BEVs (battery-electric vehicles) that are a companion car to the Corvette in the garage,” said Juechter. “People have asked us questions like: ‘Why don’t you make a Corvette SUV?’ We want to create interesting BEVs that have a lot of driving cred.”

Juechter was quick to point out that the move will not compromise his team’s commitment to the fire-breathing mid-engine Corvette C8 introduced this year to rave reviews.

“Is this the end of V-8s for us? No,” said Juechter. “The V-8 powertrain plan for the Corvette will remain in its entirety.”

The 2020 C8 is the first Corvette to put the engine behind the driver, giving it performance on par with European supercars costing four times as much. In addition to the base 495-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8-powered Corvette, The News has previously reported that higher trims will get Corvette’s first overhead-cam V-8 — a high-revving 5.5-liter engine that motivates the Corvette C8.R race car

The News has also reported that the C8 will be electrified. A top-trim Zora model is expected mid-decade with an electric motor up front mated to a twin-turbo version of the 5.5-liter engine to create a combined 1,000 horsepower.

Juechter would not confirm any future Corvette models, but the team’s move is sure to fuel rumors of an all-electric Corvette. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden caused a stir earlier this month when he said he’s been told of a coming Corvette EV.

Juechter says that he has evolved into an electric believer.

“I have become more enamored with electrification over time,” he said. “Much of my life has been devoted to internal combustion engines. But the evolution to electric vehicles has to happen. You can either stand by or be a part of it. There are impressive things being done with electrification, and I am a passionate believer in the environment.”

There will be a a lot of automotive passion on the Autonomous and Electric Vehicle team.

Juechter will be reunited with Ken Morris, who recently left as Global Products Program boss to head Autonomous and Electric. The two motorheads have bonded before on vehicle development. Morris has been known to join the engineering wizards at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds to test their high-performance monsters.

“I’m excited to be putting the team that redefined supercar performance, design and attainability in key roles to help us integrate and execute our EVs to those same high standards,” Morris said in a statement.

Corvette until now was largely in its own silo (along with Camaro) on the internal-combustion side of the business. “Corvette shared the least with the rest of the portfolio,” Juechter said.

His group is expected to have a greater influence over the battery-electric side. As evidence is the promotion of one of Juechter’s top Corvette engineers, Ed Piatek, to a new role as chief engineer of future EV products. Corvette Chief Program Engineer Josh Holder will fill Piatek’s shoes as chief engineer for Global Corvette.

“We have to think long-term,” said Juechter. “What can I do to help the environment, but not lose the thrill of driving?”

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