Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryephile
I work in Novi! Next time you're in the area give me a heads up and we'll do lunch. 
There are a bunch of brilliant minds in the industry. It's just too bad the idiots usually have a louder voice. That goes all the way from entry level to executive. With the companies as big as they are, a lot of the amazing innovators get frequently lost in the noise. Just like most industries, management often confuses political posturing for actual productivity. |
I'd like to but it's not going to be a regular trip. Also, I've never seen so many Lincolns on the road in my life.
The thing that was disheartening was that these guys were no different than the guys I work with. One was a casual enthusiast at best, and the other was about the job/benefits. Kind of the same effect as when my old boss, who was a brilliant engineer, sold to a bigger company with 'normal' engineers. Very disappointed in their capabilities, but I guess there will always be people that just fill chairs, who coast on the work of others. Everywhere.
Bringing the above back to GM/Corvette, despite my opinions of the OHV (slightly inferior) and leaf springs (not necessary), it's clear that GM throws some very serious engineering talent at the Vette.
But GM, unlike the Ducati desmo example, is more than just the Corvette. And as ego-boosting as the Corvette is, why the Hell can't GM manage the same things with EVERY SINGLE OTHER model? That is where they need the brilliance now. For my general dislike of the Vette, it's pretty much impossible to argue that it isn't the best dollar for dollar supercar currently available. On a sheer performance/money-no-object scale, it is still in the shortlist of best supercars.
However, the rest of their lineup could REALLY use that talent.
PS, I share a similar complaint with the LFA/Toyota, but I see more relevant tech transfer across the lineup. Minus the bazillion dollar CNC carbon fiber looms.