The Corvette's Executive Chief Engineer is Retiring After a Storied 47-Year-Long Career
All good things eventually come to an end. The Chevy Corvette got its most dramatic makeover ever in 2020, but the man behind the car’s evolution since 2006 recently announced his retirement.
Tadge Juechter, the Corvette Executive Chief Engineer, is retiring from General Motors after a career that spanned 47 years. His involvement with the Corvette saw some of the car’s most impactful designs, and he is only the fifth person to hold the coveted role within the company.
The Corvette’s move to a mid-engine layout brought a level of performance not seen in the car’s decades-long history. It’s more balanced, offers handling that rivals some hardcore European supercars, and its styling has moved into exotic car territory. Beyond the “entry-level” Stingray, Chevy now offers a Z06 variant and an all-wheel drive hybrid in the E-Ray. That impressive lineup will grow again in 2025 with the introduction of the Corvette ZR1, which is expected to bring more aggressive aerodynamic bodywork and a serious twin-turbocharged V8 with what should be more than 800 horsepower.
Juechter’s retirement is still a few months out, but there’s no word on his successor or how the new person would fit into the Corvette program. However, it is clear that the next Executive Chief Engineer has massive shoes to fill, and the person would likely be involved in taking the Corvette to the next level with full electrification.
[Image: Chevrolet/General Motors]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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If he’s the one who made the c8 pathetic automatic scum then good riddance
Sorry, I just don't like the new Corvettes. But then I'm an old guy, so get off my lawn!😆
Tadge was at the Corvette Corral at the Rolex 24 hour sports car race at the end of January 2023. During the Q&A after his remarks someone stood up and told him "I will never buy an electric Corvette." His response? "I will never sell you an electric Corvette." Take that Fwiw.
Have to say he did an excellent job on the C7, especially considering the limited budget he was given. I am very happy with my purchase.