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Ignore the titles, what matters is that five men have been synonymous with shepherding new Chevrolet Corvettes to market during the American icon’s 71 years: Zora Arkus-Duntov (1967-1975), Dave McLellan (1975-1992), Dave Hill (1992-2006), Tom Wallace (2006-2008), and Tadge Juechter (2006-2023). Juechter, the man when it came to any media outlet or Corvette fan trying to understand the last three generations of Corvette engineering, philosophy, and aspirations, is retiring this summer. When he departs GM’s Renaissance Center in a few months, it will be the end of a 47-year career at the company.

The note about titles is important because it points to how Juechter’s influence reaches beyond what’s on his business card. The five men listed above are generally called Corvette chief engineers, often as part of the statement that Corvette has only had five chief engineers, which is mostly true. Harley Earl, the legendary designer who had the original idea for the Corvette, led a team of designers working with Maurice Olley as head of chassis development and Ed Cole, father of the small block V8, as head of powertrain. Arkus-Duntov didn’t join GM until May 1953 — invited by Olley, hired by Cole, after writing GM a letter about how to fulfill the slow-selling Corvette’s potential — and then only as an assistant chief engineer, reporting to Olley, who reported to Cole. Arkus-Duntov got promoted to the role of director of high performance vehicles for Chevrolet in 1957 and was instrumental in developing the C2, but he didn’t earn the title of Corvette chief engineer until 1967. Before that year, the title of Corvette chief engineer didn’t exist, making Duntov the first. 

Take Wallace, who became the Corvette’s vehicle line executive and chief engineer on January 1, 2006, but only held the engineer role for seven months — and Dave Hill’s Wikipedia page doesn’t even give Wallace credit for that short stint. In July of 2006, GM promoted Juechter from being assistant chief engineer of the Corvette to chief engineer for the Corvette and the related Cadillac XLR, reporting to vehicle line executive Wallace. Wallace’s tenure as the man in charge of then-current and future Corvette programs got cut short by GM’s bankruptcy in 2008. Afterward, Juechter took on the roles of vehicle line director and executive chief engineer, two jobs it appears he held until around the mid 2010s.

Ed Piatek got promoted into the role of Corvette chief engineer and designer for C8 Corvette development. What’s most bizarre about his tenure is that it’s almost been scrubbed from the record despite his repeated appearances supporting the C8’s launch. The Detroit Free Press spoke to him at length about the C8 and so did a Hagerty podcast. But search for him on YouTube, the Corvette-related result is a single eight-minute video with a one-minute Piatek interview that doesn’t mention his name in the lengthy description. A 10-minute interview with The Torque Show has been deleted. The only other reliable mentions are when he verified EPA fuel economy figures for the C8 and when he got moved to GM’s EV division. All of this happened in 2020. Before and after that year, he’s a ghost online, and the only hint of LinkedIn profile we can find for him is more like an “X Files” evidence exhibit — we only think it’s him because the Other Similar Profiles box shows another former exec in GM’s EV division.

After Piatek’s move, GM promoted Josh Holder to the role of Corvette chief engineer. Holder’s been with GM since 1999, joined the Corvette program in 2002, and remains Corvette chief engineer today. But even after Holder’s promotion, Juechter was still being called Corvette chief engineer in headlines (his LinkedIn page shows “Chief Engineer/Vehicle Line Director” titles), and we’d bet a month’s salary, a donut, and a box of Jake stickers no one outside of dedicated Corvette fans is familiar with Holder or Piatek. That’s no slight on the other two men, either, both of whom have done their parts to make sure the Corvette keeps getting greater. It’s only to show how big Juechter’s shadow has been inside the Corvette program. 

It’s not clear who will be chosen to succeed Juechter in his one or two roles; GM said it would make an announcement this summer. Based on where the past execs have come from, Holder’s in the prime spot for succession, but anything can happen. 

As for Juechter, football provides the best analogy for the coming end of this era. When L.A. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald announced his retirement in March, the common cry was, “Give that man his Hall of Fame jacket right now” instead of making him wait the mandatory five years before HOF selection. Same for Juechter — you might as well hang his plaque in the Corvette Hall of Fame the same day he hands in his GM keys.

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Earth Day is just around the corner, which means it’s a great time to take a step back and consider your impact on the pale blue dot we call home. If you’ve ever considered reducing your carbon footprint by going the electric route for your yard work, now is a great time of year to snag some deals on equipment thanks to the holiday. Right now, Greenworks has tons of great deals on electric riding lawn mowers, push mowers, weed whippers, chainsaws and more. You can see all of the deals available now right here, but we’re featuring a few of our favorites just below.

$384.99 at Amazon

This all-electric Greenworks electric mower runs for up to a full hour on a fully charged 4.0Ah Greenworks battery, which is included in this purchase along with a charger. The battery can be swapped into 75+ other compatible Greenworks tools, so if you want to get into the ecosystem, this type of combo deal could end up being a great value for you. The mower itself, though, has a brushless motor with 21-inch cutting deck so it should make quick work of most small to medium-sized lawns and the 3-in-1 system allows for mulching, rear-bagging and side discharge. Don’t worry, it comes with the collection bag if you want to go that route. Last but not least, it’s height adjustable to 7 different positions and, of course, features a push-button start.

Key features

• 21-inch cutting deck
• Mulch, rear-bagging and side discharge configurations
• 7-position height adjustment
• Includes grass collection bag, 4.0Ah battery and charger

$95.53 at Amazon

This leaf blower is perfect for a quick spring or summer clean-up job. With a fully charged 2.0Ah battery, it’ll get you up to 15 minutes of use even on high. It blows up to 150 MPH and even comes with a concentrator nozzle if you really need to clear out those tight crevices. It’s got a comfortable grip and is lightweight (just 3 lbs according to the listing) so it’s easily maneuverable and shouldn’t wear you out when being used. In addition to the blower, you’ll also get a 2.0Ah battery and charger with your purchase.

Key features

• Up to 15 minutes of run-time on high
• Blows up to 150 MPH / 135 CFM
• Includes additional concentrator nozzle and 2.0Ah battery and charger

$93.49 at Amazon

There are few things in life more satisfying than pressure washing a dirty surface. This electric Greenworks pressure washer can use its 1,600 PSI to help you clean up a deck, your house siding, your driveway and much, much more. On a lower pressure setting, you can even use it to help wash your car with the help of an included soap applicator attachment. It’s made to be used either vertically or horizontally, depending on user preference and both its power cord and pressure hose are a generous length at 35 feet and 20 feet, respectively. The washer has been certified by the Pressure Washer Manufacturers’ Association, and it comes with a 3 year warranty.

Key features

• 1,600 PSI
• 1.2 Gallons Per Minute
• Comes with a 35 foot power cord and 20 foot pressure hose for 55 feet of maneuverability
• PWMA (Pressure Washer Manufacturers’ Association) certified
• Includes a soap applicator with purchase and a 3 year warranty

$169.99 at Amazon

Whether you call it a string trimmer, a weed whacker or a weed whipper, we can all agree that yard work just doesn’t feel finished until this vital step of the process is complete. With this electric, cordless string trimmer you’ll be able to whip those weeds for up to 65 minutes on a fully charged 2.5Ah battery which is, of course, included. This particular trimmer has a 16-inch cutting path which combined with its brushless motor should make short work of even tough weeds and grass. The head employs bump feed tech, like most string trimmers, which means more string is just a bump away when you’re looking a little short. Last but not least, due to its lack of a gas tank, Greenworks says this tool is about “25% lighter than comparable gas-powered models” and it’s quieter than most gas-powered models, too.

Key features

• 16-inch cutting path
• Up to 65 minutes of run-time
• Purchase includes 2.5Ah battery and rapid charger

$124.15 at Amazon

Let’s be real, you won’t be felling any large trees with this little guy, but it’s a fantastic solution for smaller clean-up jobs around the yard that don’t require you to break out the big guns, and the price is right. This compact chainsaw runs on a 40V 2.0 Ah battery which, as you probably expect by now, is included as well as a charger. It’ll get you up to 65 cuts on a full charge. The 12-inch bar and chain features low kickback for ease of use and there’s a built-in hand guard for safety. It also has an automatic oiler, “tool-less tensioning” and a premium grip with a wrap-around handle. Since it’s electric, you won’t have to worry about things like a carburetor or spark plug going bad and thanks to the electric start, there’s no pull rope. 

Key features

• 12-inch bar and chain
• Weighs 6 lbs
• Purchase includes 2.0Ah battery and charger

More top picks

دیترویت – هزاران کارگر در یک کارخانه بزرگ مرسدس بنز در نزدیکی توسکالوزا، آلاباما، ماه آینده در مورد اینکه آیا می‌خواهند توسط اتحادیه کارگران خودروسازی متحده نمایندگی شوند رأی خواهند داد.

هیئت ملی روابط کار روز پنجشنبه گفت که رای گیری از 13 تا 17 مه در تاسیسات ونس و وودستاک، آلاباما برگزار خواهد شد. آرا توسط آژانس در 17 می شمارش می شود.

NRLB گفت که شرکت و اتحادیه با تاریخ انتخابات موافقت کردند.

این رای، دومین رای اتحادیه برای سازماندهی 150000 کارگر در بیش از 12 کارخانه خودروسازی غیر اتحادیه عمدتا در ایالت های جنوبی خواهد بود. حدود 4300 کارگر در کارخانه فولکس واگن در چاتانوگا، تنسی، در حال رای گیری در مورد نمایندگی اتحادیه این هفته هستند و تعداد آرا روز جمعه اعلام می شود.

این تلاش سازماندهی پس از آن انجام شد که UAW پس از حمله به سه خودروساز دیترویت در پاییز گذشته، دستمزدهای زیادی را افزایش داد.

تاسیسات مرسدس تا پایان سال 2023 حدود 6100 کارمند داشت. UAW گفته است که بیش از 5000 نفر خواستار رای گیری اتحادیه هستند.

در پاسخ به درخواست کارگران، مرسدس بنز ایالات متحده اینترنشنال اعلام کرد که “به انتخاب اعضای تیم ما (در مورد) که آیا اتحادیه‌ها را تشکیل دهند، کاملا احترام می‌گذارد. این شرکت افزود که قصد دارد اطمینان حاصل کند که همه کارگران فرصتی برای رأی دادن مخفیانه خود و دسترسی به «اطلاعات لازم برای انتخاب آگاهانه» در طول فرآیند انتخابات دارند.

UAW مدیریت مرسدس را به تاکتیک های ضد اتحادیه در هفته های اخیر متهم کرده است و اتهامات کارگری فدرال را علیه این شرکت مطرح کرده است.

اوایل این هفته فرمانداران شش ایالت جنوبی، از جمله آلاباما و تنسی، بیانیه ای صادر کردند و گفتند که کارگران اگر به اتحادیه رای دهند، شغل خود را به خطر می اندازند.

Republican attorneys general from 25 states on Thursday sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to block rules intended to reduce planet-warming emissions from cars and light trucks and encourage electric vehicle manufacturing, arguing the agency exceeded its legal authority.

The lawsuit challenging the regulations for passenger vehicles, finalized on March 20 by President Joe Biden’s administration, was filed by attorneys general from states led by Kentucky and West Virginia in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The EPA rules aim to cut fleetwide tailpipe emissions for cars and light trucks by nearly 50% over 2026 levels in 2032, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7.2 billion tons through 2055.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said the rules would harm the American economy, threaten jobs and raise prices while undermining the U.S. electricity grid. Coleman also said there is very little consumer interest in electric vehicles in his state.

Republican state officials have said the rules amount to an attempt by the administration to transform the American passenger vehicle market improperly through strict rules that make it difficult for manufacturers to not go electric.

“The Biden administration is willing to sacrifice the American auto industry and its workers in service of its radical green agenda. We just aren’t buying it,” Coleman said.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey called the rules “legally flawed and unrealistic, to say the least.”

The EPA declined to comment.

The regulations are among the most significant environmental rules implemented under Biden, who has made tackling climate change a key pillar of his presidency. The EPA has forecast that between 35% and 56% of new vehicles sold between 2030 and 2032 would be electric under the rules – a range that reflected the flexibility the agency has said automakers have to pursue different pollution-cutting technologies.

Republican state attorneys general during the public comment period before the rules were finalized had said that they go well beyond the EPA’s authority under the landmark anti-pollution law called the Clean Air Act, and amount to a “top-to-bottom attempt to restructure the automobile industry.”

After resistance by autoworkers and the auto industry, the final version of the regulations was scaled back compared to an earlier proposal in order to give automakers more flexibility in meeting the emissions reduction goals. The EPA gave automakers more freedom to meet emissions standards with gas-electric hybrids, which many environmentalists have opposed as a half-measure that delays the EV transition.

The EPA said the final rule cuts emissions by 49% by 2032 over 2026 levels compared with 56% under its previous plan. EPA chief Michael Regan said the rule impose “absolutely no mandate” on manufacturers to adopt electric vehicles.

Other states that joined the suit included: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming.

The EPA on March 29 separately said it was finalizing tighter tailpipe emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles like semi-trucks and buses, but those regulations were not part of the lawsuit.

The lawsuit is the latest example of Republican attorneys general turning to the courts to challenge various aspects of the Biden administration’s climate agenda.

Republican-led states also have challenged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s corporate climate disclosure rules, the U.S. Energy Department’s pause on approvals for new liquefied natural gas export facilities and EPA rules toughening standards for air pollution, among other things.

From next year, Mustang fans will want to visit North Carolina’s Charlotte Motor Speedway, as the iconic motorsports location will also be home to what Ford calls the Mustang Experience Center.

As Ford describes it, the new center will be the “destination for all things Mustang,” with visitors able to sample cars on the racetrack, learn some of the Mustang’s history, and purchase various merchandise related to the pony car icon, including performance parts.

Ford said there will also be a conference space for private and corporate events. Fans will even be able to host their wedding at the site.

For fans keen to head out on the track, Ford also hosts various driving school programs at Charlotte Motor Speedway. These include dedicated programs for the EcoBoost, GT, and Dark Horse grades.

Artist’s impression of Ford’s Mustang Experience Center

In the case of the Dark Horse program, participants are treated to a full day of classroom and on-track instruction that includes skid pad and autocross sessions, as well as lead-follow lapping. There are also hot laps where an instructor demonstrates just what the car can really do when left unbridled.

Ford announced the Mustang Experience Center on Wednesday during a special gathering at Charlotte Motor Speedway to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Mustang’s debut. Other announcements included a 60th Anniversary Package for the Mustang GT, confirmation of a new Mustang variant due in 2025, and an option that makes the Mustang’s digital gauge cluster display gauges similar to those in the original Mustang.

Casey is getting his driver’s license soon and is eying up some options for his first ride. With a budget limited to $15,000, he wants something comfortable with a bit of luxury and enough cargo space for sports gear. What car should he buy?

(Welcome back to What Car Should You Buy? Where we give real people real advice about buying cars. Do you want us to help you find a car? Submit your story on our form.)

Here is the scenario:

I just turned 16 and I’m looking for my first car. I want something big but not too big. A bit of luxury would be nice, but I don’t need anything too fancy. I’m an athletic guy who plays hockey and baseball so I’ll need a decent-sized trunk or cargo area for big bags. I’m thinking something like a sedan or wagon with an automatic, and I don’t want to spend any more than $15,000

Quick Facts:

Budget: Up to $15,000

Location: Vancouver, WA

Daily Driver: Yes

Wants: A bit of luxury, a bit of space, big trunk

Doesn’t want: Something too small

Expert 1: Tom McParland – A Kia What?

Casey, you have some exciting times ahead, and I applaud you for targeting the “just right” size of car for a new driver. I often recommend a midsize-ish sedan for younger drivers, as they are big enough to offer some protection in case of a collision but not too large to be unwieldy for novice drivers. The other thing I tell parents and new drivers to target is sedans that have generally appealed to older folks, as these are usually comfortable, not driven hard, and often regularly maintained. You can find some solid picks if you look outside the standard Accord/Camry offerings.

For example, here is a really nice Kia Cadenza. The Cadenza was Kia’s take on the Toyota Avalon/Lexus ES series: A big, comfortable, front-drive sedan that is good for cruising. You will find plenty of room on the inside with some nice upgrades and a trunk large enough to fit your gear. This particular example only has 63,000 miles but it does have an accident on the CarFax, so you will want to investigate further with some kind of pre-purchase inspection. But if all goes well, this is a lot of car for $12,500.

Expert 2: Collin Woodard – How Small Is Too Small?

If you go with the Kia Cadenza, Casey, I’m sure it will do the job you need it to do, but I think you were onto something when you said you were considering wagons. You can definitely fit your athletic bags into the trunk or back seat of a sedan, but there’s just something special about being able to open a liftgate and toss a bunch of bags into the back. Plus, with the seats down, you still have access to your bags from the rear doors, so it’s easier to grab your things.

I’m assuming you’re probably decently tall since you said you play basketball, and combined with how big things like hockey bags are, I understand your desire to get a bigger car. My suggestion is probably smaller than you’re thinking, but hear me out: Kia Soul. It’s somewhere between a hatchback and a crossover, and its boxy shape makes it good for filling the back with all your stuff. Plus, it’s got plenty of room for tall drivers.

Since it’s been around for a couple of generations, you’ll have a lot of options with $15,000 to spend. Just get the nicest Soul you can find in your price range. To keep things interesting, though, I found a few, shall we say, compelling options. Here’s a 40,000-mile 2017 Soul for $10,995 that used to be someone’s business vehicle, and here’s a 59,000-mile 2021 for $14,895 that used to be a rental car.

The general recommendation is to avoid former rental cars, but if they pass a pre-purchase inspection, maybe one of those will end up being a good enough deal to make it worth rolling the dice.

Expert 3: Amber DaSilva – How Big Is A Hockey Bag, Really?

First off, Casey, I want to congratulate you on the nominative determinism. “Casey” is a hockey player name if ever I’ve seen one. Anyway, I googled some hockey bag dimensions, and found out that even extra-large bags can pretty much fit straight in a Miata trunk. The key in car buying is that you always need less space than you think you do.

But, you need to carry bats and sticks too, so a Miata is perhaps not ideal for your use case. Nor is a Subaru BRZ, given your request for an automatic transmission. So, Casey, I offer you the best of all possible worlds: The Volkswagen GTI.

It’s an obvious choice, sure, but it’s obvious because it ticks so many boxes. You’ve got room inside for your gear, a nice enough interior for the cost, and even a bit of performance to try and goad you into fast-car enthusiasm. Plus, it’ll be way easier to park than a Cadenza.

Here’s an option out by you that’s well within your budget, but you can find GTIs under $15,000 all day long. Find your favorite color, the one nearest you, whatever you want. Just make sure you get that plaid interior.

Expert 4: Lawrence Hodge – This Just Makes Sense

Casey seeing as this is going to be your first ride — and congrats on getting your license! — you need something that’s both great to drive and that’s going to last you a while. You also need something that can carry your sports stuff with ease. What you really need is the ideal body style, a wagon. And there’s no better first car for you than an Acura TSX Sport Wagon.

It was one of the few wagons on the market at the beginning of the 2010s, and it wasn’t sold for long, so it’s relatively rare. It’s also decently sized and not bad to drive since it’s pretty much a European Honda Accord Wagon. You got a 201 hp 2.4-liter I4, five-speed automatic transmission, four wheel independent suspension and most importantly, 60.5 sq. ft of space with the rear seats folded.

They’re also old enough now that, if you can find one, they’re cheap and within your budget. This example in Portland, Oregon has just under 107,000 miles on it and is only $14,900.