Tony Roma will probably be named govt chief engineer of the Corvette program (together with the remainder of Chevrolet’s new International Efficiency Automobiles group) in July when outgoing boss Tadge Juechter retires, Normal Motors introduced Friday. Roma beforehand labored on the Corvette program, however detoured via varied Cadillac initiatives in recent times, together with ATS, CTS, Celestiq and each Blackwings.
“As a automobile fanatic and racer, I really feel a robust connection to the entire Corvette group and our followers all over the world,” Roma mentioned. “I’ve been part of nearly each occasion our prospects deliver their vehicles to: highway racing, auto cross, highway rally, cross nation journey, automobile reveals, drag racing and extra. I do know that for the automobile to achieve success, it must resonate with the tip buyer and be good at what they need it to do.”
When you’re anxious about Roma’s preferences influencing his skilled life, effectively, you may most likely be comforted by figuring out his storage homes a C4 ZR1, C6 ZR1, C8 Z06 and a CTS-V Wagon; he is already made room for a C8 ZR1 too. He holds GM’s highest take a look at driver score and is licensed to drive on the Nürburgring circuit throughout Business-Pool classes.
“I’m approaching this chance with deep respect and admiration for the onerous work from those that got here earlier than me, going again to the first-generation Corvette within the Nineteen Fifties as much as this present day,” Roma mentioned. “Corvette earned and continues to earn its place in American automobile historical past due to the folks behind it, like Tadge Juechter. These are huge footwear to fill, however we are going to work day-after-day to proceed the sturdy legacy this nameplate deserves.”
Juechter has operated on the highest ranges of GM Efficiency since his promotion to chief engineer on Corvette in 2006. Whereas his precise title modified since then, he is been the face of this system for the higher a part of twenty years — a good portion of his 47-year profession with Normal Motors.