The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV may be the latest and greatest electric vehicle on the block, but frugality wasn’t the only name of the game. In fact, the vehicle was envisioned to be fun to drive and engaging, believe it or not. That was spearheaded by resident speed freak and enthusiast, Josh Tavel, who served as the Bolt EV’s chief engineer.
The Detroit News was able to sit down with Tavel to talk about his history with GM and his love for cars and anything that goes fast.
Tavel’s first car was a Porsche 944, before that he began racing dirt bikes at the age of 14. His parents even recall him sneaking out to sleep under his father’s Pontiac Trans Am.
“Cars are a magnetic thing for me,” he said recalling that story.
Tavel began his career at GM in Wisconsin as a quality engineer and has managed ride and handling, foundation, brakes and chassis controls. His first big project as chief engineer was the first Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, but quickly moved into electrification.
“Then I was the chief engineer for Cadillac ELR. Then I came to Bolt EV.”
What’s he driving these days? Quite a few things.
“Chevy Bolt, Spark, Yukon. A Spec Racer Ford, and 1970 Datsun 240Z E-Production SCCA race car. I’m starting (to build) a Corvair — a highly modified Corvair. And I also have two Corvettes in the garage. Fixes top coupe and a Grand Sport C6 which is my Dad’s.”
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