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Ford vs. GM Design? Bob Lutz Thinks Blue Oval’s Looks Are “Exquisite”

Bob Lutz spoke candidly about the state of General Motors versus some of its rival automakers in a new interview with Automotive News (subscription required).

In the conversation, published this Sunday, Lutz was asked whether Ford or GM design was on top. His answer was Ford, 100 percent. Lutz, who worked at each of Detroit’s big three at one point in his professional career, said Ford designs are “exquisite,” and gave the Blue Oval the nod in the design department for the first time in his career.

Bob Lutz On Autoline After Hours

He noted it began with the 2013 Fusion, which was heralded as quite a sexy sedan from an American automaker. It continued with the Lincoln MKZ sedan. He reckons the Ford Mustang outdesigned the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, and don’t get him started on Lincolns. The Aviator, in particular, is “off the charts in every respect,” he said.

Lutz’s take on the situation was clear: Ford is spending the few hundred dollars on an interior to create “thousands of dollars’ worth of perceived value.” Although he never directly compared Lincoln to Cadillac, we can’t help but feel he’s shouting the comparison loud and clear. When looking at the XT4 and Corsair’s interiors, it’s a bit of a no-brainer. Peering at both the Aviator and XT6, it’s hands-down the Lincoln that looks more premium.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Interior 002

The former Ford and GM executive noted the former is “on a roll” with designs recently, and it spills over into both automakers’ businesses. He said Ford’s SUVs are newer with well-thought designs, which he expects will help Ford rebound financially very well versus GM. GM will likely reveal the first of its new full-size SUVs this year, which follow the latest-generation Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks. We’ll be treated to a new Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade.

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Source: Automotive News

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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Comments

  1. I agree with him.

    Reply
    1. I do too.

      To be a GM guy is almost in my DNA, it’s just a permanent part of who I am but I wholeheartedly agree with Lutz; Ford is beating GM. They killed it with the Fusion, then the Mustang and their SUVs, especially the Lincolns, are just leagues ahead of GM and Cadillac. The Lincoln Aviator is outstanding. The Lincoln Continental Concept was, and still is, stunning. Although the production model is pretty good too, I’d love to see them take their Aviator platform and build a RWD Continental with more of the presence of the Concept.

      GM by contrast is still cost cutting on their interiors and their designs fail to illicit what Lutz calls the ‘gotta have it’ factor.

      Reply
      1. Agreed!!! My family has never owned anything but GM, but lately I’m really liking Ford/Lincoln. Lincolns exterior designs are fantastic!! and I’m not a fan of of the dial shifter in the Expedition, nor ford excessive use of small displacement, forced induction engines…..but I love almost everything else!

        Not to mention, as a business owner, I love the way Ford caters to fleet buyers. Recently we needed to replace 2 trucks, and Chevy stopped offering the diesel double cab HD Silverado. We have a 2001 Silverado 2500 Duramax that has been problem free for 182k miles, and have had many other Chevy trucks that were beyond reliable. Sadly we had to replace one of our older Ford trucks with another Ford. Not to mention, the base model regular cab, long bed 1500 we did buy was extremely hard to get, and not nearly as nice of a truck as the F150 it is replacing.

        Reply
  2. The Ford styling is not bad. It is the problem that the bones they are using under the skin are not always what they need them to be.

    Lincoln for too long was just a re bodied Ford. They need to get away from that.

    Also the Explorer ST is a awesome vehicle but for over $60K there are many other better options out there.

    As for the Camaro and Mustang both they have been living too long in the past. It is time for them to be original. I would not copy the Gen 2 but I would make a dramatic break away to a totally new body style.

    How about robbing the Buick Avista styling and apply it to a new Camaro. It is sporty and has a global GT look to it that would drive sales globally not just here and Australia.

    Cars are dead at Buick so this coupe could be easily adapted to the Chevy line with just some work to the grille/headlamp area.

    If you keep living in the past there will never be any future classics.

    Imagine if GM had just stuck with the C1 and never moved to the C2

    I do believe GM styling has been a bit stymied since Bob and Ed left.

    Reply
  3. The exterior design GM’s new Terrain and Equinox borrow heavily from Ford’s earlier CUVs, so I guess imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery.

    Reply
    1. GM has become, well just “general.” Lately, their designs “borrow” heavily from “the market.” Pinched C-pillars, black plastic “windows” to extend the roofline. They have become the, “We have one too,” brand. Built in Mexico, designed for China, and along the way, they have forgotten that they are an AMERICAN company. Their Twitter is riddled with “social justice” and while I agree with corporate responsibility, they are a CAR COMPANY. Search other brands, and they’re talking about PRODUCT. GM has traded bueratic culture for a “social” one. Both restrict them from making GREAT CARS. Oh the irony! Chasing PROFITS at the expense of PRODUCT is the very thing that is COSTING them improved PERCEPTION that will eventually erode what…? Yep, PROFITS!

      Reply
  4. But let’s not pretend the Fords look better on the outside. The front end of the new Lincoln’s are very disappointing. Everything else about them is great, however.

    Reply
  5. IMO, interior design is really where GM has fallen off in the last few years. I’m not talking about quality; DESIGN. CT4/5 interiors look cheaper than ATS/CTS. It shouldn’t matter than 4/5 have dropped a class. It’s not good that these new cars look cheaper than 6 year old cars are are “kind of” replacing. I could understand some cheaper materials being used, but it looks like Cadillac either intentionally made them look cheaper or has lost some design talent.

    Reply
  6. He is 150% correct. Notice he said they’re spending a few hundred dollars more per interior, Which is a clear indicator the GM is run by bean counters whereas Lincoln has people that want their brand to be restored and Succeed long-term. The XT6 has already been out done by the Hyundai Palisade (GREAT name) as that vehicles interior blows away any interior in any GM car at any price. Sr Mgt is destroying the company with their “cheap” crap. Every vehicle has a “Jet Black” interior which is supposed to sound sporty?

    GM as we know it will look much different in 5 years and it won’t be good. Such a pathetic shame. Lutz in, Barra our!

    Reply
    1. A few hundred dollars?

      I guess that’s why Lincoln interiors look like 2006 Volvos.

      Look at the image in this article. Looks cheap as hell. Ignore the old Navigator and Continental CONCEPTS. Look at real Lincoln interiors; they’re jokes.

      Reply
  7. As a life long “GM’er”, I never thought Ford design was anything more than stodgy. Nut Lutz is right! These new cars and trucks are beautiful and inspire passion to own one. Lincoln has come out of nowhere and as bad I hate to say it, F150 and Super Duty are very handsome trucks! IMO opinion the new Expedition is note very nice pretty but it does look expensive.
    Ford is doing a good job and I hate to break it to you guys at GM design who read this, you are not. You’re vehicles look like cheap, late 80’s over-styled messes.
    But you could do better.

    Reply
  8. A well-designed interior with (reasonably) rich materials is the new “Halo Car” of “Halo Cars”.

    End the numerous “concept cars” that attempt to create a “feel”. Spend it in reality where it can tangibly enrich the brand experience.

    Reply
  9. The only issue concerning Ford products is how whether they’re original because Ford is a bit like China in that Ford will steal design cues from Range Rover as Ford’s new Explorer looks a bit like Range Rover’s Evoque while the new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer is totally different as it makes people think of the Camaro.

    Reply
    1. Ford played it smart. When they owned Range Rover, they raided the portfolio. Aston Martin too! I’m sure when someone recognized that they couldn’t properly manage such storied brands, that someone put some designs to the side for a “rainy day.” It has paid off. But even with “stealing what you ‘own’…” there has to be proper execution.

      Cadillac has THE BEST concepts. Buick Avista anyone? But when it comes to EXECUTION, where is GM? Let’s look for patterns. Great designs/concepts… Poor/Mediocre Production Products… Hmmm… Where could the guilty party lay?

      Until Mary stops trying to be an overly “Socially Responsible” company that forgets what they are in business for, nothing will change. Be diverse, sure! But get the best for the job and not just the “black” for the job (and for you social justice warriors, I am a black man). I don’t buy cars because your board is mostly women, or Asian, or Black, or men, or white, or whatever. I just want to buy a superior product for a competitive price. This plus the bean counters hinder great product. GM is its OWN worse enemy!

      But can you really be “Socially Responsible” by laying people off, all the while TWEETING about your “new diverse” hires?

      Reply
      1. Branding GM as a “diverse” & 130 progressive company is smart for regaining the coasts. Prius have Toyota that Target/Starbucks socially responsible vibe and this would benefit a domestic brand. Coastal people perceive GM, and especially Chevy, the as a bad credit trailer trash brand.

        I agree with you on amazing concepts but poor execution. Buick had Avista yet used Melba Toast for inspiration. GM couldn’t sell Volt because they never explained the benefit of a back up gas engine. Volt is simply ignored as it comes from a damaged brand and don’t get me started on Caddy.

        Reply
        1. That’s because the Volt should have started as a Cadillac. ALL progressive tech should start at the TOP to improve the PERCEPTION of both the top AND lesser brands. Cadillac and GM must reverse the cadence of product releases. LUXURY is not a logical buy. Its EMOTIONAL. So, perception plays a BIG part of the buying process. We “buy” with our eyes and then use the tech to “justify” an illogical purchase. Once Genesis improves the PERCEPTION of their products, they will dump the so-called “value luxury ” advantage they now hold. With ALL the money those execs make, I find it odd they dont understand the psychology of a luxury purchase. It’s not “high price” it’s exclusivity. It’s not “great design” it’s look at me! It’s not build structure, it’s quiet serenity… smh!

          Reply
  10. It isn’t that Ford is amazing but more that GM looks like a Korean brand but hacked by bean counters.
    I like the exterior designs of both Traverse and Malibu but the interiors are weak. Ford has an almost Euro vibe, a good thing in today’s market, and sales back up people’s satisfaction.
    Barra and Ruess are killing GM in the present as they plan for the future. A reverse merger with PSA with Taveres as CEO would be a great thing for GM.

    Lutz seems to have missed FCA that does finer design than anyone right now!

    Reply
  11. The headlight and taillight treatments on the Lincolns are nice. The designs themselves are not, IMO. I don’t like the chrome and I don’t like the trendy tropes like floating roofs.

    But by and far the worst part about Lincolns are their dashboards. That tacked on screen; the “double din” arrangement for aux and climate controls. The chrome…. The glossy black plastic that plagued Cadillacs of the last generation. It’s design malaise. Great paint and seat upholstery on Lincolns, though.

    Reply
  12. I wish Bob could come back. Mary Barra said at the beginning of her tenure that there would be “no more crappy cars”. Loved her for that quote, but oops. I would like to know who is approving of the final styling of these cars that GM is putting out. I have said it before, GM is being out styled by Ford.

    Reply
  13. I agree with Mr. Lutz 100%. I remember when GM was putting out some stunning new designs around 2007-2010. The 2007 Tahoe & Suburban LTZ/Yukon Denali/Escalade, 2008 CTS (the wagon and coupe were icing on the cake), 2010 Camaro, Regal and LaCrosse come to mind. I remember seeing the 2007 Escalade on the road for the first time (Black Raven) and was shocked at how much more modern and expensive it looked in comparison to my mother’s white 2004 she had at the time, let alone the heavily refreshed Navigator (my how times have changed).
    Sure enough, she got a 2008 in Quicksilver Metallic/Ebony not long after. While it was not as well-differentiated as the 2015-2020 model, I believe it was more representative of what Cadillac stood for and still should: Did not look like anything else in the class (hard angles/edges, bold and brash), beautiful engine soundtrack, and it just exuded shear presence in the valet line. I can only imagine what their lineup would look like if their vehicles borrowed cues from the futuristic ELR (as overpriced as it was) and Ciel concept instead of going softer and eliminating the fully vertical lighting units. I find the current generation Escalade, CT5, XT6 to be a bit soft and bland, aside from the lighting units front and rear. The newer products (beginning with the ATS) went soft and kind of lost the signature Cadillac style. The interior styles and designs seem to be sliding back, even if material quality has supposedly improved (I don’t think it has). The now wreathless crest just doesn’t look as premium or iconic to me, but to each their own.
    Regarding the “gotta have it factor,” I cannot think of any recent vehicle, aside from the CTS-V and V-Sport, that GM has put out that exudes this characteristic. Blazer? Meh. New Enclave? Underwhelmed. New Acadia? Botched. New Camaro? It comes close, but the visibility and lousy interior drove me away. CT6? I wanted to want this car, but again, relatively lousy interior and initially no V8 option made it a non-contender.
    What would have the “gotta have it factor” in my eyes? I dream of a reborn XLR with the 4.2 V8 and gorgeous styling inside and out. A true, RWD-based successor to the 2004-2009 SRX would probably be sitting in my garage right now if it had design influences from the ELR and the various beautiful but stillborn concepts produced by Cadillac. Hell, if Ford can do a RWD Explorer, why can’t GM?
    It is crazy to think that Hyundai’s Genesis and Ford’s Lincoln are now putting out what I think are more desirable products. If someone were to tell me this when my mother drove off the lot with her 2008 Escalade, I would have died from laughing. Today, it seems like GM is only living up to the “General” in General Motors. Nothing groundbreaking (Super Cruise aside), that improves their reputation and desirability. I know I focused a lot on Cadillac, but they should be setting the standard for all of the other GM brands and vehicles to follow.

    Reply
  14. Its sad but I would have to agree with him let’s don’t forget about all the excitement over on the dodge / ram side to Gm just has been disappointing in the excitement department

    Reply
  15. Yes, he is correct. I love Cadillac’s. But I’m also quite able to get there with Lincoln as well, especially with the very nice looking vehicles they now have.

    But the biggest thing Lutz said that I locked onto was about the few hundred bucks more spent on interiors. That is 100% key here and we all know it. Case in point. A few years back (I think around 2009/2010), Chrysler corp had been beaten up badly about cheap, hard, bad interiors and rightfully so. Although the materials were so hard they would survive an atomic bomb, they were just unpleasant to be in. Around ’09/’10, the decision was made to spend just a little more on the interiors. They did and I think it was only around $100 more per car. But remember, that would be in “cost” and not a retail like amount. This was a time when Chrysler brands made a huge turn and they immediately started getting much better reviews on their interiors.

    GM needs to listen to Lutz’s words here and follow both Chrysler and Ford on this and up the spending on all GM interiors now. With my 2018 Buick Encore interior as nice as it is, just imagine if they upped the game just a little more! Current bad interiors would become nice and the already nice ones would become great.

    Reply
  16. I personally think GM exterior Design is great. One of the Best in the Business.
    But they are the Worst in interior Quality. The Interior Designs are nice (a little Boring to be honest) but subpar materials at best. The Chevy Bolt and Chevy Nox interiors are borderline a complete joke when compared to their rivals. GM must do better. Their sales show.

    Reply
    1. @Momolos:

      I agree with you to a point. However, all you need to do is look at the more diverse group of cars/interiors GM offers. For example, I sell Mazda and Volvo now but have sold Buick/Cadillac/GMC/Honda/Chevy and Chrysler trio in the past. I currently own a Buick Encore and the interior is as good as the average Volvo and better than most of the Mazda’s. Is it perfect? No, but none are. But an extra $100 spend in costs on my Buick would make it go from very good to amazing. However, now go look at some Chevy or GMC interiors and they make my Buick’s look that much better. Throwing some others into the mix, just go look at the interiors of nearly any Toyota or Honda. They make my Buick interior look like a high end luxury car!

      What GM needs to do is apply that “few hundred bucks” towards every GM interior making the not so nice ones much better and the already nice ones great. But not all GM’s are bad.

      Reply
      1. I agree that Buick interiors are pretty good for their Price range. Chevy interiors are borderline embarrassing in todays Market.
        GM just needs to spend more. It really is that simple.

        Reply
  17. Apples and oranges comparison. He’s mostly comparing current generation Fords to previous generation GMs. When it comes to large SUV sales, GM owns Ford, and has for years. Equinox outsells both the Explorer and the Escape.

    Let’s have a look again when the nextgen full size SUVs are released by GM.

    Reply
    1. Spot on. Also, regardless of what Lutz thinks about Lincolns, the market is already speaking and it likes Cadillac more. The Continental was killed in about 3 years.

      GM is already teetering on the edge of a knife with Cadillac. I don’t understand why so many GMA readers want them to follow Lincoln, which is in a death spiral right now.

      Reply
      1. Perception lags reality. I’m afraid Cadillac has peaked and it’s spiral is fast approaching. Exterior design peaked with the CT6 MCE and interior design peaked earlier at either CTS or ELR. Everything since then, respectively, has been almost objectively worse. Hopefully Escalade stops this trend. . . Some internet insiders have provided reason for hope.

        Reply

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