First post oppo-awesomeness!

"the__man" (the___man)
09/25/2013 at 21:18 • Filed to: GTI, C7, Corvette, Volkswagen

My car, surrounded by "fleet" vehicles.

DISCUSSION (52)

$kaycog > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:20

Awesome first post, indeed!!!

getchapopcorn > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:21

A very awesome first post, indeed, sir!!!

DasWauto > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:21

Kinja'd!!!

Audi S4 Wheels? Well done.

the__man > DasWauto
09/25/2013 at 21:22

Yes sir. Thanks.

Blondude > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:22

An awesome first post, indeed!!!

/BecauseEveryoneElseIsDoingIt

TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H! > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:22

Kinja'd!!!

Is the color really that good in person? if so, HHHNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG

Frank Grimes > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:22

I WANT THAT GREEN VETTE!!!! also good post.

the__man > TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H!
09/25/2013 at 21:23

yes, hands down the best color the new c7 comes in.

The man in the iron mask > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:23

Kinja'd!!!

thats tony stewart's Vette!

Kinja'd!!!

pdthedeuce > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:26

good job.

SonorousSpeedJoe > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:27

Given how your VW (which looks great, by the way) is pretty much the only non-GM car in the pic, is it safe to assume you work for GM in some capacity? Engineering, marketing, etc.?

Those C7s look fantastic as well.

mr. idk > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:28

i wanna see limerock green with a blacked out grill and black wheels. thats my ideal C7!

the__man > SonorousSpeedJoe
09/25/2013 at 21:28

caught red handed, yes I work in vehicle design.

Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:29

Welcome, we've been expecting you...

SonorousSpeedJoe > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:30

Ha, I knew it. You're not the only automaker-employed member - we've got one or two automotive engineers and someone else who's in marketing, if I remember right.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:31

Meh... new corvette.

the__man > SonorousSpeedJoe
09/25/2013 at 21:31

I'm surprised there isn't more of us on here. I see the page on computer screens all day long.

Milky > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:33

VAG love

SonorousSpeedJoe > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:36

Really? Well, leaking product plan info like, say, the C7 Corvette's exterior months/years before it's ready would most likely send heads rolling. While I'm entertaining the thought of becoming an automotive engineer, I'd probably be kept on a tight leash if I kept up that job alongside an online presence.

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Axel-Ripper > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:37

Mmm. Warren.

the__man > SonorousSpeedJoe
09/25/2013 at 21:39

yeah, which is probably a good thing that they lurk around.

Milky > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:40

Wait you're not a CCS grad are you? There was a black gti here last year, but it did have different rims.

the__man > Milky
09/25/2013 at 21:42

no, I'm not cool enough (in an artsy way) to go to CCS. I saw him a few times and waved. Never got a good look at his face.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:43

those Vipers look pretty cool. :|

Milky > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:47

Bahh, my mistake then .... also I sometimes feel our "artsy" stuff is our let down, so no worries there.

the__man > Milky
09/25/2013 at 21:48

by no means is it not a good school, I a few friends that have come out of there. I wouldn't fit in.

55Buick, Oversteer Scientist > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:51

If you don't mind me asking, how did you get into vehicle design? I'm 15 and one day I want to design cars. I'm just curious, did you go to an art college or just get a degree at a "normal" college? And when did you get in to design?

Awesome first post, by the way

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:52

Kinja'd!!!

I found it! I found the Volvo!

Sorry... I have a thing for Volvos...

also, are they okay that you drive a VW yet you work for GM? Most every other car in that lot is a GM; from an old rusty Cavalier to a Silverado, to an HHR, to a CTS, to a Buick...

Kailand09 > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:53

Man, as a vette guy those are amazing looking in the front. They almost look like video game renders in this pic, it's cool.

Have you driven/rode in one yet?

Plus apparently you're in the automotive business... How do you get there? I made the unfortunate decision of studying biomechanical engineering and hating it. Going to career fair tomorrow that GM is attending... No idea how to make myself look decent to them.

Milky > the__man
09/25/2013 at 21:54

Well thanks for the kind words. But who am I to hate, I'm still in school and you're out there getting a paycheck.

the__man > Kailand09
09/25/2013 at 22:02

not driven one, but I was able to pour over one for hours at a "team building" event. The fit and finish is exceptional, the seats are perfect, like a bear hug. I'd like to see what the recaros feel like when we get a c7 with a set. I sat in one with the glass roof and loved it makes it feel roomy, while retaining the feel of a hard top. I'm constantly searching for the day they become available for employees to take home.

Having a engineering or tech back ground is solid, from there on you just have to focus on something that you can deliver in the automotive realm. It's pretty simple, executives here are so laid back its rather alarming (an exception is when there are design releases, or other things of that nature) be honest, be yourself, talk to everyone you can, first impressions are everything in this industry and people remember. Make it sort of memorable if you know what I mean.

the__man > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
09/25/2013 at 22:05

people are okay with it. There aren't a huge number of foreign vehicles but no one is going to ridicule you. If you park in the gm products only lot you may have an issue (huge orange sticker, or sticky notes from disgruntled people). I just have to park far away.

Kailand09 > the__man
09/25/2013 at 22:12

You have no idea how much I appreciate the time you spent to give me that bit. It's actually quite inspiring. I feel like the lowly graduate who will be glossed over.

Thanks so much, man. I've been having a hard time finding my place and exactly what I want to do, always have looked at automotive as a pipe dream since I went with the wrong major... At least there's some hope heh

the__man > 55Buick, Oversteer Scientist
09/25/2013 at 22:14

Personally, I started out at a tier two supplier designing things there while I was in school, then moving into benchmarking, then to OEM. I worked all through school so it was really great to be learning and applying things at the same time, however, I wouldn't recommend it for most people. It helps to have a technical background or understanding of the way things work and the methodology behind them. I went to school originally for mechanical engineering then decided that really wasn't what I wanted to do, so I transferred schools that had a design program and got my degree in product design, which gives me the back ground to not only design automotive components but everything in between. To be honest, an artsy school has advantages and likewise for a university. Look into the programs deeply, go visit, research and reading things. talk to designers/ industrial designers (artsy guys) and figure out what your mind goes for. When you know it, you know it.

I read a book that sealed the deal for me, Dieter Rams: As Little Design as Possible. Check it out and books like that. It will help you determine what you'd like to do.

http://www.amazon.com/Dieter-Rams-Li…

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the__man > Kailand09
09/25/2013 at 22:16

Never close out the dream, even though your background isn't perfectly automotive you know how to think like an engineer and solve problems which is what really counts. Your welcome!

TheOnelectronic > the__man
09/25/2013 at 22:18

DAT GREEN THO

Seriously that's gorgeous.

55Buick, Oversteer Scientist > the__man
09/25/2013 at 22:20

Wow! This is wonderful advice! Thank you so much. I talked to a former Porsche designer last summer for about 2 hours, and he suggested high school robotics is a good place to start. So this year, as a sophomore, I am Design Leader of robotics! I think design is where I want to be.

Also, I've just ordered the book. It looks great!
Thanks so much for the fantastic advice.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > the__man
09/25/2013 at 22:20

They ever offer you good deals on the GMs to try and get you into them?

If I were you, I wouldn't take them.. I'd love a GTI over MOST GMs (not including CTS Vs; Corvettes, and Camaro Convertibles), but you never know

the__man > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
09/25/2013 at 22:26

Really great deals, plus when your first hired in they give you a special extra to push you harder.

I love my GTI, which is why I don't have a GM vehicle. Not to say GM cars aren't great, I chose my GTI for a reason and I'm not looking to get rid of it anytime soon.

I've driven all of them with the exception of the C7. The only one I would buy straight up given any chance is the new SS. That thing is nuts.

POD > the__man
09/25/2013 at 22:29

Rose between two thorns?? (couldn't resist)

Seeing the Stingrays next to your GTI really put into perspective how low the roof line is. That green is stunning, I mean really stunning. I'm a hot hatch fan myself, but the new vette is on my list of "cars I want to buy used in 5 years".

Excellent first post, I really enjoyed reading your comments on how you got into vehicle design.

the__man > 55Buick, Oversteer Scientist
09/25/2013 at 22:30

Perfect, you're ahead of the game. Plus if you do robotics team here in Michigan, GM is usually a sponsor and they give you access to the proving grounds. Which is like heaven on earth for gear heads.

No problem, keep the dream alive, which is a cliche, but you know what I'm getting at.

Kailand09 > the__man
09/25/2013 at 22:32

They offer good deals when you're first hired.... I'm more in love with the idea of working there... thanks! LOL

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > the__man
09/25/2013 at 22:33

Really? Honestly I wasn't that excited about the SS at first just becuase the styling was so safe.. I guess I need a ride in one...

One of my friend's parents has a brand new Camaro ZL1 Convertible that I get a ride in a lot. That thing is absolute madness.

Kinja'd!!!

Looks just like this. I never really liked Camaros until I rode in this thing. My favortie part would be downshifting with the top down.. it makes so much beautiful noise.

the__man > Kailand09
09/25/2013 at 22:35

great deals the whole time, but they add it when your first hire in. Its an awesome place to work, I won't lie. Plus a field trip to the proving grounds frequently is the icing on the cake. Wide open throttle symphonies from the new z/28 camaro all day then burgers in downtown milford.

No problem!

Kailand09 > the__man
09/25/2013 at 22:38

Kinja'd!!!

Now I REALLY want to work there. My only thoughts now is the bigger my desire the harder the fall. Oh well, get up and try again if that happens.

the__man > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
09/25/2013 at 22:39

Yeah, it seems a little tame at first, but when the bypass exhaust valves open and smoke pours in the windows from a stop sign, it's love at first feel.

ZL1 is a monster, but wait for the z/28, a whole new ball game. The direction that GM is heading is the best yet, in my opinion.

the__man > Kailand09
09/25/2013 at 22:40

Thats all the spirit you need, trust me. It'll happen if it's meant to be, if not try harder. lol

Kailand09 > the__man
09/25/2013 at 22:44

Try harder I will either way. I used to love climbing things when I was young, so why not continue climbing things in the form of the theoretical ladder of life?

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > the__man
09/25/2013 at 22:48

I agree.. it is showing that they aren't worried about selling a ton of cars at low costs. they are willing to take risks and sell low volume cars at high prices; I love it

GatorEight > the__man
09/26/2013 at 00:24

God that green looks amazing. GTI lookin good too! So tell us, did you have anything to do with any part of the c7? What other vehicle programs do you work on?

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > the__man
09/26/2013 at 05:16

That green on the vette on the right is absolutely stunning.

the__man > GatorEight
09/26/2013 at 08:01

not the C7, I can't really say much but the stuff I work on is 2017+, most recently the omega platform.