David C. Hill, Corvette Chief Engineer

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Dave Hill




Profile photo of Dave Hill.Birth/Education

  • Born:  January 15, 1943.
  • In 1965, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.
  • Earned a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan in 1970.

Technical Highlights

  • His career started with Cadillac in 1965 where he began working in the engine lab on power development and eventually moved into the field of emissions controls.
  • Senior Project Engineer in the Cadillac engine lab from 1965 to 1973.
  • Staff Project Engineer for Cadillac engine design and release in 1973.
  • Became General Supervisor of the Cadillac body and chassis lab in 1976.
  • Staff Engineer for Cadillac development from 1978 to 1981.
  • Cadillac Staff Engineer for emissions and transmissions in 1982 and later promoted to Vehicle Chief Engineer for the Cadillac Allante project the same year.
  • In 1988, he became Chief Engineer for the Cadillac DeVille and Concours models.
  • May 1992, he became Engineering Program Manager for the Cadillac.
  • Officially became the third Corvette Chief Engineer, on November 18, 1992.

Dave Hill after the Corvette wins 1998 Car of the Year award.Other

Quotes

  • "I'm going to try to learn as much as I can about the Corvette customer and the Corvette's heritage because that will make me a better decision maker as the Corvette's chief engineer. I won't be the Chevrolet public relations department. And I'm going to have a lot of work to do here, so I may not be seen out on the circuit as much as Dave McLellan was or as much as Zora is. But I am really interested in understading the Corvette mystique and the Corvette heritage. As I said, there is plenty of work to do and this is where I belong -- here in this engineering builiding working on current and future Corvettes." Corvette Fever, May 1993, Pg. 17

GM Press Release - Appointment to Corvette Chief Engineer

DAVID C. HILL APPOINTMENT - CORVETTE CHIEF ENGINEER

WARREN, Mich. -- The appointment of David C. Hill as Chief engineer for the Chevrolet Motor Division's Corvette sports car was announced today by Joseph D. Spielman, vice president and general manager of General Motors Midsize Car Division and Chevy General Manager Jim Perkins.

Hill succeeds David R. McLellan, who has been the chief engineer for Corvette since 1975. McLellan retired from General Motors on September 1, 1992. Zora Arkus-Duntov, the first Corvette chief engineer, retired in 1975.

Hill's appointment occurs during a banner year for America's number-one sports car. Last July 2, the one-millionth Corvette was produced, and in the 1993 model year Corvette celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

"Corvette means so much to Chevrolet Motor Division and our customers," said Perkins. "We're glad to have Dave Hill aboard to maintain Corvette as America's premier sports car."

Hill began his GM career as a college graduate in training with Cadillac Motor Car Division in 1965. From 1965 to 1982, he served in a variety of engineering positions with Cadillac.

Hill became the chief engineer for the Cadillac Allante in 1982, where he was responsible for all aspects of engineering for Cadillac's flagship vehicle. In 1988, his responsibilities were expanded as he was named chief engineer of Cadillac's new luxury car to be introduced in 1994, while maintaining responsibility for the Allante.

In 1992, Hill was appointed engineering program manager for Cadillac Motor Car Division, a position he held until his current appointment to the Corvette platform.

"Dave brings a tremendous vehicle engineering background with him to the Corvette team," Spielman said. "But just as important, he brings a personal interest and enthusiasm in sports cars that will enhance the heritage of America's number-one sports car."

Hill spent four years (1968-1972) in competitive amateur sports car racing through the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). He raced the Lotus Super 7 and won two national races in his final season of competition. Hill also performed a complete ground-up restoration of a 1948 MG TC, which he still owns.

A native or Rochester, N.Y., Hill, 49, received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1965 and a masters in engineering from the University of Michigan in 1969. He currently resides in Grosse Point with his wife and two sons.