General Motors Co. has been in talks with former product chief Robert Lutz about bringing him back as a paid consultant, The Detroit News has learned.

The details were unclear Tuesday, but the 79-year-old Lutz continues to have a close relationship with GM, and the two have been in discussions about formalizing an advisory role, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Lutz retired from GM last May after a storied, 47-year career in the auto industry, but he remains in contact with many of GM's senior executives and speaks frequently with CEO Daniel Akerson, reported The Detroit News.

Lutz, reached by phone Tuesday, said a formal offer hasn't been made.

"I have the utmost respect for the GM management," he said. "If they want me to come in as a consultant, I'd be very happy to consider it."

GM Vice Chairman Stephen Girsky, speaking to investors in New York City Tuesday, said they call on Lutz "every now and then," but downplayed the company's need for more "car guys."

GM officials declined to comment further on what they described as speculation about Lutz's return.

It wouldn't be the first time GM has brought back a senior executive as a consultant. Former GM CEO Fritz Henderson worked as a consultant to the company after leaving in 2009. He has since left GM.

Lutz, who recently finished a memoir of his career, is a legendary figure in the industry and largely credited for engineering a design renaissance at GM.

He has held senior positions at each of Detroit's Big Three automakers and overseen some of the industry's most daring designs in recent years, from the Dodge Viper to the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car.

In November, Lutz was recognized at the official production launch of the Volt at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant.

He also appeared at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, raising speculation he might make a comeback.

GM has undertaken a number of significant changes in its executive ranks in recent weeks.

Last month, GM shook up its top executive ranks, moving Tom Stephens, from product chief to head of global chief technology, a new position. The company appointed electrical engineer Mary Barra, 49, replaced Stephens. Barra, a 30-year GM veteran who had headed its global human resources, is overseeing the design and development of GM's global lineup.

She has a strong engineering and manufacturing background, but her resume is light on product design experience, some industry analysts say.