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, reported The Detroit News.

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

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

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."

Lutz's return 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 the executive post in 2009. He has since left GM for a leadership position at Philadelphia-based Sunoco.

Lutz, who recently finished a memoir recounting his career and tenure at GM, 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 held at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant.

He also appeared at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last month, 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 then appointed 49-year-old electrical engineer Mary Barra to the top product position, replacing 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.