Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Returns!

A storied name is returning to the Corvette lineup for 2010 - the Grand Sport. Unlike the last Grand Sport, which was a send-off for the last of the line C4 generation Corvettes, the new Grand Sport will be a regular production option package for the C6 generation base-model Corvettes.  It's intended to sit between the base Corvette and the hardcore 7.0L Z06 model, making the 'Vette lineup more confusing than ever.

The old Grand Sport was only available in blue with white and orange stripes, with a production run limited to only 1,000 units.  It had the hot-shot high-compression LT4 small-block V8, ZR-1 rolling stock, and numerous mechanical upgrades.  It looked like this, and went like stink.

The new one follows a similar pattern.  While the Grand Sport retains the standard C6 powertrain, that's no bad thing.  Power comes from the highly regarded 6.2L "LS3" 16v V8, which features all-aluminum construction for light weight.  Getting by with only 2 valves per cylinder and a single underhead pushrod cam, it still makes a thundering 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque.  Also available is a 2-mode exhaust system which bumps output to 436bhp and 428 lb-ft of torque.

The Grand Sport is available with either the standard Tremec T56 6-speed manual, or a GM 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

As the Grand Sport package will be replacing RPO Z51, the focus is mostly on improvements to the 'Vette's handling abilities.  To that extent, the GS has widened front and rear fenders to accomodate wider 18" and 19" wheels (front and rear) shod with rather massive tires - 275/35/ZR18 front and 325/30/ZR19 rear!  That's gotta be some pricey rubber, but the grip will be suitably massive.  The spring rates, damping rates, and anti-roll bars have also been tweaked for better control.

The GS also gets a Z06 style front splitter and a rear spoiler for increased downforce at speed.  Some dramatic looking negative-pressure brake vents now reside on the front fenders to extract heat for reduced brake fade.  Speaking of brakes: The GS gets brakes very similar to the Z06, with a 14" 6-piston setup in front and 13.4" 4-pistons in rear for anchor-drop stops.

Although the GS is available with both manual and automatic transmissions, I'd go for the manual.  It includes a dry-sump lubrication system for reduced weight and a lower center of gravity, an auxiliary differential cooler and a rear mounted battery for better weight distribution.  All GS Corvettes receive shorter final-drive ratios which Chevrolet claims reduces the 0-60 time by 0.2 seconds - which would drop it under the 4 second barrier.

The GS package is available across the entire base Corvette range - 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT on both Coupes and Convertibles.  If you want those cool hash marks on the fender, you need to order the "Heritage" package - come on, Chevy, that should be standard.

The Corvette Grand Sport will be formally introduced at the Corvette Birthday Bash at the 'Vette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  Stay tuned for pricing information.