The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Is Basically A Non-Supercharged Z06

When Chevrolet unveiled the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport today at the Geneva Motor Show, I had to give it to them, as the model finds the perfect blend between the fire-breathing 650HP Z06 and the base Stingray (which is no slouch itself at 460HP). It’s the perfect car for those who want a track-focused car like the Z06, but don’t want or need all that ungodly power.

Having recently driven the regular Corvette on the track, I can tell you that there is plenty of power on tap in stock form. But for those people who plan on tracking their car on the weekends, the Grand Sport is just what the doctor ordered, with the following upgrades:

• Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires: 285/30ZR19 (front) and 335/25ZR20 (rear)
• Specific Grand Sport wheel design: 19×10 inches (front) and 20×12 inches (rear)
• Brembo brake system with 14-inch rotors and six-piston calipers in front and 13.4 inch rotors and four-piston calipers in the rear
• Standard magnetic ride control, specific stabilizer bars and unique springs
• Standard electronic limited-slip differential
• LT1 V8 engine rated at 460HP, with dry-sump oiling system and active exhaust
• Seven-speed manual transmission with active rev match and available eight-speed paddle-shift automatic with specific performance calibration
• Available Z07 package adds carbon ceramic-matrix brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Cup tires

The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport can pull an estimated 1.05g in cornering capability (and up to 1.2g with the available Z07 package). GM says the new Grand Sport is nearly as quick around its Milford Proving Ground track as the previous-generation ZR1.

Pricing hasn’t been announced just yet, but you can expect it to come in somewhere between the Stingray Z51 and Z06. Grand Sports are expected to hit showrooms this summer.

Photo credit: General Motors