Chevrolet has revealed the 2017 C7 Corvette Grand Sport, a Goldilocks trim takes most of the chassis and performance equipment from the Z06, but keeps the 6.2L 460 hp LT1 V8 from the Stingray. This makes for a fast, capable car that is more suitable for both the average driver and hot or long track days.
The Grand Sport starts with the Z06's wider rear fenders, bodywork, and front grille. It also has the larger cooling system from the Z06. It has Magnetic Ride Control, dual mode exhaust, and electronically controlled rear differential from the Z51, and adds unique springs and sway bars. The Grand Sport's LT1 also shares the dry-sump oiling system with the Z51 Stingray. The GS is shod with special 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels wearing Z06 spec 285/30 and 335/25 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.
The Grand Sport comes with unique Brembo brakes measuring 14 inches in front and 13.4 rears, with six- and four-piston calipers respectively. An optional Z07 package adds carbon ceramic brakes, carbon-fibre aerodynamic add-ons, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that allow the Z07 Grand Sport to corner at up to 1.2g (the standard Grand Sport will corner at 1.05g). GM claims all of this means that the new Grand Sport is nearly as fast on their Milford Proving Ground track as the last ZR1, despite a nearly 200-hp deficit.
There will also be a Grand Sport Collector Edition later this year. It will be available in an exclusive grey metallic with Tension Blue hash-mark fender stripes. The Collector Edition will also feature a representation of an original 1963 Grand Sport embossed in the headrest and in a numbered dash plaque.
The Grand Sport comes in the full Corvette colour palette, with the signature hash-mark stripes available in six colours. It will be available in coupe and convertible forms beginning in summer 2016.
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