There is no denying that Corvette’s seventh generation is a force to be reckoned with. We told you why the Z06 should be your next car, but bringing a machine gun to a knife fight might get old after awhile. Seeing the need for a sensible alternative between their top model and the Stingray, Chevrolet has unleashed the new Corvette Grand Sport at the Geneva Auto Show.
In a press release earlier this morning, we learned that the new GS will feature most of the Z06’s potent hardware except the supercharged LT4 engine. This translates into a potent track machine with a fitting name. Grand Sport pays homage to its predecessors with Tension Blue hash marks above the headlights and a satin black center stripe. Watkins Glen gray will be reserved for the Grand Sport Collector’s Edition, with an interior almost identical to the Z06.
Power comes from the 6.2-liter 460 hp LT1 found in the Stingray and Camaro SS. Paired with either the seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, this new model will be as close as you can get to the C7.R that dominated the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Team Corvette is not allowed to use the supercharged engine from the Z06, because it would simply outclass the competition.
Grand Sport will offer the best of both worlds. The increased cooling abilities of the Z06 along with the efficiency of almost 30 mpg. Don’t expect the track-ready Michelin rubber to last more than a few races, because the downforce of the Z07 aero package will keep them planted to the pavement. Being lighter and faster than the Stingray, Grand Sport is the best Vette yet. As soon as pricing and availability are released we will let you know. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more news from Geneva.
