2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport debuts

The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is an iconic nameplate that was last seen in the early 90s. It makes its return, sporting its trademark double-hash fender stickers and a host of upgrades over the standard Corvette C6.

The new Grand Sport model combines the standard Corvette’s LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racetrack-tuned suspension. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 hp and 428 lb-ft.

The Grand Sport replaces the Corvette’s previous Z51 suspension package, while adding wider wheels and tyres, revised shocks, new stabilizer bars and springs, and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 mph acceleration over the stock non-Z06 models.

Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for racetrack competition, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.

The complete list of content and special features for the Grand Sport includes wider front and rear fenders, Grand Sport badges, Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler, functional brake ducts and extra cooling, unique 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, large 275/35 tires in front and 325/30 tires in the rear, Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch rear rotors with four-piston calipers, and special manual-transmission gear ratios or special rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped models.

It can be had in coupe form with a removable targa roof, or in convertible form.

Envisioned by legendary Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov as a factory-built, lightweight and race-ready production model that would trump domestic and foreign road-racing competitors, the original Corvette Grand Sport was a promising idea stymied by GM’s agreement to stay out of manufacturer-backed motorsports.

The planned 125 production models required for racing-class homologation were never built, but five prototypes based on the styling of the 1963 Corvette were hand-assembled under Duntov’s watchful eye. And while they looked like production models, the prototypes were purpose-built racecars that shared little with their assembly-line cousins. Duntov also oversaw the Grand Sport engine program that featured a special, 377-cubic-inch small-block V8 and used side-draft carburetors.

Although never officially sanctioned by General Motors, the five Grand Sport prototypes saw extensive racing experience throughout the 1960s in the hands of “private” racers who had strong contacts within Duntov’s engineering circle. All five original cars are accounted for today and are among the most valuable in the collector market.

Chevrolet offered a limited-edition Grand Sport production model in 1996, commemorating the original racing cars and marking the end of the C4 era in Corvette production. All of the 1,000 examples were painted Admiral Blue and featured a white center stripe and red “hash mark” graphics on the left front fender, a graphic scheme that mimicked the look of some of the original racecars.

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