Why The Corvette Grand Sport Exists
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Some have labeled the C7 Corvette Grand Sport as nothing more than a “fake” Z06. On the surface, this assertion isn’t entirely misguided. After all, the C7 Corvette Grand Sport is equipped with the same GM 6.2L V8 LT1 engine as the base-model Stingray, producing the same output of 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. However, the Grand Sport also comes with Z06-style body and aerodynamic components, including wider hips and tons of extra vents. With Z06 looks, minus the 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque created by the Z06’s supercharged LT4 engine, one can see where the “fake” Z06 accusations are coming from. Which leads us to one question – why does the Corvette Grand Sport exist?
To answer that, we’ve gotta start by taking a trip down memory lane.
1963 Corvette Grand Sport Replica on track
Back in 1962, Chevrolet launched the Grand Sport program, which sought to create a lightweight C2 Corvette that could take the fight to the Shelby Cobra in GT-class racing.
Zora Arkus-Duntov was the driving force behind the creation of the Grand Sport program. Lightness was key to the formula; in fact, a light car was so important, that the program was originally known as “The Lightweight” inside of GM. The namesake was justified too, as early prototypes managed to shave a full 1,000 pounds from production Stingray models thanks to lightweight components like aluminum, magnesium, and ultra-thin fiberglass.
2017 Chevrolet Corvette GrandSport (left) and 1963 Corvette Grand Sport (right)
The resulting vehicle boasted very impressive specs, while being complemented by a bevy of aero components, large intakes, and vents across its reshaped body. Providing the motivation was a 6.2L V8 engine producing upwards of 485 horsepower. The plan was to create 125 examples for homologation purposes.
But as soon as GM execs caught wind of the project, it was quickly canceled. Luckily, before it met the axe, five units of the C2 Corvette Grand Sport were produced. Today, these vehicles are considered to be some of the most valuable Corvettes in existence.
Fast forward to modern times, and the spirit of the original Corvette Grand Sport runs through the present-day car. It’s track-ready, it looks the part, and – more importantly – it’s light.
First and foremost, the upgraded aero and body components certainly help it look the part, especially when equipped with the optional stripes and fender markings that provide a direct throwback to those early 1960s racers. For apex-hunting duties, the Corvette Grand Sport comes with Z06-style suspension tuning, although the tune for the anti-roll bars, Magnetic Ride Control suspension and springs are unique to the Corvette Grand Sport. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension is also standard equipment, as is an electronic limited-slip differential.
The Corvette Grand Sport sits on larger 19-inch wheels up front and 20-inch wheels in the rear, all of which are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. It also features upgraded, Z06-style cooling for track use.
Perhaps more importantly, the Corvette Grand Sport is lighter than the Z06, tipping the scales at 3,252 pounds. Compared to the 3,350-pound Z06, that’s almost a 100-pound difference.
At the end of the day, the Corvette Grand Sport is most certainly not a “fake” Z06 by any means. Instead, the vehicle is its own type of (very unique) animal that bridges the gap between the Stingray and the Z06 as a lean, mean track-ready performer that is perfectly capable to deliver on the fun factor in a big way, even without the Z06’s 650 ponies under the hood.
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More importantly the price is cheaper but you still get the Z06 looks.
Those who are not doing track time would rather spend less for the still great Grand sport.
A Corvette for more than just those who can spend the extra money.
I’d rather track the GS than the Z06.
One needs to be an extremely good, almost pro-level driver to track the Z06 well. By comparison, the GS tracks like a champ.
Agree 100%. I was lucky enough to get some track time with both at a company event. GS just stuck to the track & gave me my best lap of the two, whereas the Z06 could get a little loose if you accelerated hard out of a turn. GS was great fun for a novice like me.
Sadly, only those with track experience will understand your comment….and unfortunately we are the overwhelming minority of owners.
I have an 18’ Z06 and I upgraded from a 16’ Z51. There are a few more differences between the cars than just the engines; but that’s not for this forum. I have never driven a grand sport but it is a beautiful car and is a great middle ground vehicle for the corvette brand. I have never heard of a Grandsport referred to as a fake Z06. No matter what model you have to the non-corvette owners we all have “vettes”.
What is missed to add a little pep to GS is at least one boost or add another 50 or 60 hp to differentiate from Stingray
For what purpose? I have a C7 GS. It needs no more power. The car is feather-light and is already significantly differentiated from the Stingray.
I’m with you on this Alex. The GS is pound for pound the best Corvette out there. The Z06 and ZR1 just become vanity at a certain point in day to day applications. The GS offers superior usability in most aspects of the driving experience.
The GS is the best Corvette value. I have a 2011 GS convertible. GM sold more GS Vettes because it was such a great value.
On a side note I just cannot wait for the C8 HAHA
In the C6 world ( i know, old news. Just new to us younger guys who dont have as much $$$ for a C7 ), The GS is a little hard to find, but if found for a good price, you wont have to deal with the crazy expensive LS7. God forbid an exhaust valve drops. Too much money for a vehicle with an Odd-LS engine.
Glad to see the new LT’s to not have .. well 15 LTs that have some cross pollination which adds to complication & expense.
Now, what is the Net expense in throwing a 2014 LT into my C6, then selling my LS3 engine. LoL, would love to do a swap.
decaf for coffee drinkers.
Says the guy who never drove any of the cars being discussed.
From what I understand, the GS is a Z06 without LT4 engine issues.
Remember when Motortrend’s Z06 failed during their car of the year testing? That was awkward.
I purchased in 2017 a grand sport had Edelbrock supercharger installed and tuned ….no overheating problems $15000 extra in my pocket for a car that is equal to or faster then a ZO6. T he only difference…side badges.
Lots more fun to drive a slower car faster.
I own a 2018 Admiral Blue, GS. A beautiful car, although my 2011 C6 is nice, its not in the same class as my C7. However; Chevy got it tight with both the C6 and C7. Both are true American Sports Car. All vettes turn heads; it doesn’t matter the year. Who didn’t dream of owning a Corvette when he was a boy. Everyday, I’m living the dream.
The C2 Z06 was the easier to track, less capable of the two. Talk about heritage. The Z06 had around 330 minimum and 430 max HP. The GS was 485 min and 500 max. What a shame. The Z06 was like today’s Z51, but a little more extreme. Almost like the modern grand sport. What a downright shame.
Hope the C8 gets it somewhat right. Just a little more power, please? 8 to one exausts give more power and sound good. If the Z06 and ZR1 and Zora will be FPC DOHC, give us a nice, american, CPC pushrod N/A GS with a manual!
I own a ’17 Watkins Glen Edition Grand Sport Convertable #783 . This is one beautiful looking and handling Corvette that I have added an Edlerbrock Supercharger bringing HP & Torque to 625. I have a Corvette Grand Sport Group on Facebook Please Join Us ! These Grand Sport additions by GM bridges the Gap between Stingray and Z06 beautifully, it’s equipped and is a Great performance Handling Sports Car
I have a C6 (2011) GS and put in an Edelbrock E-Force Super Charger. Bringing the HP to 554 (so they say). My GS has been reliable and a blast to drive.