Way back in October of 2020, GM Authority reported that General Motors wasn’t planning on offering a Grand Sport model for the eighth-generation C8 Corvette lineup, instead offering the hybrid, all-wheel-drive Corvette E-Ray in its place. So far, that report has remained true, with nothing official coming from GM to indicate the forthcoming arrival of a new C8 Corvette Grand Sport. Now, however, a new photo has been surfaced on social media that could throw that all through a loop.
While the details surrounding this photo are a bit hazy, the model shown definitely raises a few questions. Pictured is a C8 Corvette prototype of some sort covered in the black-and-white camouflage wrap characteristic of a GM prototype model. The rear end shows a quartet of squared exhaust tips mounted in the sides of the vehicle, while the stance shows a widebody treatment similar to that of C8 Z06 or E-Ray. What’s more, this thing is completely devoid of any wings or spoilers, instead presenting a clean rear deck lid.
As for other clues, the Volkswagen Atlas seen ahead of this Corvette prototype appears to be the refreshed model, which launched for the 2024 model year, indicating that the picture itself is likely less than a year old.
For those readers who may be unaware, the Corvette Grand Sport name hails from the ‘60s, specifically GM’s effort to create a lightweight C2 Vette for racing. The name was also used with the previous C7-generation Corvette and applied to a model variant that bridged the gap between the standard Corvette Stingray and the C7 Corvette Z06.
Although GM Authority previously reported that a C8 Corvette Grand Sport model wasn’t in the cards, it’s certainly possible that GM changed its mind in the last four years, and now plans to offer a new non-hybrid, widebody model to bridge the gap between the C8 Stingray and C8 E-Ray / C8 Z06.
As it turns out, the majority of GM Authority readers would welcome such a model, as indicated in a recent community poll. In fact, GM still holds a valid Corvette Grand Sport trademark.
So, what do you think? Is this widebody prototype an upcoming C8 Grand Sport?
Comments
It needs a manual transmission.
Who wants a slower Corvette?
It’s not about faster or slower – it’s about being fun to drive. The majority of Corvette owners aren’t out chasing tenths on a track. Caddy put the world’s greatest 6 speed in the CT5-V Blackwing, I spent 120K+ on one and it’s the best money I ever spent. I LOVE that car. We also have a C8 that no one really drives much because it’s an automatic and painfully dull to be in. The C8 is my first automatic Corvette and it’s almost my last automatic Corvette. The C8 is boring to be in. (BTW a DCT is an automatic so don’t give me that ‘guitar hero is a real guitar’ argument.) THAT’S why the C8 needs a manual transmission.
Good to hear. How is the reliability? I hope yours is holding up well…
I read some issues about engines blowing up….
I think a GS would boost Corvette sales. It would sell better with a power bump over the Z51, but I doubt GM will do that since they haven’t in the last few generations. Add tech like Super Cruise or at least adaptive cruise control, and they’ll have a winner for me!
Are Gen 6 V8’s coming next year? I feel like we are still years away from a C9, so if the Gen 6 can make more power it seems like a good match.
Seriously enough already with Corvette variants and maybe spend some money on other products that need additional powertrain options. Do we really need Stingray, Z06, E-Ray, ZR-1, Zora and GS models of the Corvette on a relatively low volume product. All these Corvette variants but i cant get a more powerful or hybrid engine option on the high volume Equinox. if you just want Chevrolet to be trucks and Corvette than just do it already and quit half assing the other offerings.
Prob using a 2.7L hybrid set up.
Since I was impatient and just took delivery of a C8 Z51 HTC, you can darn well bet that the odds of GM unveiling a C8 Grand Sport have now significantly increased! 😉
..LOL…same here! But I still love that car..almost as much as the 2019 C7 GS I traded in!
Would really like a C8 Grand Sport! I track my C8 Z51 and having the suspension of a Z06 in a new C8 Grand Sport would definitely be more fun and handle better on a track. There would be several orders for a C8 Grand Sport, please make one for 2026!
Product dilution. There are already five (counting Zora).
How many ugly car variations do we need
To those who might not think a Grand Sport variant of the C8 would be an interesting idea, just try to buy or even find an older Grand Sport Corvette, coupe or convertible…cheap! Not sure about where you might live but here in Southern California the few that I saw for sale were quite expensive (in amazing condition with somewhat low mileage), I believe these future C7 Corvettes models will remain very desirable so why not produce a C8 Grand Sport?
Too many C8 models to choose from, you say? I dunno, they say variety is the spice of life, and I like spicy, couldn’t hurt to produce one more attractivly designed C8 model in 2025.
Combining the best of multiple worlds just might be an interesting new Corvette project.
How bout a Grand Sport with a LT 5 ? I have a 2021 C8 & like it like Jim above does. I also have a 2022 CT5 V Blacking but mine has a 10 Speed & carbon ceramics & love that car .
Want a GS bad was getting ready for a E Ray but would like a GS still have my 2019 GS !
The only thing I don’t like, but it’s a bug one for me, is the extra road noise from the wider rubber. I’ll stick with my stingray.!😃
I own a 2013 C6 coupe 60th anniversary edition. It is a wonderful car. I was holding out for a 2023 70th anniversary. But alas no GS model. I would buy the new GS! 🇺🇸