Launched in mid-2016 for the 2017 model year, the Grand Sport returned to the growing Corvette model lineup after a 20-year hiatus with performance more than worthy of the radical, track-only Grand Sports campaigned under Zora Arkus-Duntov in the early 1960s.
Underneath its bold exterior, the 2017 Grand Sport is far more than a design homage to the original cars, representing the roadgoing expression of the lessons learned from the victorious Corvette Racing program—a seamless blend of the Z06 and Z51 performance packages with the incredible response of the latest naturally-aspirated LT1 6.2L/460 HP V8 engine.
To enhance the Grand Sport’s capabilities, Corvette engineers utilized the chassis tuning, upgraded cooling systems, and the performance technologies previously developed for use in the Z06. The result is a Grand Sport Corvette that is truly derived from its race-car brethren.
When equipped with the Z07 performance package, the 2017 C7 Grand Sport rivals the performance of the previous generation’s ZR1 Corvette. In fact, the Z07 equipped Grand Sport ran just a second slower than the ZR1 at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds. It should be noted that the Corvette ZR1 currently holds the track record for fastest lap time.
In addition, the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport also features an estimated 1.05g in cornering capability, and even greater cornering capability -1.2g – when equipped with the Z07 package.
Photo Source: Bring A Trailer
