What would happen if a tape-and-name special edition turned out to be something genuinely interesting and not just another shameless grab at the wallets of the Corvette faithful? Would we not make fun of it?
The answer is, "Yes, we would not make fun of it." Thankfully, such is the case with the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport. While the production Grand Sport isn't exactly the wicked racer that in the way the original '60s. But neither is it just a couple of piece of tape on the fender.
Make the jump for full details.
The 2010 Grand Sport model, in fact, replaces the Z51 model that was the choice of performance nuts without the scratch for a Z06.
Like last year's Z51, the Grand Sport is powered by a standard LS3 V8 making either 430 or 436 hp depending on the exhaust system one chooses. It has the same gearing as the Z51, which is shorter than of the standard car's six-speed manual. And the Grand Sport brings Z06 size wheels and brakes to the party. That means 14-inch front brake rotors with 13.4-inch in the rear. The 18-inch front wheels grow by an inch in width (to 9.5 inches) and the 19-inch rear wheels grow by two inches in width (to 12 inches). They carry 275/35-18 front and 325/30-19 rear tires.
To accomodate those meats, the Grand Sport has flared fenders, which give is a bit more of the old-school Coke-bottle shape. The rear fenders incorporate functional Z06-style brake-cooling ducts while the unique front fenders carry Grand Sport badges and genuinely good-looking vents.The nose carries a Z06-style front splitter and the tail has a rear spoiler.
The Grand Sport package will be available on coupes or convertibles and with either the six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic (with a different axle ratio than that of the standard car). And you don't even have to get the front fender hash marks if you don't like. They are part of a Heritage package that also brings two-tone seats with "Grand Sport" embroidery.
Not bad. Not bad at all.
carlisimo says:
11:33 AM, 04/24/09
Everyone knows that a modern car isn't complete with fender gills! It's about time.
chavis10 says:
01:31 PM, 04/24/09
Sweet and that's some serious sized rubber for a "regular" Vette.
ctpax says:
04:06 PM, 04/24/09
remember that the Z06 is scary at the limit compared to the current Z51 and ZR1. Will those Z06 components really do the C6 a favor?
stovt001 says:
11:58 AM, 04/25/09
Impressive indeed. I was worried this would be just some lame cosmetic job. Now that is how you make a special edition. More performance goodies and tasteful appearance mods? Perfect.