NEW 2017 CHEVROLET CORVETTE GRAND SPORT ARRIVES THIS SUMMER

NEW 2017 CHEVROLET CORVETTE GRAND SPORT ARRIVES THIS SUMMER

Track-focused model offers 1.2g cornering, 3.6-sec. 0-60 time with Z07 package

Chevrolet announced today the track-bred 2017 Corvette Grand Sport will be priced at $66,445 for coupe models and $70,445 for convertibles, when they go on sale this summer. The prices include the destination charge, but not tax, title and other dealer fees.

2017-Chevrolet-Corvette-GrandSport-001(1)With heritage-inspired design cues combined with track-focused chassis and suspension elements, the new Grand Sport builds on a legacy established in 1963, when five Grand Sport race cars were built under the direction of the Corvette’s first chief engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov.

“The racing DNA of the original Grand Sport race cars is in the 2017 model, adding greater dimensions of capability and driver involvement to the Corvette’s award-winning architecture, for a purer driving experience,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette product marketing manager. “It is a worthy successor to the spirit of the originals.”

2017-Chevrolet-Corvette-GrandSport-002(1)The 2017 Grand Sport’s lightweight architecture, downforce-producing aerodynamics package, enhanced cooling package, electronic limited-slip differential and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires combine to offer a Chevrolet-estimated 1.05g in cornering capability – and up to 1.2g with the available Z07 package, which includes Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

The new Grand Sport also offers estimated 0-60-mph performance of 3.6 seconds and quarter-mile capability of 11.8 seconds at 118 mph, with the available Z07 performance package and available paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. A seven-speed manual with Active Rev Match is standard.

Further, engineers adapted the Brembo braking system from the Corvette Z06 to give it estimated 60-0-mph performance of less than 100 feet with the available Z07 package, which adds carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors, along the PS Cup 2 tires.

In addition to the track-focused chassis and suspension components, the Grand Sport features unique exterior elements, including specific front fender inserts and Z06-style grille, as well as wider fenders and rear quarter panels to accommodate a wider track.

Grand Sport models are offered with the Stingray’s full exterior and interior color palette, including 10 exterior colors:

  • Admiral Blue Metallic (late 2016 addition)
  • Watkins Glen Gray Metallic (new for 2017)
  • Black Rose Metallic (new for 2017)
  • Sterling Blue Metallic (new for 2017)
  • Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat
  • Arctic White
  • Blade Silver Metallic
  • Black
  • Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat
  • Torch Red.

An available Heritage package includes hash-mark fender graphics in six colors, with the hash mark detail carried onto the interior’s brushed aluminum trim. Full-length stripes are also offered in five colors. They are joined by the available Z07 package, five wheel choices and available carbon fiber ground effects to offer a wide and diverse range of customizable choices.

2017-Chevrolet-Corvette-GrandSport-006“The choices are almost endless,” said Charles. “The Corvette Grand Sport’s custom ordering options take personalization to an unprecedented level, enabling customers to create their own Corvette Grand Sport statement.”

A Grand Sport Collector Edition will be offered later in the model year, featuring Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior with Tension Blue hash-mark graphics, satin black full-length stripes, black wheels and a unique Tension Blue full leather and suede-wrapped interior. A three-dimensional representation of an original Grand Sport race car is embossed in the headrests and that shape is also used on an instrument panel plaque that carries a unique build sequence number.

FAST FACT: The original 1963 Grand Sport race cars were built just before a corporate edict suspending direct motorsports involvement was announced. They didn’t compete officially, but Zora Arkus-Duntov got them to racers who campaigned the cars privately.

Tagged with: , , , , ,
MENU