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The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport combines the Corvette's LS3-based
powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racing-bred suspension
for a distinctive model that delivers a great balance of road and race
track performance. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body
styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic
transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)
and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm) with the standard exhaust system. An
optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436
horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).
The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51
package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider
wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring
specifications; and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering
capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60
acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models.
Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual
transmission are uniquely outfitted for race track competition, too,
with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted
battery.
The complete list of content and special features for the Chevrolet
Corvette Grand Sport includes:
Wider front and rear fenders - including specific front fenders with
integrated Grand Sport badges
Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler
Functional brake ducts and extra cooling
Unique 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels; painted finish standard
and chrome finish optional
Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear
Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors with six-piston
calipers and 13.4-inch (340 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers
Specific manual transmission gear ratios
Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped models
With its special equipment, the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport offers a
unique blend of performance and amenities. Its suspension package
approaches that of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, but includes a removable
roof on coupes (Z06 has a fixed roof) and, of course, the availability
of a convertible body style. Also, the paddle-shift six-speed automatic
transmission is offered, while a manual transmission is the only choice
with the Z06.
All of Corvette's exterior colors are offered on the Chevrolet Corvette
Grand Sport, and an available Heritage package adds iconic front fender
hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand
Sport embroidery. The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport can be ordered with
1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim packages, too.
Grand Sport history
Envisioned by legendary Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov as a
factory-built, lightweight and race-ready production model that would
trump domestic and foreign road-racing competitors, the original
Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport was a promising idea that led to the
production of five special prototypes in 1963. The project was later
shelved, following GM's agreement to stay out of manufacturer-backed
motorsports.
The five prototypes were based on the styling of the 1963 Corvette and
were hand-assembled under Duntov's watchful eye. But while they looked
like production models, the prototypes were purpose-built race cars that
shared little with their assembly-line cousins. Duntov also oversaw the
Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport engine program that featured a special,
377-cubic-inch small-block V-8 with side-draft carburetors.
Although never officially sanctioned by General Motors, the five Grand
Sport prototypes saw extensive racing experience throughout the 1960s in
the hands of "private" racers who had strong contacts within Duntov's
engineering circle. All five original cars are accounted for today and
are among the most valuable in the collector market.
Chevrolet offered a limited-edition production model in 1996,
commemorating the original racing cars and marking the end of the C4 era
in Corvette production. All of the 1,000 examples were painted Admiral
Blue and featured a white center stripe and red "hash mark" graphics on
the left front fender, a graphic scheme that mimicked the look of some
of the original race cars.
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