2017 Corvette Grand Sport is a lightweight track weapon

Chevrolet has rolled out a new version of the Corvette Stingray called the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport. You can think of this car as the naturally aspirated version of the Corvette Z06. If you liked what the Z06 was about, but aren't a fan of supercharged cars for your track day weapon of choice, the Grand Sport is what you want. Chevy says that the 2016 Grand Sport has an estimated 1.05g in cornering capability with 1.2g if you choose the Z07 package.

Corvette engineers adapted the chassis turning, upgraded cooling systems, and performance tech of the Z06 for the Grand Sport and the result is a car ready to hit the track. The Grand Sport with the Z07 package was less than a second off the track record for the previous generation Corvette ZR1 on the GM Milford Proving Ground road course. The car gets a special Grand Sport wheel design at 19x10-inches front and 20x12-inches rear.

Brakes are standard Brembo 14-inch rotors with six-piston calipers front and 13.4-inch rotors and four-piston calipers rear. Buyers get standard magnetic ride control suspension, special stabilizer bars, and unique springs. Standard electronic limited slip differential is included. Power comes by way of a 460hp LT1 V8 engine with a dry-sump oil system and active exhaust.

Buyers can choose between a 7-speed manual or an 8-speed paddle shift auto transmission. Choosing the Z07 package adds carbon ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Cup tires. The car also has a track aero package with special front fenders and other tidbits from the Z06. The car in the images is a special Collector Edition with Tension Blue leather and suede interior and special Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior with Tension Blue hash marks. The Grand Sport launches this summer in the US and later this year in Europe.

SOURCE: Chevrolet