Splitting the difference between the standard Vette and the Z06.

BY DAVE VANDERWERP

August 2009

Two seconds—that’s the most important figure to know when you’re considering the credentials of the new, 2010 Corvette Grand Sport. Those two ticks represent how much quicker the latest track-fortified Vette is around the hairy 2.9-mile road course at GM’s Milford proving grounds than was last year’s model with the Z51 handling package. That’s a huge gain, one that bites off more than half the Z06’s time advantage over the base Vette, and should convince skeptics that this is more than just a scheme to charge an additional four grand for the Corvette’s latest track pack.

More of a Good Thing

Replacing the previous (and highly recommended) Z51 package—it added larger wheels and tires, a stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and shorter gearing to the base Corvette coupe or convertible—the Grand Sport shares a name with limited-edition models from 1963 and 1996 but is a new model line and not a low-volume special. In fact, Chevy is predicting that nearly 50 percent of Corvette sales going forward will be Grand Sports, citing claims that its customers were clamoring for more Z06-ness but without that 505-hp beast’s coupe-only and manual-transmission-only limitations. That’s why, as with the Z51 package, the Grand Sport, which starts at $55,720, or $5840 more than a base Corvette, is offered as a convertible or targa-topped coupe and with a manual or automatic. An available Heritage package brings the iconic Grand Sport front-fender hashes as well as two-tone seats.

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