The allure of the racetrack often separates the truly capable sports cars from those merely posing as such. Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP), with its challenging Hermann Tilke-designed circuit nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, serves as an excellent proving ground. It’s a track that demands respect, rewarding precision and punishing overconfidence. This isn’t a playground for straight-line speed alone; AMP tests a car’s mettle through 16 corners spread across 1.83 miles, a true examination of handling, braking, and driver engagement. And there’s hardly a better machine to dissect this demanding asphalt than the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport.
Unleashing the Grand Sport at Atlanta Motorsports Park
My first encounter with the Grand Sport at AMP was an immediate immersion into its track-focused DNA. While the standard Corvette is undoubtedly a performer, the Grand Sport elevates the experience, borrowing heavily from the Z06’s engineering prowess but carving its own niche. The initial impression wasn’t just about raw power – although the Grand Sport has plenty – it was the finely tuned balance and responsiveness that became apparent as I navigated the circuit.
The heart of the Grand Sport is its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine, delivering a potent 460 horsepower. This is married to a choice of transmissions, but for the true enthusiast, and especially for track work, the seven-speed manual transmission is the clear choice. This isn’t just any manual; it’s a gearbox engineered for precision and driver involvement.
The Magnificent Seven-Speed Manual Transmission
The seven-speed manual in the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport is a standout feature. It’s more than just a gear selector; it’s an interface that connects the driver directly to the car’s mechanical soul. The throws are short and positive, allowing for rapid gear changes, essential for maintaining momentum on a technical track like AMP. The clutch is well-weighted, providing excellent feedback without being overly heavy, crucial for smooth transitions during spirited driving.
The gearbox itself is 99 percent wonderful. It slots into nearly every gear effortlessly and you can bang shifts around like you’re Miles Teller trying to find the right tempo to keep JK Simmons from taking your head off.
The inclusion of rev-matching technology is another boon, especially for those who prioritize smoothness and speed. While purists might prefer heel-toe downshifts, the Grand Sport’s system is impeccably executed, blipping the throttle perfectly for seamless downshifts. For those who prefer full control, the system can be easily deactivated, offering the best of both worlds.
However, the manual transmission wasn’t entirely without quirks. During aggressive upshifts from second to third gear, there were instances of inadvertently selecting fifth gear instead. This wasn’t a consistent issue, but it highlighted the need for deliberate and precise inputs, especially when pushing the car hard on track. Whether this was due to overly enthusiastic shifting or a characteristic of the gearbox under extreme conditions, it served as a reminder that mastering the Grand Sport, even with its exceptional engineering, requires driver finesse.
Brakes and Handling: Precision and Confidence
Beyond the powertrain, the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport truly shines in its braking and handling capabilities. The standard Brembo brakes are substantial, featuring 14.6-inch front rotors and 14.4-inch rear rotors, clamped by six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. These brakes proved more than capable of withstanding the demands of a full day of track driving, exhibiting no signs of fade even under repeated hard braking.
For those seeking the ultimate in stopping power, the Z07 Package elevates the braking system to another level with massive 15.5-inch carbon-ceramic rotors. While the standard brakes are impressive, the carbon ceramics offer a virtually limitless threshold, shrugging off heat and providing consistently phenomenal stopping performance. The Grand Sport’s braking prowess is undeniable; it can decelerate from 60-0 mph in under 100 feet, a testament to its race-bred engineering.
Handling is where the Grand Sport truly distinguishes itself. It benefits from the Z06’s chassis tuning and further enhancements specific to this model. Magnetic Ride Control comes standard, constantly adjusting the dampers to optimize ride and handling. Unique stabilizer bars and springs are also part of the Grand Sport’s chassis package, contributing to its exceptional cornering abilities.
The wheel and tire setup is equally performance-focused. 19×10 inch front wheels and 20×12 inch rear wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires as standard. Opting for the Z07 package upgrades these to the ultra-sticky Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, transforming grip levels dramatically. With these tires, the Grand Sport generates immense lateral grip, reaching up to 1.2g in corners, allowing drivers to explore the limits of adhesion with confidence.
Track Confidence and Driving Modes
The 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport inspires immense confidence on track. The steering, despite being electronically assisted, provides excellent feedback, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road surface. Turn-in is crisp and precise, and the car responds faithfully to driver inputs. While some understeer can be induced if corner entry isn’t perfect, it’s easily managed with throttle adjustments.
Chevrolet’s suite of driving modes further enhances the track experience. These modes allow drivers to progressively dial back the electronic aids, from full stability control to more permissive track settings. Even with traction control engaged, the Grand Sport allows for a degree of oversteer, rewarding skilled driving while still providing a safety net. This balance makes the Grand Sport accessible to a range of driver skill levels, from novices to experienced track enthusiasts.
Conclusion: The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport – A True Track Star
The 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport is more than just a trim level; it’s a meticulously engineered machine designed for the rigors of track driving. It takes the already impressive Corvette and sharpens its focus, delivering a car that excels in cornering, braking, and driver engagement. While the standard Corvette Z51 is capable, the Grand Sport offers a significant step up in track performance, bridging the gap to the extreme Z06.
For those seeking a Corvette that can confidently tackle track days while still being enjoyable on the road, the 2017 Grand Sport is an exceptional choice. Its blend of naturally aspirated power, a phenomenal manual transmission, track-tuned chassis, and advanced braking and handling technologies makes it a true American sports car legend, perfectly at home carving corners at Atlanta Motorsports Park or any challenging circuit. If you are looking for a vehicle that delivers both thrilling performance and diagnostic insights, the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport stands as a testament to American automotive engineering prowess.
