2017 Grand Sport Corvette
The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is a vehicle born from a rich racing heritage, seamlessly blending track-ready performance with iconic Corvette styling. Drawing inspiration from the original Grand Sport race cars of 1963, this model delivers an exhilarating driving experience, bridging the gap between the Stingray and the formidable Z06. It’s a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sports car engineering, offering enthusiasts a machine that’s as capable on the track as it is thrilling on the open road.
The Grand Sport Legacy: From Racing Roots to Modern Roads
The name “Grand Sport” carries significant weight in Corvette history. Back in 1963, Zora Arkus-Duntov, the first chief engineer of Corvette, spearheaded the creation of five Grand Sport race cars. These vehicles were designed to be dominant on the track, and their spirit lives on in the 2017 model. The new Grand Sport isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s engineered for balanced performance, emphasizing cornering prowess and driver engagement.
Performance Engineering: Track-Honed for the Street
The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport is meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional performance. Its foundation lies in a lightweight architecture, complemented by a track-tuned aerodynamic package. This includes features like a front splitter, rocker panels, and a rear spoiler (with available carbon fiber ground effects), all working in harmony to enhance downforce and stability at higher speeds. The wider fenders and rear quarter panels are not just for aggressive looks; they accommodate a wider track, contributing to the car’s planted feel and cornering grip.
Under the hood resides the potent LT1 6.2L V-8 engine, naturally aspirated and producing 460 horsepower. This powerplant, equipped with a dry-sump oiling system and active exhaust, ensures consistent performance even under demanding track conditions. Drivers can choose between a 7-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match for a purist driving experience or an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic for lightning-fast gear changes. With the available Z07 performance package and the automatic transmission, the Grand Sport can achieve a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds and conquer the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 118 mph.
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Cornering
Handling is where the Grand Sport truly shines. Standard magnetic ride control, along with specific stabilizer bars and springs, adapts in real-time to road conditions, providing a smooth ride without sacrificing cornering capability. The electronic limited-slip differential further enhances traction and control, allowing drivers to confidently push the car to its limits. Equipped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat tires as standard, the Grand Sport achieves an estimated 1.05g in cornering grip. Opting for the Z07 package elevates this even further, thanks to the track-focused Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, pushing cornering capability up to an incredible 1.2g.
Braking performance is equally impressive, thanks to the Brembo system adapted from the Corvette Z06. Large 14.6-inch front rotors with six-piston calipers and 14.4-inch rear rotors with four-piston calipers provide immense stopping power, achieving an estimated 60-0 mph stopping distance of under 100 feet. The Z07 package takes braking even further with larger carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors, offering fade-free performance for extended track sessions.
Design and Features: A Blend of Sport and Style
The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport is offered in 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trim levels, providing a range of features and customization options. Exterior design cues unique to the Grand Sport include specific front fender inserts and a Z06-style grille, setting it apart from other Corvette models. The Grand Sport-specific cup wheel design, measuring 19×10 inches at the front and 20×12 inches at the rear, is available in five different finishes, allowing owners to personalize their car’s appearance.
Inside, the Corvette Grand Sport boasts a driver-focused cockpit with genuine carbon fiber and aluminum trim, hand-wrapped leather materials, and dual eight-inch configurable color driver/infotainment screens. Chevrolet MyLink with an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen is standard, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for seamless smartphone integration. Available red safety belts add a touch of sporty flair to the interior.
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Interior Detail
For those seeking even more exclusivity, a special Collector Edition package was available later in the 2017 model year. This package featured a Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior color, accented by Tension Blue hash-mark graphics and an exclusive Tension Blue interior, further emphasizing the Grand Sport’s unique character. The Heritage package offers hash-mark fender graphics in six colors, extending the heritage-inspired design to the interior trim.
2017 Corvette Grand Sport Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | LT1 6.2L V-8 |
| Horsepower | 460 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm |
| 0-60 mph (w/ Z07) | 3.6 seconds (estimated) |
| Quarter Mile (w/ Z07) | 11.8 seconds @ 118 mph (estimated) |
| Cornering Capability | 1.05g (estimated), up to 1.2g with Z07 |
| Braking 60-0 mph (w/ Z07) | < 100 feet (estimated) |
| Transmission | 7-speed manual, 8-speed paddle-shift automatic |
Conclusion: The Sweet Spot in the Corvette Lineup
The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport occupies a unique position in the Corvette lineup. It provides a significant step up in performance and track capability from the Stingray, while remaining more approachable and versatile than the extreme Z06. It’s a car that delivers thrilling performance, head-turning looks, and a direct connection to Corvette’s legendary racing heritage. For enthusiasts seeking a Corvette that excels both on the road and the track, the 2017 Grand Sport represents an ideal balance and a truly compelling choice.
