The Return of a Legendary Name
The Corvette lineup will soon be joined by an iconic modification famous for its perfect balance of characteristics. The Grand Sport is expected to return for the 2027 model year, and a recent sighting of a prototype in California suggests Chevrolet is preparing something special. A completely unpainted prototype appears to have been spotted during a sunset photoshoot, hinting at the model’s imminent debut.
Heritage in a Modern Execution
An Instagram user named njp_moto, while driving on Angeles Crest Highway, came across two parked C8 Corvettes surrounded by support vehicles, reminiscent of a professional photo shoot. One of the cars immediately caught attention. It is painted in a rich Admiral Blue—a color making a comeback in 2027. First introduced on the C4 Corvette Grand Sport, this shade later became a signature for the C7 generation. On the new C8, it returns as a tribute to tradition. The classic red stripes, characteristic of early Grand Sports, are also present, but they have now moved from the front fenders to the rear.
Upon closer inspection, one can notice a large rear spoiler and centrally located exhaust pipes, identical to those on current Z06 and ZR1 versions.
The Heart of the Newcomer
Enthusiasts will rejoice not only because of the retro styling. All signs indicate that the car will receive a new naturally aspirated V8 engine from GM, likely to be called the LS6. This 6.7-liter (or 409 cubic inch) engine is expected to use a combined fuel delivery system (direct and port injection) and produce approximately 550 horsepower. Such power will place the Grand Sport between the base Stingray and the 655 hp hybrid E-Ray in Chevrolet’s product lineup.
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Manufacturer Expectations and Market Position
According to reports, Chevrolet expects the new Grand Sport to become the most popular model in the C8 lineup. Considering that the Stingray starts at $70,000 and the E-Ray at $108,600, the manufacturer has ample room to position the Grand Sport. The likely price of the newcomer will be in the range between $85,000 and $100,000.
The return of the Grand Sport name underscores Chevrolet’s strategy of filling niches between different performance levels. This model seems to perfectly combine power exceeding the base, but without the excessive complexity and cost of hybrid or super-powered versions. The use of a new naturally aspirated engine is also an important step for fans of traditional V8s, especially in an era when many manufacturers are betting on turbocharging and electrification. The success of this model could confirm that there remains a place in the market for a “golden mean”—a car that offers a tangible jump in driving thrill without a sharp increase in budget.