by Return of a Legend
The long-awaited Corvette Grand Sport has finally been unveiled. For the 2027 model year, it returns, and many will consider it the most balanced model in the lineup. Simultaneously, the Grand Sport X package and a brand-new 6.7-liter V8 engine appear, which will soon be installed in all Corvette models.
Presented at the Sebring race track, the new Grand Sport models combine the modern mid-engine Corvette with its heritage. The Grand Sport X takes this formula into supercar territory. In fact, this model becomes the successor to the hybrid all-wheel-drive Corvette E-Ray.
The Heart of the News
At the core of the car lies a completely new small-block V8 engine from GM called the LS6. The naturally aspirated 6.7-liter unit becomes the standard engine not only for the Grand Sport but also for the 2027 Stingray. According to Chevrolet, this engine produces 535 hp and 705 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever factory-installed in a Corvette.
The new engine has a compression ratio of 13.0:1, forged internal components, a redesigned lubrication system, and a tunnel-ram type intake manifold with a 95-millimeter throttle body. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an eight-speed preselective transmission, maintaining the traditional rear-wheel-drive layout for the standard Grand Sport.
As expected, the Grand Sport remains the golden mean between the Stingray and the more extreme Z06 and ZR1 models. Magnetic Ride Control suspension is standard, and optional packages add a stiffer suspension tune, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Cup 2R tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, and additional aerodynamic elements. Both Grand Sport versions also receive widened bodywork, similar to the Z06, giving them a more planted stance and improved grip.
Electric Boost
The new Grand Sport X package is also a significant event. Like the previous E-Ray and ZR1X, this version features an electric motor that drives the front wheels. This front motor develops 186 hp and 197 Nm of torque and works in tandem with a compact lithium-ion battery installed in the chassis. The total power increases to 721 hp, with the electric motor providing instant torque to the front axle for improved traction and acceleration.
Like other electrified Corvettes, the system allows for limited electric-only driving at low speeds, while track modes such as Endurance, Qualifying, and Push-to-Pass manage the battery power distribution. In other words, the Grand Sport X has all the makings of a race car with the added advantage of all-wheel drive when needed. This will come in handy in the fight against the world’s numerous supercars.
Silent Running and Powerful Braking
A new Stealth mode has also appeared, which allows the car to move slowly and completely silently on electric power at speeds up to 80 km/h, which is ideal for quietly passing through residential areas. If that’s still too fast, the Shuttle mode further restricts capabilities, allowing movement at no more than 37 km/h, again without starting the V8 engine.
Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard for the Grand Sport X, further distinguishing it from the regular model.
Design and Heritage
Chevrolet actively used historical Grand Sport motifs in the design, including characteristic hash marks, colors from the past, and new variants of cast or carbon fiber wheels. The Admiral Blue color returns, and Launch Edition cars receive a Santorini Blue interior with red accents and unique trim details. For the first time, the characteristic hash marks are placed on the rear fenders, subtly changing a long-standing design feature.
The revived name also emphasizes the importance of this part of the model range. Chevrolet states that it expects the Stingray and Grand Sport models together to form the core of Corvette sales, making the new LS6 engine the true backbone of the lineup. Production of the 2027 model year Corvette Stingray, Grand Sport, and Grand Sport X will begin this summer in Bowling Green.
The Grand Sport X is set to appear at dealerships later this year, and its price is expected to exceed the starting price of the previous E-Ray model, which was $108,600 excluding additional fees.
The return of the Grand Sport in this form demonstrates Chevrolet’s strategy of combining tradition with future technologies. The new LS6 not only raises the bar for naturally aspirated engines but also becomes the foundation for future generations. The introduction of hybrid technology in the X version shows how even iconic sports cars adapt to the demands of the era without losing their essence. The success of these models could determine the development trajectory not only of the Corvette but of the entire affordable supercar industry in the coming years.
