by Brad Anderson
- The new Grand Sport has been previewed alongside previous iterations.
- Like its predecessors, the C8 has premiered in Admiral Blue with white and red accents.
- Power will come from GM’s latest LS6 V8, displacing 6.7 liters with around 550 hp.
Chevrolet has remained tight-lipped about the long-expected C8 Corvette Grand Sport in recent months, but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning. Not long after a completely undisguised example was spied in the canyons, the new Grand Sport made an unexpected debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring.
The new car took to the track as part of a special parade lap alongside previous generations of the Corvette Grand Sport. It features a very familiar paint scheme, consisting of Admiral Blue paint with a prominent black racing stripe and red accents on the rear haunches.
Read: Dealer Meeting Leak Points To Corvette’s Next Shake-Up As One Hybrid Replaces Another
Look closely, and you’ll notice the car rocks the same widebody setup as the E-Ray and Z06, and also uses the four central exhausts of the latter. It’s also sprouted a sharp rear lip spoiler and a new front splitter. The central part of the front bumper, which appears to be finished in lightweight carbon fiber, is also distinct from what’s found on the E-Ray and Z06.
The car showcased at Sebring also features black wheels similar to those on the C7-generation Grand Sport, paired with red brake calipers.
A Brand New V8
While GM has released several photos of the new Grand Sport, it’s remaining tight-lipped about what powers it. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait long until we find out, as a full debut has been pencilled in for March 26.
All signs point towards the new Corvette Grand Sport premiering with Chevy’s latest-generation small-block V8 known as the LS6. This will be a 6.7-liter naturally-aspirated V8 tipped to use direct and port fuel injection, helping it deliver roughly 550 hp.
Final specifications haven’t been confirmed, but a figure in the mid-500s would allow the Grand Sport to sit nicely between the Stingray with 495 hp and the Z06 with its 670 hp. Chevrolet expects the new Grand Sport to be the most popular of all Corvette models.
Chevy hasn’t just been developing this ‘base’ version of the Grand Sport. Recent reports state that a new Grand Sport X is also just around the corner, serving as a replacement to the existing E-Ray, reportedly sporting all-wheel drive, a front-mounted electric motor, and delivering a combined 721 hp.
Context:
The new C8 Corvette Grand Sport debuts with a 6.7L LS6 V8 producing around 550 hp, launching March 26.
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This fills the power gap between the 495-hp Stingray and 670-hp Z06, expected to be the most popular Corvette.
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A Grand Sport X variant with AWD and 721 hp is reportedly coming to replace the current E-Ray hybrid model.
