Just got this from my ZR-1 people: From: Bobbie Jo Lee <[email protected]> Date: Fri, Apr 24, 2009 at 10:14 AM Subject: [NCM-ENEWS] Chevy Announces 2010 Corvette Grand Sport To: [email protected] Chevy Announces the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport! It's one of the most illustrious racing heritage Corvettes and it is returning to the lineup. Chevrolet is announcing the new, 2010 Corvette Grand Sport today as part of the C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash! The new Grand Sport model combines the Corvette's LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racetrack-bred suspension for a distinctive, starting grid-ready performer. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm). A powerpoint presentation from today's introduction is available here: http://www.corvettemuseum.com/c5bash/BashNotesApr09.ppt#611,1,Slide *Bobbie Jo * _________________________________ Even if it is REAL - Dont know if this is good or bad. Does it mean ZR1 is over after this run of only 1200? Is this just another regular Corvette with wide body and paint like the 1996? We shall see ---
Yeah, spartan interior, roll-up lexan windows, lexan at rear window as well, the aluminun chassis, light weight wheels,killer brakes. Trim the fat and just put the go fast?, lightweight/MPG stuff on it. Yeah, ala GT3....... cool
Yes the Z06 is the lightweight, its around 3000 # The ZR1 is around 3200 I wanted a GT3 Z06 so I built my own, she could use more carbon fiber but for about $100k w all the add ons she'll wipe the floor w most any road car My Katech engine is ready, they are waiting to dyno it then send it to my mechanic and I'll take her out for a long break in cruise Maybe down to Key West, Naples, or Orlando Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
The Z51 is being killed off for the GS replacement. http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/chevy-corvette-grand-sport-returns-for-2010/ RMX Chevy is bringing back the Corvette Grand Sport, and unlike the one offered at the end of the C4's run in the mid-Nineties, this one sports a long list of performance upgrades that would make even Zora Arkus-Duntov proud. Rather than treating this revival as a special model with a limited run, Chevy has decided to ditch the Z51 package entirely and offer the Grand Sport that pushes the standard Vette's performance even closer to that of the Z06. While the 430-hp (436-hp with the two-mode exhaust) LS3 V8 remains unchanged, wider front and rear fenders allow for 18- (front) and 19-inch (rear) wheels that are also wider than before. Larger brakes are included and the special suspension tuning is now even closer to that of the Z06. You'll also notice other Z06 elements like the front splitter, rear spoiler and functional brake ducts behind the doors. Unlike the Z06, you can order a Grand Sport with a manual transmission or the Vette's six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. If you're a true track hound, though, go with the manual that also comes with a dry-sump oil system, differential cooler and rear-mounted battery. Though available as a convertible, coupe models also feature a removable roof. The Grand Sport can also be had in all four Corvette trim levels (1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT) and any standard Corvette color, and a special heritage package gives a nod to the past by adding a pair of hash marks to the front fenders. The new Grand Sport is being announced at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky as we speak and pricing has yet to be announced, so stay tuned. [Source: Chevy] PRESS RELEASE CHEVROLET ANNOUNCES NEW 2010 CORVETTE GRAND SPORT BOWLING GREEN, Ky. Grand Sport. It's one of the most storied monikers in Corvette's illustrious racing heritage and it is returning the lineup. Chevrolet announced the new, 2010 Corvette Grand Sport at the 12th annunal C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash, held at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky. The new Grand Sport model combines the Corvette's LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racetrack-bred suspension for a distinctive, starting grid-ready performer. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm). The Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models. Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for racetrack competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery. The complete list of content and special features for the Grand Sport includes * Wider front and rear fenders including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges * Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler * Functional brake ducts and extra cooling * Unique 18-inch front and 19-inch wheels; painted finish standard and chrome finish optional * Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear * Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers * Specific manual transmission gear ratios * Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped modles With its special equipment, the Grand Sport offers a unique blend of performance and amenities. Its suspension package approaches that of the Z06, but includes a removable roof on coupes (Z06 has a fixed roof) and, of course, the availability of a convertible body style. Also, the paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission is offered, while a manual transmission is the only choice with the Z06. All of Corvette's exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport and an available Heritage package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. The Grand Sport can be ordered with 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim packages, too. Grand Sport history Envisioned by legendary Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov as a factory-built, lightweight and race-ready production model that would trump domestic and foreign road-racing competitors, the original Corvette Grand Sport was a promising idea stymied by GM's agreement to stay out of manufacturer-backed motorsports. The planned 125 production models required for racing-class homologation were never built, but five prototypes based on the styling of the 1963 Corvette were hand-assembled under Duntov's watchful eye. And while they looked like production models, the prototypes were purpose-built racecars that shared little with their assembly-line cousins. Duntov also oversaw the Grand Sport engine program that featured a special, 377-cubic-inch small-block V-8 and used side-draft carburetors. Although never officially sanctioned by General Motors, the five Grand Sport prototypes saw extensive racing experience throughout the 1960s in the hands of "private" racers who had strong contacts within Duntov's engineering circle. All five original cars are accounted for today and are among the most valuable in the collector market. Chevrolet offered a limited-edition Grand Sport production model in 1996, commemorating the original racing cars and marking the end of the C4 era in Corvette production. All of the 1,000 examples were painted Admiral Blue and featured a white center stripe and red "hash mark" graphics on the left front fender, a graphic scheme that mimicked the look of some of the original racecars. *SAE certified. Image Unavailable, Please Login
The Z06 guys are PO'd bcus the GS looks so much like a Z but Z prices are already in the toilet so I dont see the concern I wouldn't mind a GS, strap on a blower and a Caravaggio interior on a GS roadster and that would rock
I don't know if I care for it much, it's a re-bodied base C6. No engine mods, no nothing. GM just seems to be muddling up thier own market with sticker and stripe packages on what amounts to stock cars.
The M6 cars get a dry sump, cooler and relocated battery. I wouldn't call that nothing. It's not meant to be a huge straight line upgrade. It has the Z51 suspension and ZO6 brakes/tires. So handling will be on par with a ZO6. And 436 HP is pretty damn good for 3200 pounds.
That's fine but still besides the point. It's more of a case of GM creating franken-vette to keep Corvette in the news, rather than presenting new innovations. Understandable, considering GM and Corvette's uncertain future, but I fail to see what people are getting all excited about. My personal opinon, everytime I look at the Grandsport's fenders the less I like them. The wheels are nice, as is the drop top option but it's still pretty much a base model with some Z06 parts. I understand you can't even get the F55 suspension on the GS. To me, they should have just offered the Z06 with a drop top and auto and been done with it.
low power tarted-up Z06. I'll stick with the Z06, which was within 3 mph of the ZR1 even in the hands of the mighty "ranger" from Corvette Forum. GM has no engineering $ to build anthing really new, unfortunately, which is a pity because the Z06 is all that and the ZR1 even more
Your missing the point, this car is replacing the Z51 option on the base car. So for a little more dough, your getting alot. It's a great deal if you ask me. This car might actually handle better then the ZO6 at the limit....
So 430+ hp in a 3,100lb car is considered "low power" these days, I guess? What's the world coming to? RMX
The Z06 still doesn't get the F55 suspension and the sticky French tires; instead GM pimps out the GrandSport name yet again. This time packing on an extra 94 pounds to drag around which also does nothing good for the cd either. Don't forget all the other special edition Corvettes they are offering for 2010 to... CH
Well, that's pretty much what I thought when I first heard about it. If you look at the down side, you might say that Chevrolet has yet again confused the brand and further cheapened the base Vette while taking a swipe at the Z06. If you look at the up side, then maybe it is at least a good sign that this one comes in other colors than royal blue - and that it could be a signal that there WILL be a Corvette in 2010. I cannot help but remember, though, the way the last year of the C4 dropped the real ZR-1 and tried to make up for it with the bodykit GranSport. Hope that is not what is going on under the scenes here. James - still have the 1995 and thinking more and more about keeping it, too.
Has the pricing been released yet? It could be a good deal depending on what it will cost. It has too many ZO6 styling cues for my taste. Everytime I look at the new fenders I like them even less. As far as handling better than the Z on the limit, I don't know for sure, I've never driven the Z51, but I would doubt it unless it was a bumpy track. It's well documented that the Z doesn't like bumps. I don't know if that was tuned out of the Z51/Grandsport. It just seems like it's muddling the Corvette lineup, to me.
I know that the money is tight at GM put I would have like to have seen direct injection added across the board on the Vettes; GS option-dry sump, etc. if reasonably priced makes it worth it as a track car.
GM is saying only a little more then a Z51. IMO that's a track day bargin. The Z51 package is easier to drive on the limit then a ZO6 by far. I hope they make the ZR1's mag suspension an option on the Z.
I saw pictures of it yesterday and if the price is just a bit more than the base Corvette, this will become the defacto base Corvette. Everyone will buy this one. To me this is the best-looking Corvette in my lifetime. I would love to have a red convertible just like the pictures. Gorgeous. I described it to my wife as basically a hybrid using the steel frame and engine from the base car (no slouch), with upgraded suspension and a body similar to the Z06. But a big thing is that it is also available as a convertible which is not available in the real ZR1 or Z06.
I agree that it is a great car for the $$$$. But I don't think it will become the "defacto base car". To many guys (posers LOL) want a comfy cruiser. All the Z51 people will of course grab one of these. I'm in the market for a C5 ZO6 now, but with what they are giving away cars for nowadays I'm debating on waiting for one of these. In white, with red stripes.
