Thursday, April 25, 2024
ChevroletMuscle Cars

2017 Corvette Grand Sport, Did Chevy Just Respond to the Viper ACR?

The new 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine to deliver exceptional performance. The Grand Sport Collector Edition features an exclusive Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior with Tension Blue hash-mark graphics, satin black full-length stripes and black wheels. the new Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine.
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, ©General Motors



2017 Corvette Grand Sport Debuts at Geneva 2016

Chevy just debuted the new 2017 Corvette Grand Sport at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and it makes me keep thinking of the Viper ACR. Like the ACR, the Corvette Grand Sport is a package built for the track. Like the ACR, the Corvette Grand Sport has paint scheme and graphics that shout “race car!” And like the ACR, the Corvette Grand Sport has serious handling capabilities. So I think Chevy’s intent with the Corvette Grand Sport targets the Dodge Vipre ACR, I just don’t know if you can say that it answers the Dodge Viper ACR. See my see my post “Why the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR Kicks Butt” for more on the ACR.

The Corvette Grand Sport has some impressive specs and stats, but we don’t have all the details from GM just yet. But here are some of the highlights provided in Chevy’s press release:

  • Estimated 1.05g in cornering capability – and up to 1.2g with the available Z07 package
  • LT1 V8 engine rated at (343 kW) 460 hp, with dry-sump oiling system and active exhaust
  • Seven-speed manual transmission with active rev match and available eight-speed paddle-shift automatic with specific performance calibration
  • Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires: 285/30ZR19 (front) and 335/25ZR20 (rear)
  • Specific Grand Sport wheel design: 19×10 inches (front) and 20×12 inches (rear)
  • Brembo brake system with (355 mm) 14-inch rotors and six-piston calipers in front and (340 mm) 13.4 inch rotors and four-piston calipers in the rear
  • Standard magnetic ride control, specific stabilizer bars and unique springs
  • Standard electronic limited-slip differential
  • Available Z07 package adds carbon ceramic-matrix brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Cup tires.

In addition to track-focused aero elements, the Grand Sport also features specific front fender inserts, a Z06-style grille and wider rear fenders. Chevy says this gives the Corvette Grand Sport “a distinctive design package that gives the car a track-ready attitude.”

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Time for Another Chevy v. Dodge Head 2 Head?

If you’re fans of Motor Trend’s Head 2 Head, you remember the match up between the 2015 Corvette Z06 and the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR. We know who won that match up (I won’t spoil it if you haven’t watched it yet, but why haven’t you watched it yet?). The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport versus the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR, is this another Head 2 Head match up just waiting to happen?

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Speedmeister

I'm one of those guys that "talks about cars too much", the history, design and engineering, I can go on forever. I finally decided blogging might be a better outlet for my obsession than dinner dates. I enjoy learning, sharing and, of course, driving!

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