2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and 721-HP Grand Sport X Compared in Track and Road Tests

Two new variants have joined the Chevrolet Corvette lineup as the C8 generation approaches the final phase of its production run: the rear-wheel-drive Grand Sport and the all-wheel-drive hybrid Grand Sport X. Building on the concept introduced by the discontinued E-Ray, these models highlight strong V-8 performance, high value, and wide customization options, while retaining the C8's limited visibility, the absence of Super Cruise, and expensive optional equipment.

Both the coupe and convertible versions of the Grand Sport are powered by a new 6.7-liter small-block V-8 engine known as the LS6, which is also shared with the base Corvette Stingray. This 16-valve OHV unit features port and direct injection, producing 535 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 520 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In the rear-wheel-drive Grand Sport, this powertrain enables a 0–60 mph sprint in 2.7 seconds and a quarter-mile run of 11.0 seconds at 122.0 mph. The Grand Sport X adds a front-mounted permanent-magnet electric motor delivering 186 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, fed by a 1.9-kWh NMC lithium-ion battery, for a combined output of 721 hp. With all-wheel drive, the Grand Sport X accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and completes the quarter mile in 10.4 seconds at 129.2 mph.

On the track, the rear-wheel-drive Grand Sport stands out for its lighter nose and more engaging front-end handling. Weighing 3,708 pounds with a 39/61 percent front-to-rear weight distribution, the RWD convertible test car came heavily optioned from a base price of $88,495 to an as-tested total of $146,580. Its equipment included $15,500 carbon-fiber wheels and a nearly $21,000 Track Performance package featuring Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires (275/30ZR20 front, 345/25ZR21 rear), a quad exhaust, and carbon-ceramic brakes. In testing, it stopped from 60 mph in 98 feet, pulled 1.23 g of lateral acceleration, and completed the figure-eight course in 21.8 seconds at an average of 1.00 g.

The Grand Sport X Convertible starts at $119,195 and reached an as-tested price of $146,470. At 3,928 pounds with a 43/57 percent weight distribution, it rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires of the same 20-inch front and 21-inch rear dimensions, recording a 60–0 mph braking distance of 103 feet, 1.06 g of lateral grip, and a 23.0-second figure-eight lap at 0.93 g average. Despite the extra weight, the hybrid setup provides notable on-road composure and everyday usability alongside features like ventilated seats, cabin screens, and wireless charging pads, earning the Grand Sport X a spot in the finalist rounds of the Car of the Year evaluation. Both models share a 107.2-inch wheelbase and measure 185.9 inches long, 79.7 inches wide, and 48.6 inches high, with EPA ratings of 15/23/17 mpg (314-mile range) for the Grand Sport and 15/24/18 mpg (333-mile range) for the Grand Sport X.