After seven model years of C8 Corvette speculation, Chevrolet has finally brought back the Grand Sport as a standalone model — and it arrives with an all-new engine that becomes the beating heart of the entire Corvette lineup. Revealed at Sebring on March 26, 2026, with pricing confirmed on April 13, 2026, the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport slots neatly between the Stingray and the Z06.
Pricing
- Grand Sport 1LT coupe: starting at $88,495 (includes destination)
- Grand Sport convertible: adds roughly $7,000
- Grand Sport X 1LT coupe (hybrid AWD): starting at $112,195
- For reference: the Stingray starts at $73,495 and the Z06 at $121,395
Order banks opened April 16, 2026, with production beginning summer 2026 at the Bowling Green Assembly plant.
The New LS6 6.7L V8
The story of the 2027 Corvette is really the story of one engine: the next-generation LS6 6.7-liter naturally aspirated V8, which now powers the Stingray, Grand Sport, and Grand Sport X alike.
- 535 horsepower / 520 lb-ft of torque
- 13.0:1 compression ratio — the highest ever in a Corvette V8
- Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
- No turbocharger or supercharger — Chevrolet states it delivers more torque than any naturally aspirated V8 it has ever put in a Corvette
For context, the outgoing LT2 in the Stingray made 470 lb-ft, and even the high-revving flat-plane LT6 in the Z06 tops out at 460 lb-ft — so the new LS6 out-torques both despite being the “base” engine across three models.
Grand Sport vs. Grand Sport X
The Grand Sport and Grand Sport X share the same LS6 V8 but differ in drivetrain:
| Grand Sport | Grand Sport X | |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive (hybrid) |
| Power | 535 hp / 520 lb-ft | 721 hp combined (535 hp V8 + 186 hp front electric motor) |
| Character | Purist, naturally aspirated | Added traction and straight-line performance |
Both use the Z06’s wide-body chassis, wider track, and larger brakes, and both come standard with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, tuned specifically for the Grand Sport.
Performance
Chevrolet estimates a 0–60 mph time of around 2.8 seconds and a top speed just under 195 mph for the standard Grand Sport, with the AWD Grand Sport X expected to be quicker off the line thanks to its extra front-axle motor.
Heritage Touches
The Grand Sport nameplate dates back to a secretive 1963 lightweight racing program, and Chevrolet leans into that history here with an authentic center stripe, fender hash marks, and heritage-inspired badging and color options — all while keeping the focus on genuine mechanical upgrades rather than styling alone.
Options Worth Noting
- Track Performance Package (from $109,190, DFC included): Z06-style carbon aero, unique chassis tuning, quad center-exit exhaust, carbon ceramic brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires
- Grand Sport Performance Package ($3,500): Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and Z06-sourced high-performance brakes
- Available quad center-exit exhaust — a first for the mid-engine Corvette era
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- All-new naturally aspirated V8 with segment-leading torque figures
- Fills a genuine gap between Stingray and Z06
- Grand Sport X offers AWD and 721 hp for buyers who want more traction and speed
- Deep heritage story backing up the nameplate
Cons:
- Starting price is a meaningful step up from the Stingray (~$15,000 more)
- No manual transmission option — DCT only
- Grand Sport X pricing pushes close to Z06 territory
Verdict
The 2027 Corvette Grand Sport finally answers the question Corvette fans have been asking since the C8 launched: what do you buy between the Stingray and the Z06? With a genuinely new engine, real chassis hardware borrowed from the Z06, and an AWD hybrid variant for buyers who want more grip and power, the Grand Sport is shaping up to be one of the most significant additions to the C8 Corvette lineup yet.
Pricing and specifications reflect Chevrolet’s official April 2026 announcement and are subject to change; confirm current figures and availability with your local dealer.
