2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Chevy's factory hotrod is the definition of machismo

By Malcolm Gunn

Somewhere beyond Earth's firmament, Zora Arkus-Duntov must be smiling.

The engineer credited with turning the Chevrolet Corvette into a street and racing icon has had his most rousing nameplate, the Grand Sport, return for 2010.

Of course, the new Grand Sport pays homage to the original in name only. Arkus-Duntov's five race-prepared examples were loosely based on the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, except they weighed just 820 kilogram (about 450 kilograms less than stock 'Vettes) and were equipped with race-tuned 485-horsepower V8 engines.

The abruptly instituted General Motors no-race policy back in the day effectively killed the Grand Sport's development, but some of the cars did enjoy competitive success in private hands, with secretive assistance by Arkus-Duntov.

The Grand Sport brand last showed up in 1996 with a run of 1,000 specially equipped Corvettes and returns for the 2010 model year with a renewed sense of purpose as a distinct model.

The Grand Sport differs from standard-issue Corvettes in many ways and is, in fact, a new bridge model between the base and high-performance ZO6.

Although both coupe and convertible body styles share the base 430-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, it's the lengthy list of special features that places the Grand Sport several notches above the base 'Vette. Much of this content is derived from two sources. Last year's available Z51 package donates the stiffer shocks, springs and stabilizer bars along with unique manual-transmission gear ratios and rear-axle gear ratios on automatic-transmission cars. Chevrolet claims this content assists the Grand Sport in achieving a zero-to-100 km-h time in the four-second range and up to 1.0 g in lateral acceleration before the car loses grip.

The other supply source is the high-performance Z06 model that donates its wider front and rear fenders to help contain the 18- and 19-inch wheels wrapped in bigger Goodyear Eagle F1 tires.

The hood scoop, rear spoiler and side ducts that direct cooler outside air to the brakes are also influenced by the Z06 and the beefed-up stopping force comes from the Z06-based front and rear brake rotors.

Of special note is the engine's dry-sump lubrication system for manual-gearbox-equipped Grand Sports (also featured on the ZO6 and ZR1). Rather that the having the oil slosh around in pan beneath the crankshaft, the reservoir is remotely located. This maintains cooler oil temperatures and ensures that vital engine parts are constantly oiled, particularly in high-speed turns.

Grand Sport identification is discrete, but can be found above the front fender hash marks. Beyond that, there's a wide range of standard equipment, headed by dual-zone climate control, leather seats with power adjustments for the driver, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, seven-speaker audio system with steering-wheel controls and a one-piece removable body-colour roof panel.

Available options, many of which are grouped in packages, include sport seats with premium leather trim, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, removable transparent roof panel, upgraded audio package, a special exhaust package that's worth an extra six horsepower, and a head-up display that projects vital info such as vehicle speed, engine revs, coolant temperature and oil pressure plus lateral g-force readings.

The extra-cost checklist features a Heritage Package, consisting of two-tone leather seats, embroidered Grand Sport-logo-ed headrests and a contrasting colour on the side hash marks.

The Grand Sport isn't the quickest Corvette, but it should easily prove to be a competent all-around sports car that's suitable for weekend track events. More importantly, the $76,300 (including destination charges) price tag for the coupe - nearly $21,000 less than the 505-horsepower Z06 - makes the Grand Sport a great value since in many ways it actually is a Z06, but without the extra power.

And since the Z06 is not available in a convertible, the $85,100 Grand Sport roadster can't be beat by anything else its price range, including any other model from Chevrolet.

What you should know: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Type: Two-door coupe/convertible

Engine (hp): 6.2-litre OHV V8 (430)

Transmissions: Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic with paddle-shift controls

Market position: North America's iconic sports car has moved to broaden its lineup to include four distinctive niche models: base; new-for-2010 Grand Sport; ZO6; and ZR1. Basically the same powertrain as the base Corvette with features from the previous Z51 handling package and the Z06 model.

Points: Bridges the gap between the base and ZO6; Tasteful changes give this model a classy and sporty appearance; The looks of the Z06, but without the pricetag and the 505-horsepower V8; All-wheel-drive option should be next on 'Vette's agenda; Impressive fuel economy becoming a much appreciated Corvette trait; Time for a new interior.

Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control.

L/100 km (city/hwy): 12.9/7.7 (MT)

Base price (incl. destination): $76,300

By comparison

Ford Shelby GT500

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Dodge Viper

Base price: $100,400

Adrenaline-pumping 600-horsepower V10 sports car enters its final year.

Porsche Boxster S

Base price: $73,100

Euro-minded enthusiasts, rate this sharp-handling drop-top one of the best.

Malcolm Gunn is an automotive writer based in Moncton, NB, and a regular contributor to CarTest!

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