Chevy Corvette Grand Sport Offers Z06 Goodness on a Smaller Budget

Looking to buy a new Chevy Corvette Z06 but can’t quite afford it? Chevy has an answer.

Unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the new 2017 Corvette Grand Sport packs some track-honed goodies while keeping performance under the hood the same.

The car still uses a naturally aspirated 460-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 hooked to either a seven-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission though that is where the similarities with the standard Corvette end.

The magnetic ride control system from the Z06 is present on the Grand Sport along with revised stabilizer bars and unique springs. An electronic limited-slip differential is also fitted in the rear, while larger Brembo brakes help to stop the car. Michelin Pilot Super Sports are fitted to help the car stick to the track.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Geneva Motor Show Coverage

Opting for the available Z07 package makes this car even faster and adds carbon-ceramic brands and even stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Cup tires.

Cornering grip is pegged at 1.05g for the Grand Sport or 1.2g when you add the Z07 package. GM says that this new Grand Sport is actually about one second faster than than the previous Corvette ZR1 around the brand’s internal test track.

To stand out, the car gets heritage graphics, a Z06-style grille and wider rear fenders.

There will also be a Corvette Grand Sport Collector edition available, finished in Watkins Glen Metallic with Tension Blue hash-mark graphics, satin black full-length stripes, black wheels and a full leather and suede interior. The interior also gets some neat features like an original Grand Sport Corvette race car embossed into the headrests.

The new Chevy Corvette Grand Sport will go on sale in the U.S. this summer.

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