Critical Knowledge:

• New, performance-oriented Corvette model
• Grand Sport moniker pays homage to early 1960s Corvette race cars
• Replaces Z51 package on current base model
• Available in coupe or convertible body styles, with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission
• Specific gear (manual transmission) and rear axle (automatic transmission) ratios
• 430-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 engine; optional exhaust system boosts horsepower to 436
• Wider fenders, Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler
• Larger brakes with functional brake ducts and extra cooling
• Unique 18- and 19-inch wheels
• Built in Bowling Green, Kentucky

Introduction
First applied to a handful of purpose-built, lightweight, race-ready prototypes in the early 1960s, the Grand Sport moniker has become synonymous with racing among Corvette enthusiasts. And although corporate politics kept the original, 1960s-era Grand Sport from becoming a production model, there is no denying the Grand Sport's influence on the Corvette over the years. In fact, as recently as 1996, Chevrolet offered a limited-edition Corvette Grand Sport production model, commemorating the original race cars and marking the end of the fourth-generation Corvette (known as the C4). All 1,000 of those were painted Admiral Blue and featured a white center stripe and red "hash mark" graphics on the left front fender, a graphic scheme that mimicked the look of some of the original racecars.

For 2010, Chevrolet has once again resurrected the Grand Sport name, introducing a new Corvette Grand Sport production model at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash, held at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Available in coupe or convertible body styles and with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, the new Grand Sport model offers a host of performance upgrades and replaces the former Z51 handling and performance package available on previous base Corvette models. The Corvette Grand Sport includes larger wheels, tires and brakes; wider front and rear fenders-including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges; a Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler; and functional brake ducts that provide extra cooling, all contributing to the Grand Sport's enhanced handling capabilities.

For more information:

• View Chevrolet Corvette Ratings
• See 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Pictures
• Browse other Chevrolet models
• Read more Previews