Corvette C8 Grand Sport: New 6.7-Liter V8 with 535 HP Sets Naturally Aspirated Record
Chevrolet revives the Grand Sport nameplate with a brand-new LS6 V8 producing 535 hp and 705 Nm — the highest-torque naturally aspirated V8 in a modern production car. A hybrid Grand Sport X with 721 hp follows.
Chevrolet has unveiled the Corvette C8 Grand Sport — the first mid-engine Grand Sport in the nameplate's history — powered by an all-new 6.7-liter (409 cui) LS6 V8 that produces more torque than any other naturally aspirated V8 before it. "There is no replacement for displacement! Our next generation LS6 engine pushes 409 cubic inches of jackhammer fury through the tailpipes," says Chevrolet.
The LS6: A New Naturally Aspirated Benchmark
The sixth-generation Small Block delivers 535 hp and 520 lb-ft (705 Nm) of torque through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels. With a compression ratio of 13.0:1, a 95mm throttle body, tunnel ram intake with high-velocity ports, forged connecting rods and pistons, a new lubrication system, and revised exhaust manifolds, the LS6 retains the beloved pushrod valve actuation while dramatically increasing output. The engine is manufactured at GM's Flint Engine Operations Plant in Michigan and will also power the 2027 Stingray as the most powerful standard engine ever offered in a Corvette.
Grand Sport: Heritage Meets Performance
The rear-wheel-drive widebody Grand Sport features Magnetic Ride Control suspension and Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires as standard, along with a new low-dust, corrosion-resistant brake package. Two optional Z52 packages elevate the experience:
- **Z52 Sport Performance Package** — stiffer suspension tuning, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, and high-performance J56 iron brakes from the Z06. - **Z52 Track Performance Package** — Brembo carbon-ceramic J57 brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R semi-slick tires, carbon-fiber splitter, dive planes, rockers, Z06-style high wing, and underbody strakes. The most track-capable Grand Sport to date.
The design pays tribute to Grand Sport heritage with characteristic hash mark graphics and an optional wide white racing stripe recreating the iconic 1996 C4 Grand Sport look.
Grand Sport X: Hybrid All-Wheel Drive
The Grand Sport X combines the new LS6 with a front-axle electric motor (186 hp / 145 lb-ft) sourced from the ZR1X for a combined output of 721 hp. The eAWD system comes with standard carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 tires, with five distinct driving modes:
- **Stealth Mode** — electric-only up to 50 mph (80 km/h) - **Endurance Mode** — extended track lapping with Charge+ button - **Qualifying Mode** — optimum power strategy for the best lap time - **Push-to-Pass Mode** — maximum available power on demand - **Shuttle Mode** — 23 mph electric-only propulsion
Launch Edition & Availability
Both Coupe and Convertible body styles will be available as Model Year 2027 vehicles with production starting summer 2026. A Launch Edition features Santorini Blue Dipped interior with red stitching, embossed Grand Sport headrests, and a Launch Edition plaque. New exterior colors include Admiral Blue Metallic (referencing the C4-era palette) and Pitch Gray Metallic.
Exclusive ten-spoke cup-style lightweight wheels are available in Pearl Nickel, Gloss Black, Carbon Flash with Bright Polished Surfaces, and High Polished finishes, with optional visible carbon fiber wheels featuring a red stripe.
"Grand Sport has always been the Corvette for drivers who want the spirit of a race car in a package they can enjoy every day. With the new Grand Sport and Grand Sport X, we've taken that formula into the mid-engine era."
The 2027 Grand Sport has been confirmed for global markets including Europe.
Image: © General Motors
Sources: Chevrolet Europe Pressroom auto motor und sport AUTO BILD
