German Press Reacts: Corvette Grand Sport with Record-Breaking V8 — "No Replacement for Displacement"
auto motor und sport and AUTO BILD take a deep dive into the new Corvette C8 Grand Sport and Grand Sport X. The verdict: a 6.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 that defies the downsizing trend, with 542 PS and a hybrid variant producing 731 PS.
The German automotive press has responded with enthusiasm to Chevrolet's reveal of the Corvette C8 Grand Sport. Both auto motor und sport and AUTO BILD highlight the new LS6 as a bold counter-statement to the industry's downsizing trend.
A New Powerplant Against the Trend
auto motor und sport calls the LS6 a "Dampfhammer-V8" — a jackhammer V8. With 6.7 liters of displacement (409 cubic inches), 535 hp (542 PS) and 705 Nm of torque, the naturally aspirated engine claims the title of highest-torque NA V8 in any modern production car. The compression ratio of 13.0:1, forged internals, and revised exhaust system deliver this without forced induction — keeping the characteristic Corvette sound alive.
AUTO BILD emphasizes that the pushrod valve actuation has been retained despite the new engine block, and notes the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission remains the sole gearbox option. Both publications expect the LS6 to eventually replace the 6.2-liter V8 across the entire C8 lineup, including the standard Stingray.
Grand Sport: The Driver's Choice
The rear-wheel-drive Grand Sport comes standard with Magnetic Ride Control and Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires. auto motor und sport highlights two optional Z52 packages as the key differentiators:
- **Z52 Sport Performance** — stiffer suspension with Z06-spec braking for spirited road driving - **Z52 Track Performance** — carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R semi-slick tires for dedicated track use
Grand Sport X: The Hybrid Express
AUTO BILD reports the Grand Sport X as the more remarkable variant, combining the LS6 with a front-axle electric motor for a combined 731 PS (721 hp) and approximately 900 Nm of system torque. The eAWD system is sourced from the ZR1X and enables electric-only driving at speeds up to 80 km/h.
Availability in Europe?
Both publications note that European availability has not been officially confirmed. AUTO BILD suggests import through the dealer network remains a realistic possibility — a point of particular interest for the Hedin distribution network.
Sources: auto motor und sport — Chevrolet Corvette C8 Grand Sport: US-Sportler mit neuem Dampfhammer-V8 AUTO BILD — Chevrolet Corvette C8 Grand Sport und Grand Sport X
