2018 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible Review
Chevy’s performance virtuoso comes in 3 main flavors with a multitude of sub choices to ensure that you get the Corvette of your dreams. And it’s this one here, the Grand Sport, which finds the middle ground between the introductory Stingray and the super-aggressive Z06.
The Grand Sport name has been a part of Corvette racing history since the early 1960s; a moniker which has been resurrected a couple of times since, most recently on the C6 Corvette which I drove in 2010, which quickly became the Corvette lineup’s most popular model. And now it’s back on the latest generation C7 platform, incorporating the chassis and suspension elements of the high-performance supercharged model in addition to its wider tires and fenders.
It’s available as a Coupe or Convertible with either a 7-speed manual or, like here, an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. A plethora of options allow owners to highly personalize, giving their Grand Sport a 1-of-1 appearance. Priced at $10,000 more than a Stingray and $14,000 less than a Z06, the base price is $66,490. Go full tilt for this 3LT Convertible model and trick it out with ceramic brake rotors with red calipers, carbon fiber ground effects and the 8-speed transmission and the price soars to $94,000. Yet, it still feels like it’s worth every penny. Gas mileage is rated at 18mpg in combined driving. 87-octane will work with reduced performance and fuel economy so 93 is highly recommended.
At its core, the C7 is an exceptional Corvette, with modernized performance credentials, exotic car looks and an interior design more befitting its status level. The Grand Sport delivers similar chassis tuning, cooling systems and performance technologies from the Z06. In a number of ways, it’s close to Z06 specs without the supercharged engine and $80,000 price tag. If you like Z06-style grille, the wider fenders and track-ready mojo the Grand Sport is an excellent alternative. This is a car that can go from boulevard civility to supercar hyper in just the turn of a knob and it plays both dynamics with expert precision. Even with the 8-speed, the Grand Sport is a highly engaging drive with grip that could cause the tides to change.
The Grand Sport name has been a part of Corvette racing history since the early 1960s; a moniker which has been resurrected a couple of times since, most recently on the C6 Corvette which I drove in 2010, which quickly became the Corvette lineup’s most popular model. And now it’s back on the latest generation C7 platform, incorporating the chassis and suspension elements of the high-performance supercharged model in addition to its wider tires and fenders.
It’s available as a Coupe or Convertible with either a 7-speed manual or, like here, an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. A plethora of options allow owners to highly personalize, giving their Grand Sport a 1-of-1 appearance. Priced at $10,000 more than a Stingray and $14,000 less than a Z06, the base price is $66,490. Go full tilt for this 3LT Convertible model and trick it out with ceramic brake rotors with red calipers, carbon fiber ground effects and the 8-speed transmission and the price soars to $94,000. Yet, it still feels like it’s worth every penny. Gas mileage is rated at 18mpg in combined driving. 87-octane will work with reduced performance and fuel economy so 93 is highly recommended.
At its core, the C7 is an exceptional Corvette, with modernized performance credentials, exotic car looks and an interior design more befitting its status level. The Grand Sport delivers similar chassis tuning, cooling systems and performance technologies from the Z06. In a number of ways, it’s close to Z06 specs without the supercharged engine and $80,000 price tag. If you like Z06-style grille, the wider fenders and track-ready mojo the Grand Sport is an excellent alternative. This is a car that can go from boulevard civility to supercar hyper in just the turn of a knob and it plays both dynamics with expert precision. Even with the 8-speed, the Grand Sport is a highly engaging drive with grip that could cause the tides to change.