Corvette Test Mules Spied in SoCal: LS6 & Grand Sport in the Wild???
The Corvette test mules, both widebody and narrowbody C8s, were each fitted with rear-bumper-mounted sensors above the exhaust tips.
Since its debut in 2019, the Corvette’s eighth generation has delivered year after year of new models, powertrains, packages, and more. And, friends, all of the rumors concerning a new model — possibly called the Grand Sport — and a new base V8 engine — possibly called the LS6 — appear to be taking one more step toward reality, thanks to some recent spy photos and videos.
Earlier this week, motorcycle enthusiast Michael Hartleib was cruising around Southern California when he stumbled upon “8 or 10 test cars. No camo, just primer, flat black, and sandpaper marks. All manufacturer plates. Not happy I was taking photos. I have some video on insta 360 I need to download. Maybe new Grand Sports.” Hartlieb then shared several photos and videos to the C8 Owners (And Friends) Facebook Group, where said post was spotted and shared HERE in the CorvetteForum forums.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We’ve reached out to Hartleib to ask permission to share his photos in this article and are currently waiting to hear back. Until then, please check out Hartleib’s spy images via his public Facebook post. We’ve also used the Facebook embedding feature to share two of Hartleib’s public videos.
WideBody C8 That’s Not an E-Ray? (Clearly Not a Z06/ZR1/ZR1X)
Based on Hartleib’s images and videos, there are several models in the Corvette convoy, including what appears to be a C8 Z06 Coupe with a suspiciously blacked-out rear window. [UPDATE: after another spy photo, could this center-exit model also be a Grand Sport?]
More interesting are the three models with primer gray front and rear bumper covers. One appears to be a narrow-body Stingray Z51 HTC based on its shape, side scoops, and outboard quad-tip exhaust system.
Embedded via Facebook
The other two appear at first glance to be E-Rays. They’ve got the widebody, side scoops, carbon ceramic brakes with five-spoke E-Ray wheels, the outboard quad-tip exhaust rather than the Z06/ZR1/ZR1X’s centered exhaust, and more blacked-out windows.
But are they both E-Rays?
Looking closely at the one parked behind the Stingray, and it may be missing the secondary driver’s side cooler pack present on both the E-Ray and ZR1X. Which means we’re looking at a base engine widebody Corvette that, presumably, lacks the front eAxle found in hybrid C8 models.
In short, is this our best look yet at what many believe will be called the Grand Sport?
Emissions Testing the LS6?
Maybe, maybe not. But why is GM out driving around several uncamouflaged test mules?
Looking at the back bumper of all three prototypes with the outboard quad-tip exhausts, there are clearly two sensor-like devices mounted through/into the rear bumpers. Is it emissions testing, some sort of fuel economy testing, or something completely different? We’re not certain. But it does imply that GM is doing something with its rumored 6.7L pushrod V8 engine that may be dubbed the LS6.
Embedded via Facebook
Especially when one hears the clip Hartleib recorded of the second widebody departing. While there’s no clear view of its front grille pack, it doesn’t appear to be making the E-Ray’s hybrid humming sound as it’s pulling away. Plus, the engine itself sounds just a touch deeper in tone than the current 6.2L LT2 base motor.
Images: Michael Hartleib via Facebook, Michael S. Palmer, GM
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