2017 Corvette Grand Sport
For Release: Tuesday, March1, 2016, 4:45 a.m. EST
2017 Corvette Grand Sport Has Racing Roots A‘purist’ model that leverages a half-century legacy of motorsports success
GENEVA – With Corvette Racing in its DNA, the all-new 2017 Corvette Grand Sport isa pure expression of the car’s motorsports-bred pedigree. It was introducedtoday at the Geneva International Motor Show. Like the 2015 LeMans-winning Corvette C7.R GTE Pro race car, the new Grand Sport combines alightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tiresand a naturally aspirated engine. The 2017 Corvette GrandSport offers an estimated 1.05g in cornering capability – and up to 1.2g withthe available Z07 package. Heritage-inspired designcues and exclusive features acknowledge the historic Grand Sport legacy,established in 1963 to take on the world’s best sports cars. Only five werebuilt before a corporate decision suspending direct motorsports involvementended the project. “Racing has been part ofCorvette’s essence for more than 50 years and that track experience has helpedus build better, more capable cars,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of Global Product Development and Global Purchasingand Supply Chain. “The global acclaimfor the seventh-generation Corvette validates that direct link and the 2017Grand Sport takes its track-bred technology to a new, exciting threshold.” The Corvette Grand Sport coupeand convertible go on sale this summer in the U.S. and in the fall in Europe. No holding back Engineers adapted the chassistuning, upgraded cooling systems, and performance technologies of the CorvetteZ06 to give the new Grand Sport capability commensurate with its racing-derivedhistory. “We didn’t hold back withthe new Grand Sport,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “For thefirst time, buyers can equip the Grand Sport with a Z07 performance package –which adds carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Sport Cup 2 summer tires, andcarbon-fiber aero package that delivers true downforce.” The result is a potenttrack car. In fact, the Grand Sport with the Z07 package is less than onesecond off the track record for the previous-generation Corvette ZR1 on theroad course at GM’s Milford Proving Ground. Content highlights forGrand Sport include:
In addition totrack-focused aero elements, the Grand Sport also features specific frontfender inserts, a Z06-style grille and wider rear fenders – a distinctivedesign package that gives the car a track-ready attitude. Grand Sport models areoffered with the Stingray’s full exterior and interior color palette. Anavailable Heritage package includes hash-mark fender graphics in six colors,with the hash-mark detail carried onto the interior’s brushed aluminum trim.Full-length stripes are also offered. “The choices are almostendless,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette product marketing manager. “Thepackages take personalization to an unprecedented level, enabling customers to createtheir own Corvette Grand Sport statement like no other.” Grand Sport Collector Edition The Grand Sport CollectorEdition features an exclusive Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior with TensionBlue hash-mark graphics, satin black full-length stripes, black wheels and aunique Tension Blue full leather and suede-wrapped interior. The Tension Blue color isa bold, modern take on the hue historically associated with the Grand Sport.Inside, a three-dimensional representation of an original Grand Sport race caris embossed in the headrests and that shape is also used on an instrument panelplaque that carries a unique build sequence number. The Collector Editionwill be offered later in the model year in the U.S. and Europe. Founded in 1911 inDetroit, Chevrolet is now one of theworld's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries andselling around 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customerswith fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makesthe heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology,all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com. |
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