The Corvette Grand Sport’s Nostalgic Return Comes to New York

The Grand Sport is Back

The first Corvette Grand Sport debuted in 1963 as a homologation special intended to compete in international grand touring racing. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be as GM executives discovered the secret project and ordered those involved to drop it. If it's any consolation, five were built, and all survive to this day.

It would take decades before Chevrolet would build it for real, and it finally came into fruition in 1996 with the C4 Corvette. The C5 wasn't blessed with the Grand Sport treatment, but the C6 and C7 were. Now, it's the turn of the mid-engined C8 to get those stripes.

Live in New York

The C8 Corvette Grand Sport has just made its public premiere at the 2026 New York International Auto Show. Chevrolet calls it the final chapter of the C8 story as the company prepares for the C9 generation. There's also a Grand Sport X version that effectively replaces the E-Ray, mainly because customers kept thinking it was an electric model.

So, how is it in the metal? Like any Corvette Grand Sport, the C8 version is draped in blue, just like past models, and it features those distinct red stripes. That said, you can get it in other colors, but we reckon blue is the way to go with these. Also, those stripes are no longer at the front. Why, you ask? Well, the C8's engine is in the middle, hence the relocation of those markers. A neat touch, if you ask us.

As for the interior, the car sitting in New York right now comes with a red cabin. There are, however, more color combinations possible, along with a Launch Edition version that features a Santorini Blue Dipped interior with embossed headrest logos and a waterfall badge interior plaque.

Beyond the Look

Of course, the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X aren't just appearance packages. For starters, there's the new 6.7L LS6 V8 engine producing 535 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque. Opt for the Grand Sport X and the electric-assisted cranks that bump it up to 721 hp, further aided by all-wheel drive. It's no ZR1X, but there's still plenty of shove available for both.

Think of the new Grand Sport and Grand Sport X as previews of sorts for the next-gen 'Vette. The new powertrains will likely be further developed for the C9 model and might even deliver more power by the time that model arrives. While it's a little too early to celebrate the C8's last hurrah, we're pleased that the Grand Sport has returned nonetheless.

View the full article