The 2010 Chevrolet Grand Sport is not a special low-volume model, although it could be a street racer. Available in roadster and coupe body styles with removable roof, with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, it’s essentially a Z06 in body and suspension, minus the aluminum frame.
The new 2010 Chevy Grand Sports fills the gap (for just $ 5-6K premiums above base MSRP) between most Spartan Vettes and the Z06 and even the most expensive ZRI. Chevrolet expects them to account for nearly half of 2010 Corvette sales, and given their punchy looks and outstanding performance value, we see no reason to doubt that prediction.
Purists complain that Corvette V-8s (like Chrysler’s HEMI V-8s), with their single camshaft located deep in the center of their blocks that drive overhead valves via pushrods and rocker arms, they are inefficient “old technology” compared to other modern engines with mounted camshafts. above their heads. However, the many advantages of block cam construction, including lower cost and complexity, lower weight and center of gravity, easier construction and serviceability, and a smaller overall size for a given displacement, deliver truly reliable performance. notable for the money. Few complain about the prodigious power and torque of this non-turbocharged 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 and the surprising fuel efficiency (16/26 mpg EPA city / highway) at the fairly affordable price of the Corvette. And if the standard 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque isn’t enough, an optional two-mode exhaust system raises those impressive numbers to 436 and 428.
Surprisingly (for the price), the LS3 engines in Grand Sports six-speed manual are hand-built alongside the Z06 and ZR1 V-8s at GM’s Wixom, MI Special Engine Build Facility and feature dry sump lubrication. similar to a racer with a remote oil reservoir to avoid oil starvation during long sharp corners, plus a differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery. Also standard with the six-speed manual transmission is an excellent launch control system that modulates full throttle torque 100 times per second to maximize available traction. The driver can simply step on the accelerator and step on the clutch for consistent four-second 0-60 throws.
Grand Sport Corvettes roll on large high-performance tires (275 / 35ZR18 front, 325 / 30ZR19 rear) on exclusive alloy wheels with Z06 size brakes: 14-inch front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4 rear rotors inches with four piston calipers. A step above standard Corvettes in performance (thanks to more insistent gearing) and especially in dynamics, they are civilized on the road but fiercely capable on the track. You could comfortably drive one to work every day and hit it on a race track every weekend.
We tested manual and automatic coupes and convertibles on local roads and highways, then brutalized manual shift coupes at GM’s high-speed development track in Milford, MI, and found a lot we love and little we don’t like. On the weather-cracked Michigan roads, his ride was controlled but comfortable and compliant. On the track, its handling and stability were almost impressive in the Z06. Acceleration was strong from any speed, braking was consistently powerful and stable, and steering was crisp and precise. Uphill and downhill, through hairpins, fast sweepers, and tight and tricky eses (with standard stability control on), they took a slight series of tail out of each turn, then plunged and darted into the next.
There is now a well-defined hierarchy within Chevy’s 2010 Corvette lineup, starting with the base coupe at $ 49,880 MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) and working up to the standard convertible at $ 54,530, the Grand Sport coupe at $ 55,720 and the sports Grand Convertible at $ 59,530 before jumping into the $ 75K Z06. All 2010 Corvettes are standard on keyless access, stability control, side airbags, OnStar with Turn-by-Turn navigation, AM / FM / CD radio with steering wheel controls, launch control (with manual transmission) and shift paddles on the steering wheel with automatic option.
Two available interior packages fill the gap between the standard trim and the sleek leather-wrapped cabin, and a Heritage package adds those stripes to the front fender and two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. Additional top options include DVD navigation with voice recognition, Bose premium audio with XM satellite radio, and a six-disc CD changer.