The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport has appeared off and on in the Corvette’s long history with the trim’s most iconic appearance being in the 1990s.

It has been a long time since the Grand Sport has appeared and Chevrolet revealed that the C8 Corvette will be getting a Grand Sport model of its own for 2027 as the Vette prepares to enter a new chapter in performance.

More power is debuting in the Grand Sport

Chevrolet teased the Grand Sport earlier this month (and once again put rumors of a manual to bed,) but the brand used the GS’s return to also confirm it will be bringing more power to the Corvette. This will come in the form of the 6.7 liter LS6 V8 which replaces the outgoing 6.2 liter eight cylinder. While the outgoing motor made 495 hp, this new engine makes 535 hp which beefs up the proverbial floor of performance thanks to numerous upgrades including a reworked throttle body, a new lubrication system, a “tunnel ram intake system” and other upgrades.

The engine is mated to an eight-speed dual clutch automatic and Magnetic Ride Control is standard too. This is certainly an impressive amount of gear but Chevy chose to keep the performance numbers for the Grand Sport close to the vest. Like the range-topping ZR1, the Grand Sport will also get an X model with the X here being used to replace the departing Corvette E-Ray. The GSX keeps the E-Rays front axle mounted 186 hp electric motor but pairs it with the LS6 to produce a combined 721 hp.

This is not only more than what you got with the E-Ray but it also surpasses the Z06 which might help give Chevrolet the motivation to axes that model from the lineup in the near future to help reduce trim glut. Chevy even confirmed buyers can go for an optional center exit exhaust along with the Z52 Performance Package.

A distinct look

With all the performance upgrades the Grand Sport is getting this time around, Chevy didn’t forget about the unique styling that helps these models stand out. While the core look is carried over, the GS retains its trademark dark blue paint with a white graphic on the hood and the distinctive red stripes on the rear fenders. Chevrolet also offers white and black paint as alternate choices, but let’s be honest, the sleek blue is the way to go.

The interior also doesn’t change much from the Stingray when it comes to the core fundamentals, but Chevrolet confirmed it will be offering a special Launch Edition of the Grand Sport which will feature Santorini Blue upholstery and red contrast stitching along with embossed headrests. The steering wheel and the center console of these cars will also get trim exclusive badging and plaques.

When can I buy one?

Chevrolet didn’t reveal pricing or when the Grand Sport will formally begin going to dealerships. That said, we suspect the first units will make their way to dealerships this summer. The Grand Sport is also slated to be a tweener and will slot between the base Stingray and hardcore models like the ZR1.

As such, look for the Grand Sport to start firmly in the $90,000 range which would allow it to be a bridge for buyers looking to upgrade but without going over their budget.