Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Chevrolet has only made the Grand Sport option available two other times in the Corvette’s history. The original Grand Sport was a track-only special with a 550 hp V8, and the 1996 version was the only Corvette to use the LT4 engine. So our biggest concern when we heard rumors of the return of the Corvette Grand Sport was that Chevrolet was not going to be able to deliver a car that lived up to the historic name.

For the third edition Chevrolet reached into the Corvette part’s bin and pulled out sort of a â€œbest ofâ€ package for the standard Corvette. Even though there is no new engineering on the latest Grand Sport, we are now happy to report that it is still an intriguing option.

The standard 430 hp 6.2-liter V8 is untouched (436 hp with two-mode exhaust). What is added includes the Z51 performance suspension (the GS replaces this option package), wider fenders wells, wider tiers (18-in front, 19-in rear), and larger brakes. It also borrows elements from the Z06 like the front bumper, rear spoiler and rear brake ducts.

The 2010 Grand Sport can be ordered with 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim packages and in four exterior colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. It can be had as a coupe or convertible. Prices for the Corvette GS rage from $54,770 to $62,475.

Press release after the jump.

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 27 January 2010 13:00 EST.