C7 Corvette Grand Sport: Complete Buyer’s Guide (2017–2019)

TL;DR: The seventh-generation Corvette Grand Sport is the “Goldilocks” C7: 460 hp from the LT1 V8 like the Stingray, but widebody aero, bigger brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, and chassis tuning borrowed from the Z06 playbook—without the supercharger heat or tire bill. On the used market it remains one of the sharpest track-day Corvettes you can buy with a manual option.

Why the Grand Sport badge matters

The Grand Sport name goes back to the early 1960s, when Corvette legend Zora Arkus-Duntov pushed a lightweight, race-oriented C2 program. Only a handful of original C2 Grand Sports were built before GM’s racing policies changed, which is why those cars are museum-grade history today.

Chevrolet revived the name for limited C4 and C6 models before bringing it back in force for 2017 on the C7 platform. The C7 Grand Sport was positioned between the Stingray and the supercharged Z06: more grip and braking than a base car, but still naturally aspirated and (for many drivers) easier to use on the street than a 650 hp Z06.

What makes the C7 Grand Sport different from a Stingray?

Powertrain: LT1, not LT4

The C7 Grand Sport uses the same 6.2L LT1 V8 as the Stingray, with output in the 460 hp / 465 lb-ft class (exact ratings depend on model year and exhaust). There is no supercharger like the Z06’s LT4. That means less peak power—but also less heat soak on track days for amateur drivers, and often lower insurance and maintenance complexity than a forced-induction car.

Chassis and aero: Z06 flavor, Stingray heart

From the factory, the Grand Sport combined Stingray power with Z06-derived hardware in key areas:

Chevrolet also offered an optional Z07 Performance Package on the Grand Sport that added even more track focus—think carbon-ceramic brakes, stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and carbon fiber aero elements depending on configuration. If you are shopping used, verify build codes and window stickers: not every car on a dealer lot was ordered with Z07.

Transmissions

The C7 era was the last time you could pair a modern widebody Corvette with a 7-speed manual (with rev match) or an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. For collectors and purists, manual Grand Sports often command a premium—especially low-mile, well-documented examples.

Real-world performance: what to expect

Published figures vary by tire, surface, and options, but in broad terms the Grand Sport is a sub-4-second 0–60 mph car in skilled hands with launch control and grip. Cornering improves dramatically versus a narrow-body Stingray thanks to tire width and suspension tuning; with Cup 2 rubber and Z07 aero, lateral grip can approach supercar territory for the era.

Important: factory numbers are not a promise of what your used car will do today. Rubber ages, alignments drift, and brake fluid boils if neglected. Budget for fresh tires, brake fluid flush, and a corner balance if the previous owner tracked it hard.

Trim, packages, and the Collector’s Edition

Chevrolet offered coupe and convertible Grand Sports across the C7 run. Special editions appeared as well—most famously a Collector’s Edition treatment with unique colors and graphics (often discussed in registry and enthusiast communities). If you are buying for collectibility, documentation matters more than a stripe package: build sheet, window sticker, and service history beat a pretty Instagram photo.

Used buying checklist

1. Tires and alignment

Widebody cars chew outer shoulders if alignment is lazy. Check for uneven wear, cord showing, and mismatched brands front to rear.

2. Track history

Track days are not bad—but they demand maintenance. Ask for brake pad/rotor records, fluid change dates, and whether the car ever overheated oil or coolant.

3. Transmission behavior

On automatics, verify clean shifts when hot. On manuals, feel for notchy third or clutch slip under full throttle in a safe, legal setting.

4. Bolt-ons and tunes

Many Grand Sports are modified. A mild cat-back is fine; a sloppy remote tune with no dyno validation is not. Ask for before/after documentation.

5. Paint and aero

Widebody splitters and rockers scrape easily. Look for cracked carbon, repainted front clips, and PDR telltales.

Grand Sport vs Z06: which used C7 should you buy?

Internal links to keep reading

FAQs

How much horsepower does a C7 Grand Sport have?

The production C7 Grand Sport uses the LT1 with 460 hp and 465 lb-ft in Chevrolet’s published specifications for the era (final ratings can vary slightly by year and exhaust).

Is the C7 Grand Sport wider than a Stingray?

Yes. The Grand Sport uses widebody styling and wider wheels/tires similar in concept to the Z06’s footprint, which is a major part of its handling advantage.

Did the C7 Grand Sport offer a manual transmission?

Yes. A 7-speed manual with rev matching was available, alongside an 8-speed automatic.

What is the Z07 package on a Grand Sport?

It is an optional track-focused bundle that typically includes items like carbon-ceramic brakes, Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and carbon aero—exact content can vary by model year; verify the window sticker.

Is a Grand Sport a good first track car?

It can be—especially with fresh fluids, good tires, and brake pads matched to your pace. Start in Novice groups and build skill before chasing lap records.

Last updated for accuracy against widely published Chevrolet and enthusiast sources. Always verify options on the specific vehicle you are purchasing.