Chevrolet brought the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport to Sebring International Raceway in Florida on Saturday, March 21, giving the public its first real look at the long-rumored sports car. The car did a parade lap at the track alongside four earlier Grand Sport models. After the run, Chevrolet confirmed two things: the Grand Sport is real, and it will have a brand-new V8 engine.
Why This Matters
The Grand Sport has not been in the C8 Corvette lineup before now. Fans have waited years for it to arrive. The new model is expected to sit between the base Stingray and the high-performance Z06, giving buyers a powerful, rear-wheel-drive option at a lower price than the Z06.
What the Car Looks Like
The 2027 Grand Sport arrived in the classic Admiral Blue paint. It had a white racing stripe running down the center and red hash marks on the rear fenders — a nod to old Grand Sport models. The car has a wider body, similar to the Corvette E-Ray. It also had black wheels with red brake calipers and a center-exit exhaust setup. There was no large rear spoiler, which kept the car looking clean and sporty.
A New V8 Engine Is Coming
Chevrolet said the Grand Sport will use the next generation of GM V8 technology. Reports point to a new 6.7-liter V8 engine called the LS6. This engine is expected to make around 535 horsepower. That would make it more powerful than the base Stingray, which makes 495 horsepower. The new engine is larger than the current 6.2-liter LT2 V8. Chevrolet has not confirmed exact power numbers yet.
Racing Legend Roger Penske Was There
Racing icon Roger Penske served as the Grand Marshal for the 74th Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring. The event was also a celebration of the 62nd anniversary of Penske’s win at Sebring in a C2 Corvette Grand Sport. Chevrolet used the occasion to show off the new C8 model.
“It’s incredible to think that 62 years ago, Jim Hall and I drove the Corvette Grand Sport to a class victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring,” Penske said.
Two Grand Sport Models Expected
Reports suggest Chevrolet plans to offer two versions of the Grand Sport for 2027. The first is the standard Grand Sport with the new LS6 V8 and rear-wheel drive. The second is called the Grand Sport X. It is expected to use the same V8 but add a front electric motor and all-wheel drive. This would make it a rebrand of the current Corvette E-Ray. The E-Ray nameplate may go away because some buyers wrongly assume the “E” means the car is fully electric.
Background
The Grand Sport name goes back to 1963, when Chevrolet built only five special-edition race cars for the track. The name has appeared on the C5, C6, and C7 Corvettes. The C8 generation launched in 2020 but never got a Grand Sport — until now. Chevrolet has been tight-lipped about the model for months, but spy shots and dealer meeting leaks gave the story away bit by bit.
What Happens Next
Chevrolet’s full official reveal of the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026. That is when full specs, pricing, and official photos are expected. The new model year begins June 1, 2026. Chevrolet has said it wants to keep the starting price under $100,000.
Leave a Reply