The track-focused 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport has been revealed with a new 6.7-litre LS6 V8 – the largest-displacement engine to be used in the current C8 generation – alongside the Grand Sport X hybrid, which replaces the E-Ray.
As reported in December, when the larger engine was spotted in a General Motors parts catalogue, the Corvette Grand Sport will debut the sixth-generation aluminium V8 in a production model.
Production is set to start mid-2026 in the US, with the new engine also replacing the 6.2-litre LT2 V8 used in current versions of the Corvette Stingray sold here, becoming the ‘primary’ engine for the iconic sports car.
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“At this time, we have no announcements to make on future models for the ANZ region,” said a GM Australia spokesperson.
“The Grand Sport model has historically acted as a high-volume player in the Corvette lineup,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet, in a statement.
“We expect the Stingray and Grand Sport lineup combined to account for the vast majority of Corvette sales.”
GM’s announcement touted the Grand Sport as “a true driver’s Corvette”, with its naturally aspirated V8 and rear-wheel drive.
The new 6.7-litre (409 cubic-inch or 6702cc) LS6 V8 produces 393kW and 705Nm – the most torque of any naturally aspirated Corvette V8 yet – out-punching the 369kW and 637Nm from the current 6.2-litre in the Stingray.
Key technical highlights of the LS6 include a 13.0:1 compression ratio – the highest of any Corvette – a larger 95mm throttle body, a tunnel-ram intake with high-velocity ports, direct and port fuel injection, as well as forged pistons and conrods.
There’s also a redesigned exhaust manifold, while an optional centre exhaust outlet is available for the first time in a pushrod V8-powered C8 Corvette.
The LS6’s output – managed by an electronic control unit (ECU) said to be 44 times faster – is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Chevrolet says the changes also bring a more linear torque curve for smoother power delivery and improved throttle response.
“There is no replacement for displacement! Our next generation LS6 engine pushes 409 cubic inches of jackhammer fury through the tailpipes,” said Mike Kociba, assistant chief engineer, Next Generation V8, in a statement.
“Combining large displacement, modern technology, and proven small block V8 heritage will deliver a bold new chapter in performance.”
With a classic striped livery harking back to earlier Grand Sport models, and available in a range of colours, the Grand Sport rides on Pearl Nickel 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tyres.
Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) magnetorheological dampers and Touring suspension are standard, while an optional Z52 Performance Package brings a stiffer tune and upgraded ‘J56’ brakes from the Corvette Z06.
The Z52 Track Performance Package goes further, adding carbon-ceramic ‘J57’ brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres and track-focused chassis tuning, along with a carbon-fibre splitter, dive planes, side skirts, rear wing and underbody strakes.
The Grand Sport X replaces the Corvette E-Ray already on sale in Australia, with the ‘X’ denoting all-wheel drive.
It produces even more power than the E-Ray, pairing a front-axle electric motor with the new 6.7-litre V8 for a combined 538kW, up from the E-Ray’s 488kW. The hybrid supercar also features standard carbon-ceramic brakes.
The Grand Sport lineup for 2027 will include a limited-run launch edition, with a Santorini Blue-Dipped interior treatment, custom stitching and embossed headrests with a top-down view of the Grand Sport, among other details.
In addition to the new V8, the entry-level Stingray will benefit from retuned MRC, while the optional Z51 Performance Package brings a shorter 5.56 final drive, new Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres and revised aerodynamic bodywork. A centre exhaust will be available on the Stingray for the first time.
The current C8 Corvette entered production in 2020, initially only in Stingray guise. In typical Corvette fashion, the lineup has been progressively fleshed out.
First came the Z06 with its naturally aspirated 5.5-litre flat-plane crank double overhead cam V8, followed by the 6.2-litre all-wheel drive V8 hybrid E-Ray, and the ZR1 which uses a twin-turbo version of the Z06’s V8.
Finally, the ZR1X – the first time this name has been used – takes the ZR1’s powertrain but adds an electric motor and all-wheel drive system like the E-Ray for a total system output of 932kW, the most power yet of any Corvette.
Only the Stingray, Z06 and E-Ray are currently offered in Australia. They’re all built in right-hand drive at the same Bowling Green, Kentucky plant in the US that produces left-hand drive Corvettes.