2010 GRAND SPORT INFO

Photo © 2009 General Motors

2010 GRAND SPORT FINAL PRODUCTION NUMBERS...

Yes, the final Corvette production numbers for 2010 are in and the result can be disappointing or enlightening, depending on your point of view. In just reviewing total Corvettes produced, there has been a significant reduction in production levels.

  • 2010 total Corvettes produced: -- 12,194
  • 2009 total Corvettes produced: -- 16,956
  • 2008 total Corvettes produced: -- 35,310
Though this reduction in numbers doesn’t appear good, GM has maintained just producing the amount needed to fulfill customer demand. Now, which of the Corvette models did the best? Clearly the Grand Sport Coupe.
  • Corvette Coupe: -- 3,054 units
  • Corvette Convertibles: -- 1,003 units
  • Grand Sport Coupe: -- 3,707 units
  • Grand Sport Convertibles: -- 2,335 units
  • Z06: -- 518 units
  • ZR1: -- 1,577 units
And as for color preferences, the most popular colors were Black (24%) as well as the two reds: Torch Red (18.4%) and Crystal Red (14.1%).

Now we’ll just have to see how Corvette sales go for 2011!


2010 GRAND SPORT INFORMATION

At long last, Chevy has officially announced the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport! It's one of the most illustrious racing heritage Corvettes and it is returning to the lineup. Chevrolet announced the new, 2010 Corvette Grand Sport on April 24th, 2009, as part of the C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash event at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY.

The new Grand Sport combines the Corvette’s LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers a great balance of road and race track performance. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses and 428 lb-ft.

The Grand Sport replaces the Corvette’s previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models.

Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.

The complete list of content and special features for the Grand Sport includes:
  • Wider front and rear fenders – including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges
  • Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler
  • Functional brake ducts and extra cooling
  • Unique 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels; painted finish standard and chrome finish optional
  • Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear
  • Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers
  • Specific manual transmission gear ratios
  • Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped models
With its special equipment, the Grand Sport offers a unique blend of performance and amenities. Its suspension package approaches that of the Z06, but includes a removable roof on coupes (Z06 has a fixed roof) and, of course, the availability of a convertible body style. Also, the paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission is offered, while a manual transmission is the only choice with the Z06.

All of Corvette’s exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport, and an available Heritage package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. The Grand Sport can be ordered with 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim packages, too.

2010 Grand Sport Coupe pricing starts at $55,720 including DFC. The 2010 Grand Sport Convertible starts at $59,530 including DFC. Doesn't seem like too bad a deal for a wide bodied car with the suspension goodies and the dry sump system on the manual tranny coupe.

And while not available from the factory in '96 Grand Sport paint scheme, how long do you think it will be before some enterprising soul does something like this?



For more info, including additional photos of the 2010 Corvette lineup, full specifications, and the official 2010 Corvette dealer brochure catalog, visit the GSR Members Only Section.

Additional C6 Grand Sport photos may also be found in the publicly accessible GSR Photo Gallery.

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