Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle: [VIDEO] Introduction and Reveal of the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport

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April 26, 2009

[VIDEO] Introduction and Reveal of the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport

Introduction and Reveal of the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport at the NCM

Team Corvette was on hand at the National Corvette Museum's C5/C6 Bash to fully brief the Corvette faithful on the new 2010 Corvette. Here is the team introducing the new model in the Corvette lineup, the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport.

Corvette Product Marketing Manager Harlan Charles opened the discussion by running through the content of the new Grand Sport and then turned over the mic to Kirk Bennion, Corvette’s Exterior Design Manager who tells us that inspiration for the new vertical side vents comes from an original pencil drawing of the ZR1. Corvette's Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter wraps up the seminar discussion by presenting the technical and performance details of the new model. The video culminates with the live reveal in the Museum's main rotunda to the very enthusiastic crowd.

The new Grand Sport models (Coupes and Convertibles) will fit between the standard coupes and convertibles and the Z06 in the Corvette lineup. The Grand Sport features the standard LS3 engine but uses the wider Z06 size wheels, tires, brakes and chassis.

From a performance standpoint, the Grand Sport has better weight distribution and the wider Z06 tires significantly increase the models 0-60 times. While the base Corvette's 0-60 mph time is 4.3 seconds, the Corvette team thinks the new Grand Sport's time should be at 4.0 seconds but Tadge opened the door to the possibility that it could break the 4 second barrier.

The models effectively replace the Z51 Performance Package by introducing the new Z52 package for the coupe which features the dry sump oil, differential cooler and the same higher gear ratios found on the Z51 package.

A Heritage Package will be offered for owners who want a unique package like the 1996 version that includes the hash mark decals and special embroidery on the seats. The hash marks are available in 4 distinct colors: Black, Gray, Silver and Pearl White.

Pricing wasn't announced for the Grand Sports at the unveiling, but both Tadge and Harlan say Corvette owners will be pleased when pricing is announced in early May.