[VIDEO] C8 Grand Sport X with AWD to Replace Eray!?

Earlier in the week I finally shared my working theory that Chevrolet could be rebranding the Corvette E-Ray as the Grand Sport X. That move would bring a realignment to the C8 Corvette lineup by mirroring the high-horsepower offerings of the ZR1 and ZR1X. It seems that this idea has some support out there, and it’s especially nice to the E-Ray community seemingly in favor of it as well.

When you think about the positive aspects of this rebranding, it really makes total sense that Chevrolet would do this. The family of C8 Corvettes would be stronger and unified under a consistent naming strategy, and it puts the focus on back on each model’s strengths:

• Corvette Stingray: Entry level, but a strong performer with the Z51 Performance Package. For most casual owners, this is the only Corvette you will ever need.
• Corvette Grand Sport and Grand Sport X: Upgraded widebody design with the new 409ci V8 engine. The Grand Sport will be the perfect GT Cruiser that’s great for extended road trips and daily-driver use. The X model adds all-wheel drive for stability and extended driving in all kinds of weather.
• Corvette Z06: The track-focused Corvette with the 5.5L flat-plane crank V8 that can rev to 8600 RPM. The selling proposition for the Z06 has always been the high revving engine with its unique soundtrack.
• Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X: The King of the Hill and it’s the C8 Corvette that can do anything. Built for track or street, it’s the fastest and highest level of performance of all Corvettes in the lineup, and the X model gives drivers even more control with the eAWD system.

Our friend Mike from the Brink of Speed YouTube channel was previously an E-Ray owner and I think we made him a believer in this as well. In his latest video, he dives into the benefits of rebranding the Corvette E-Ray as the Grand Sport X. It’s a very good recap so give it a watch and then comment below.

From Brink of Speed via YouTube:

In this video, I break down the theory that GM may restructure the Corvette lineup by introducing a C8 Grand Sport powered by a brand-new 6.7L LS6 V8, producing somewhere around 530–550 horsepower. But here’s where things get really interesting…

If Chevrolet pairs that engine with the E-Ray’s front electric motor (160hp), we could see a Grand Sport X making 690–710 horsepower with AWD. That would technically surpass the 670hp C8 Z06, while still fitting a completely different role in the Corvette lineup.

As a C8 E-Ray owner, I’ve been saying for years that hybrid Corvettes are the future of Corvette performance, and the existence of the ZR1X may be proving that idea right.

Could Chevrolet rename the E-Ray and turn it into a Grand Sport X AWD hybrid? Or is this just another Corvette rumor?

I’d also like to thank our friend Rick ‘Corvette’ Conti for his discussion of the E-Ray vs Grand Sport X, so give that a watch if you want the perspective from Chevrolet sales rep.

Source:
Brink of Speed / YouTube

Related:
Is Chevrolet ‘X-ing’ the Corvette E-Ray?
[SPIED] Is this the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport Filming for its Reveal Video?
Another GM Parts Book Leak Confirms Grand Sport Specific RPO Codes

Subscribe Now: