Corvette Chief Engineer Josh Holder Says Grand Sport Completes the C8 Corvette Lineup

Apr 6, 2026

5462

Corvette Chief Engineer Josh Holder Says Grand Sport Completes the C8 Corvette Lineup

The arrival of the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport and Grand Sport X also comes with the admission from those on the Corvette Team that the C8 Corvette lineup is now complete.

Although not surprising, it’s still a somewhat bittersweet to think that the first generation of mid-engine Corvettes could soon be coming to an end. When that will be though is still up for debate.

Vehicle Corvette Chief Engineer Josh Holder recently appeared on The GAS podcast where he confirmed the Grand Sport as the final variant of the C8 generation:

“It’s hard to say we’re ever done, we’re never done, we’re always tweaking and improving things, but as far as a model lineup, the Grand Sport is going to round out the eighth generation of Corvette, for sure.”

Our internal clock on when the C8 generation comes to an end has always focused on the 2028 model year being the swan song, which is also the 75th Anniversary for the Corvette. However, recent comments and some other indicators suggest that GM may want to squeeze every last drop of sales possible out of the C8 lineup, which is where the new engine refresh for the Stingray and Grand Sport/GSX really come into play.

During both the C6 and C7 generations, the Grand Sport arrived as the final model for each and then stuck around for three to four years before the next generation was announced. During those periods, the Grand Sport was among Corvette’s top sellers. Applying the same timelines to C8 would target either 2029 or 2030 for when the model would end.

Josh acknowledges that Grand Sport’s debut later in the C8 line up was intentional as they “strategize how cars are going to do in the marketplace and when its time to refresh a generation of Corvettes, so you can expect the same formula.”

Holder says he won’t go into the when the next generation of cars are going to come out, and stated “We are always working on the next Corvette.”

Source:
The Gas Podcast via American Cars and Racing

Subscribe Now:

7 COMMENTS

IPD Apr 6, 2026 At 2:44 pm

GM is simply going to look at when quarterly numbers start flagging–without being caused by media hype for what’s coming next–and that will be their trigger to drop the next gen.

I still think 2028 is the last MY. They could run an extended year and not even start production until January 2029 for the 2029 C9 MY. What I can virtually guarantee is that 2028 and 2033 are 100% NOT going to be the debut years for C9. I’d bet against 2032 as well. And at some point, GM will have to debut it’s new F/R performance platform–that will support the CT5 and Camaro.

If we factor that into account, it is highly unlikely GM will debut their new F/R platform in a production car–and the C9–in the same MY. There was 8 years between 4th and 5th gen Camaro. 8 years from the end of 6th gen Camaro would be 2032. That will also be 6 years from the CT5 end of production.

So it’s pretty solid that we’re in the 2029-2031 timeframe. Possibly changing timeframes based on sales feedback.
67 C2 Steve Apr 6, 2026 At 5:16 pm

Who is kidding who? Call it whatever GM Brass wants to call it there will be another C8 big release and it will be RPO ZORA period end of story it will be an option on the Grand Sport or ZR1
Raylan Benzl Apr 6, 2026 At 8:27 pm

It is very important that GM, continues to dispel rumors and keep the Corvette community informed and updated. (Special thanks, Mr. Josh Holder, Corvette Chief Engineer). Thanks, Ray
Terry Apr 7, 2026 At 1:31 am

Surprised that the anticipated “Zora” became an option labeled as “X”. Had hoped for something distinctive. Maybe the name is something for some years from now with C9. Certainly would not work as a tribute to the man as something largely electric.
IPD Apr 8, 2026 At 8:10 am

@Rylan

GM needs to dispel rumors and communicate clearly–because they’ve flubbed it with the C8 more times than I can count on 1 hand. The ER wouldn’t have to die to atone for their sins–if they were doing a good job.

@Terry

They should have called it the “ZRA” or “ZR-A” instead of ZR1X. But GM flubbed it, and now has created a standard where AWD is buried behind a silly “X”, just like BMW.

Quite honestly, the best thing GM should do now…is discontinue all AWD Corvettes. Make Corvette only RWD from here on. AWD variants should only be sold by Cadillac. They should also feature distinct bodywork and interiors/amenities befitting a Cadillac.
Raylan Benzl Apr 8, 2026 At 1:32 pm

Automakers sometimes kill models that compete with their own lineup aggressively. If two vehicles serve a similar purpose within the same segment, one often gets axed quickly. Brands consolidate offerings to streamline production and maximize overall profits efficiently. The weaker seller inevitable disappears due to lower demand, poor marketing, lackluster appeal, and internal struggle.
Across the 25,835 Corvettes built in the 2025 model year including preproduction units, the E-Ray make up 12% with 3,153 vehicles, according to the National Corvette Museum. Thanks, Ray
IPD Apr 9, 2026 At 9:05 am

Ray, the 2025 ER is hardly a litmus test; and the entire ER run was maligned from the start.

GM isn’t killing off the ER because it fills a “similar niche” to some other car. They’re killing it off and rebranding with GSX because the LS6 and the V2.0 motor gives them justification to do so. And a rebrand was virtually necessary after flubbing the marketing on the ER so biblically.

If GM had come out of the gate with simply advertising the ER as “A V8 Stingray, with the addition of F1-style hybrid AWD”–it would have sold like hotcakes.

Instead, they went with “The Corvette: Electrified”, which immediately turned off would-be buyers who thought it was an EV. Fire the marketing team who took tips from Bud Light and Cracker Barrel.