The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport returns for 2027 with a fundamentally different approach to performance. At Atlanta Motorsports Park, Joe Raiti put the new Corvette Grand Sport X through its first drive, examining the car’s new powertrain, all-wheel-drive system, chassis hardware, interior, and pricing. The result is a Corvette that combines traditional small-block V8 character with electrified front-axle traction.
The Grand Sport X is based around the wide-body C8 Corvette architecture, adopting the Z06’s broader stance and adding an electrically driven front axle. Unlike a conventional mechanical all-wheel-drive system, the front wheels are powered by an electric motor, while the rear wheels remain driven by the V8. The system adds approximately 280 pounds to the Corvette, with the convertible weighing around 3,800 pounds.
A New 6.7-Liter LS6 V8
The centerpiece of the Grand Sport X is Chevrolet’s new LS6 V8. Displacing 409 cubic inches, or 6.7 liters, the naturally aspirated small-block uses a 13:1 compression ratio, a 97-mm throttle body, and both port and direct fuel injection. Combined with the electric motor and its 1.9-kWh battery pack, the system produces a claimed 721 horsepower and 665 lb-ft of torque.
That output gives the Grand Sport X substantially more performance than the previous Corvette E-Ray. Chevrolet quotes a 0-to-60-mph time of 2.4 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 10.4 seconds, and an approximately 190-mph top speed.
Power is delivered through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. During the Atlanta Motorsports Park drive, the combination of rear-mounted V8 power and electrically driven front wheels provided strong traction without eliminating the car’s ability to rotate and respond to throttle inputs. Raiti particularly highlighted the linear torque delivery of the LS6 and the additional traction provided by the front motor.
Track-Focused Hardware
The Grand Sport X receives serious braking and chassis hardware to match its power. Forged aluminum wheels measure 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires measuring 275 mm up front and 345 mm at the rear.
Six-piston Brembo calipers and carbon-ceramic brake rotors provide the stopping power. The car also features functional front cooling apertures, a wide rear body, a low-downforce rear spoiler, and a revised quad-tip exhaust system developed specifically for the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X.
During the track session, the carbon-ceramic brakes were particularly notable for their ability to shed speed rapidly, while the front electric motor supplied additional grip through corners. At Atlanta Motorsports Park, the Grand Sport X demonstrated strong traction, balance, and stability under hard acceleration and cornering.
A Premium 3LT Interior
Inside, the test car was configured as a 3LT with extensive Alcantara, leather, carbon-fiber trim, blue contrast stitching, and blue seat belts. Heated and ventilated seats, electrically adjustable seating, a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, USB-C and USB-A connectivity, and a digital rearview mirror add everyday usability.
The driver receives a 12.9-inch infotainment display, a separate 6-inch performance-oriented touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, head-up display, performance data recorder, and multiple drive modes. Paddle shifters control the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while an available front camera and front axle lift add practicality.
Despite its track-oriented hardware, the cabin retains the fundamental usability expected of the C8 Corvette, including both front and rear luggage compartments.
Pricing and Convertible Availability
The 2027 Corvette Grand Sport X starts at $112,000 in coupe configuration. The hardtop convertible carries a starting price of $119,000. The convertible retains the C8’s retractable hardtop architecture, allowing the Grand Sport X to combine open-air driving with the visual proportions of the mid-engine Corvette.
At Atlanta Motorsports Park, the Grand Sport X demonstrated a distinct combination of attributes: a large-displacement naturally aspirated American V8, electric front-axle assistance, sophisticated traction management, and track-focused chassis hardware. Its 721-hp powertrain and 2.4-second claimed 0-to-60-mph time place it firmly in contemporary high-performance territory, while the LS6’s linear power delivery preserves the character traditionally associated with a Chevrolet small-block V8.
Raiti’s first drive ultimately presents the Grand Sport X as a different interpretation of the C8’s performance formula. Instead of relying solely on rear-wheel drive, it uses electrification to add front-end traction while keeping the V8 responsible for the rear axle. At Atlanta Motorsports Park, that configuration translated into strong acceleration, substantial braking performance, and high levels of cornering grip without completely sacrificing the playful throttle response expected from a Corvette.
Source: Raiti’s Rides
