Charting the changes for Chevrolet's 2010 Corvette, including Grand Sport [w/VIDEOS]
During the annual C5/C6 Bash at the Corvette's Bowling Green Assembly Plant, numerous changes were outlined for the 2010 'Vette line. In addition to the Grand Sport and its scorching performance, the notable changes include, among other things, launch control as standard on all manual transmission models, Performance Traction Management on the ZR1, being able to order any Corvette in any color, and a cashmere interior package available on the Z06 and ZR1.
The event also featured presentations on the Grand Sport's technical aspects and the launch control, both of which you can view videos of after the jump. The launch control is practically brainless: put your Vette in competitive mode, depress the clutch, put the throttle pedal to the floor and it will hold a predetermined RPM depending on your particular engine. Then when you pop the clutch, it will monitor torque at 100 times per second to provide the best traction. All without voiding your warranty. Follow the jump to see the videos.
[Source: Corvette Blogger]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Andrew 11:46AM (4/28/2009)
"If you use it all I can say is your warranty will not be voided"
Haha, love it, nice jab.
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John P. 11:57AM (4/28/2009)
yeah, loved that little gem. LOL
Chris 9:50PM (4/29/2009)
Love it. The Corvette is pretty much all that's good at GM that will survive it seems (if GM survives, that is).
Jeff Johnson 11:47AM (4/28/2009)
While the GS looks good - I vote thumbs down on it. Why? What GM has done is robbed the parts bin of their Z06 line and slapped it on their base models. This is the "all show and no go" version since it's an obvious rip off of the Z06. As the owner of an 08 Z06, i feel like Ive been slapped in the face. Buying into a brand and image of the Z06 as a track ready monster (it really is), and then having ALL of its identifying features ripped off and sold down the river.
What is next? the GZ-1? a direct ripoff of the ZR1 but for people who don't want to pay the required price of entry? I wouldn't be nearly as pissed if they had left a few of the visual cues to the Z06, say the front scoop and side vents.
I love my Corvette Z06 it's the best car I've ever owned - but tell me GM, why should I ever consider coming back to you guys, give you another $70-80K to purchase one of your top tier products if all you are going to do is rip it off and sell it off cheaper to everyone after me?
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Jsams4131 11:52AM (4/28/2009)
It's all about the Benjamins....baby
el dorko 11:57AM (4/28/2009)
the germans have mastered this practice. m-sport kits for regular models, s-line, amg package for non amg cars.....get over it.
Rainy99 11:58AM (4/28/2009)
I guess you must have been really pissed too, when they ripped off the ZR-1 back in the 90's for the rest of the model line up. This isn't new for GM to do, ya know.
I was worried they were going to slap two vinyl stripes and call it good. At least there is a performance package associated with it.
Eddy Alvarez 12:01PM (4/28/2009)
i'm upset about it too. i'm an 08 Z owner. should have been wide body rear and no hood scoop up front.
Dude 12:02PM (4/28/2009)
Can you really call a base Corvette "all show and no go"? I know what you are saying, but the term loses its punch somewhere around 250hp.
Now the Ford Probe SE. That was all show and no go.
FousString85 12:12PM (4/28/2009)
I see what you're saying, but I think they were obviously very careful not to tread too close to the ZO6 performance. It's still has significantly less power, it's heavier, and won't ever out perform a ZO6.
I think this car bridges the gap between the base Vette and the ZO6 nicely. I know they say the C7 is on hold so I definitely won't mind them just tweaking and perfecting the C6
Nick Vrana 12:13PM (4/28/2009)
Here's the main reason I see for this car. The LS7 has relatively thin walls and is not good to be built with any kind of boost, so those going big power (700hp+) can't really start with a Z06. The LS3 is a monster with a few PSI behind it, so a lot of guys were buying Z51 cars, building them with twin turbos or superchargers, and then putting the Z06 widebody on them so they could fit larger tires with more traction. The Gransport seems like a good way to sell to those planning on going big power the car they actually want while saving the buyer money.
Precocious3 12:18PM (4/28/2009)
All show and no go??? You're mistaken. While I understand your frustration, and I respect that, the GS will be a much better performer than the current Z51 package.
As of now, the new 436 hp LS3 has posted 1/4 mile times under 12 seconds ... that's no slouch my friend. The new GS with launch control and suspension enhancements closer to the Z06 will certainly guarantee sub 12 second runs, as well as sub 3 second 0 - 60 times given enough practice.
The front fender GS stripes should be standard and the Z06 front end should be axed. I like the wider stance and brake cooling ducts ... that is required. This will be a $55K or $60K dollar car, so it won't be cheap by any means.
This car will pull 1.0 G in the corner, compared to the Z06 pulling 1.06. But you're right ... they robbed the Z06 parts bin, and I think they did this for a reason. GM is struggling and they could be preparing to phase out the Z06 for the C7. They brought back the ZR1 and now the Grand Sport. Both have been around since the C3. Personally, I think that would be a wise choice with their current struggle. The new GS will take sales from the Z06, and it will no longer have a purpose come the next C7.
However, I love the Z06 ... it's just a brutal car and that's why I think the name should stick around, but only for special orders. Here is what I propose for the next generation: make the Grand Sport an actual trim level, not just a package for the base vette. So we will have the base model, Grand Sport, and ZR1. What could be done is GM could essentially take the current Z06 frame and everything else (minus the LS7) and call it Grand Sport. In turn, make the Z06 the performance package that people want. Standard would be the LS3, but the Z06 package would add the LS7 and a bunch of carbon fiber to reduce weight as well. This would give the Z06 its exclusivity back and restore the name.
That's what I would do, because there is no doubt that the GS will become the most popular Corvette model .. it has to. 11 second performance for under $60K .. I'll take one, please.
Taglane 12:35PM (4/28/2009)
I'm sure people like you complained when BMW came out with the M aero Package, and Benz came out with the AMG appearance package. Because it was like a 'slap in the face' to the actual AMG and M owners.
Am I right?
Take a Midol and get over it. It's just another way for GM to rake in cash. And they did it quite well, I might add.
naggs 5:24PM (4/28/2009)
how can it be all show if all the parts swapped over are functional?
oil cooler and dry sump = bling?
ultimatemxcn 12:00PM (4/28/2009)
Those wheels are again horrible..... Whoever is the corvette wheel designer needs to get fired..... ASAP.
I rather have the original 5 spoke wheels that first came out with the c6 than these tacky ones.
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Dude 12:03PM (4/28/2009)
I think they rock! To each their own I guess.
ExqeezeMe! 2:36PM (4/28/2009)
Are you kidding me? Those wheels are sick!
mcampasini 3:07PM (4/28/2009)
as soon as saw those wheels i was like sweeeet!
HotRodzNKustoms 12:23PM (4/28/2009)
The Grand Sport Convertible is truly my perfect Corvette! Now if only I had the money and parking space for another car...
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Mr. X 1:08PM (4/28/2009)
These Z06 guys crack me up! Waah, my car is devalued now because of the GS, waah! My goodness talk about low self esteem.
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