Autoblog

From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica

Drew Phillips — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Chevrolet

Superformance 1963 Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite its relatively short list of on-track achievements, the original 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is arguably Chevrolet's most iconic racecar. Built to compete with the likewise-iconic Cobra, the Grand Sport dominated the Shelby when the two went head-to-head, but the program was axed by General Motors before it would make a significant impact on motorsports. Still, the five chassis have become coveted collector cars and command prices into the multi-millions of dollars.

While the privilege of owning an original Corvette Grand Sport is limited to just a fortunate few, Superformance is now offering the next best thing. The SoCal-based company is perhaps best known for their Cobra and GT40 replicas, but a new licensing agreement with GM has opened doors to produce a Corvette Grand Sport model that will be available as either a coupe or convertible. Customers will also have the option of a street or race version (pictured).

As with their GT40, Superformance have gone to great lengths to insure that the Grand Sport is as identical to the original as possible. They even acquired the original blueprints and molds to one of the original race cars to produce accurate components. Powertrain options will be nearly endless, as the engine bay has been designed to accept most of the GM Performance Parts crate engines. Hit the jump for the official press release from Superformance, or check out the high-res gallery of the Superformance Grand Sport race car below.

Gallery: Superformance Corvette Grand Sport

[Source: Superformance]

Continue reading From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica

From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevy previews its Camaro-heavy 2009 SEMA line up

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Chevrolet

Chevrolet vehicles SEMA preview -- Click above to watch video

The Chevy Camaro was SEMA's poster boy last year, but there were precious few of them on the ground once the doors opened. This year it looks like that won't be the case. The Bowtie will be presenting its own take on some of its cars, and in a little preview of the action it looks like there'll be at least a Corvette Grand Sport and few Camaros with lots of shiny bits -- including one with a glossy lime paint job and pinstripes. Gotta love SEMA... Follow the jump to see the preview.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevy previews its Camaro-heavy 2009 SEMA line up

VIDEO: Chevy previews its Camaro-heavy 2009 SEMA line up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet, Reviews

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Ford has been introducing a countless string of Mustangs that appeal to nearly every enthusiast on the planet, Chevrolet has had to make due with only three versions of the Corvette (five if you count both coupes and convertibles). Well, for 2010, Chevrolet is adding a new model to the mix, the Corvette Grand Sport. Bridging the gap between the base Corvette and the track-focused Z06, the Grand Sport - unlike the aluminum chassis Z06 and ZR1 - is available in both coupe and convertible form, giving 'Vette lovers another way to enjoy motoring al fresco.

After spending a few hours at General Motors' Milford Proving Grounds wringing out the GS on track back in August, we finally managed to snag some significant street time in a Crystal Red Grand Sport convertible. Lo and behold, when we looked inside we found a manual transmission, meaning this particular Grand Sport is packing the new-for-2010 launch control system. So now it's time to find out if this newest 'Vette variant is as livable on the road as it is fun on the track.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible

Continue reading Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, First Drive

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Going into the 2010 model year, the Corvette lineup is growing to four models with the revival of the Grand Sport nameplate that slots in between the base and Z06 models. This is the third iteration of the Grand Sport, the first being a run of just five race-ready cars built by original Vette chief engineer Zora Arkus Duntov. The second batch was a run of 1,000 cars built in 1996 to close out the C4 generation. This time around, the Grand Sport is a regular production model and General Motors promises to make as many examples as customers demand.

The first customer bound production examples should be arriving at dealers this week, and the Corvette crew invited Autoblog out to the Milford Proving Ground for a tasting session. Thankfully, when Corvettes and Milford mix, that usually means a visit to the Milford Road Course (MRC), better known as the "Lutz 'Ring." MRC was completed five years ago at the south end of the company's proving grounds and as you might imagine, it's a suitably wonderful place to evaluate Corvettes. We spent the better part of an hour thrashing the Grand Sport around the MRC and came away impressed with this middle child. Read all about it after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NCM raffling off unique Corvette Grand Sport for 15th anniversary

Chris Shunk — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2010 Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Corvette Museum is celebrating its 15th anniversary in style by raffling off a one of a kind Corvette Grand Sport. The Artic White Vette has a unique yet tasteful black hood treatment with Corvette Racing's Jack mascot painted at the center bulge with a red stripe outline. The NCM has also placed its own seal of approval on the Grand Sport by adding its logo to the car's B-pillar. The Corvette Grand Sport being raffled off also has a six speed manual transmission, dual mode exhaust and a ZR1-sourced rear spoiler.

Participation in the raffle is no cheap feat, as tickets cost a cool $150 each. The Corvette Museum is only raffling off 2,009 tickets, though, giving anyone that ponies up for tickets a relatively good shot at winning. Second prize is $10,000 and third prize is a great consolation win at $5,000. The special edition Vette will be raffled off on September 6 during the museum's 15th Anniversary Celebration.

Gallery: Corvette Grand Sport Raffle Prize

[Source: National Corvette Museum via Corvette Blogger]

NCM raffling off unique Corvette Grand Sport for 15th anniversary originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport shown from all angles

John Neff — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Since Chevrolet announced the return of the Corvette Grand Sport for 2010, we've been given detailed information on what the trim level will include as well as its starting price - $55,720 for the coupe and $59,530 for the convertible. What we haven't been given is a truly good look at the Grand Sport, having to make due with a single profile shot.

Chevy has just released six new images of the GS in both coupe and convertible form that finally show off the exterior changes. Most obvious are the new gills that sit behind the front wheels and vent air from the larger brakes. The Grand Sport also gets that air inlet on the leading edge of its hood from the Z06, as well as the air scoop behind each door and front splitter. Those front and rear fenders are also both wider than what you get on a base Corvette, all in order to accommodate wider tires fitted to Grand Sport-specific wheels. Though the engine remains the same, GS Vettes do get an upgraded suspension and your choice of a manually tranny or six-speed auto.

Replacing the Z51 package, the new Grand Sport really does seem like the perfect compromise between a garden variety Corvette and the harder edged Z06. Check out the rest of our Grand Sport photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport

[Source: GM]

Pics Aplenty: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport shown from all angles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport to start at $55,720?

Chris Shunk — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Specialty

If the introduction of the ZR1 into the Corvette lineup has made the base model look a bit dull, the Grand Sport package more than fills the aesthetic gap between the models. The Grand Sport package includes Stingray-like gills aft of the front wheels, unique rims and Z06 brakes. Unique suspension tuning reportedly nets a 0-60 time that goes from 4.2 seconds on the base coupe to 4.0 seconds in its updated configuration.

Corvette Blogger is reporting what it says is official Grand Sport package pricing, and the bottom line isn't as tough to swallow as some may have envisioned. The Bowtie fanboy site lists Grand Sport pricing at $55,720 for the coupe and $59,530 for the convertible. That's a not-inconsequential $6,205 bump for the coupe and $5,360 for the droptop. The Grand Sport package essentially obviates the need for the $1,695 Z51 package, however, so you're basically looking at $3,500-$4,500 for the retuned suspension, widebody stance, Z06 brakes, improved 0-60 mph times, and aeshetic and exclusivity benefits, which doesn't strike us as a bad deal.

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

REPORT: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport to start at $55,720? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Corvette Grand Sport launch control tested... in dealer lot

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet

Click above to watch the Corvette Grand Sport launch control

The Corvette Grand Sport features a launch control so simple your little sister could use it while she puts on her mascara at the light. It is also blisteringly effective and makes a whole lot of the right noises, as you can see in this video of a demo run in a dealership parking lot. How's that for a test drive? Follow the jump to check it out. (Note: no warranties were voided in the making of this video.)

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Corvette Grand Sport launch control tested... in dealer lot

VIDEO: Corvette Grand Sport launch control tested... in dealer lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charting the changes for Chevrolet's 2010 Corvette, including Grand Sport [w/VIDEOS]

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

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]

Continue reading Charting the changes for Chevrolet's 2010 Corvette, including Grand Sport [w/VIDEOS]

Charting the changes for Chevrolet's 2010 Corvette, including Grand Sport [w/VIDEOS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Corvette Grand Sport returns for 2010!

John Neff — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Specialty

2010 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport - Click above to enlarge

Chevy is bringing back the Corvette Grand Sport, and unlike the one offered at the end of the C4's run in the mid-Nineties, this one sports a long list of performance upgrades that would make even Zora Arkus-Duntov proud. Rather than treating this revival as a special model with a limited run, Chevy has decided to ditch the Z51 package entirely and offer the Grand Sport that pushes the standard Vette's performance even closer to that of the Z06.

While the 430-hp (436-hp with the two-mode exhaust) LS3 V8 remains unchanged, wider front and rear fenders allow for 18- (front) and 19-inch (rear) wheels that are also wider than before. Larger brakes are included and the special suspension tuning is now even closer to that of the Z06. You'll also notice other Z06 elements like the front splitter, rear spoiler and functional brake ducts behind the doors. Unlike the Z06, you can order a Grand Sport with a manual transmission or the Vette's six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. If you're a true track hound, though, go with the manual that also comes with a dry-sump oil system, differential cooler and rear-mounted battery.

Though available as a convertible, coupe models also feature a removable roof. The Grand Sport can also be had in all four Corvette trim levels (1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT) and any standard Corvette color, and a special heritage package gives a nod to the past by adding a pair of hash marks to the front fenders. The new Grand Sport is being announced at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky as we speak and pricing has yet to be announced, so stay tuned.

[Source: Chevy]

Continue reading Chevy Corvette Grand Sport returns for 2010!

Chevy Corvette Grand Sport returns for 2010! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Corvette Grand Sport returning to Chevrolet for 2010?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Chevrolet, Rumormill

1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

It may be hard to imagine now, but there was a time when General Motors considered spinning Chevrolet's Corvette line off into its own separate division. The flagship supercar always had a distinct identity from the rest of Bowtie's model line - heck, overseas, 'Vettes aren't even sold at Chevy dealerships, they're sold with Cadillac. But while The General is trying to trim divisions down to a manageable level, now would seem like a less-than-ideal time to separate the Corvette range from Chevrolet, despite reports that yet another 'Vette derivative may on the way.

In addition to the base Corvette coupe, the convertible, track-focused Z06 and supercar-beating ZR1 (along with various limited-edition models), reports now suggest that a new Grand Sport model is on its way. Little is known in the way of details, but speculation suggests that it'd be a standard 'Vette with a wider body like the Z06 or ZR1 and some extra package additions. The trim level are reportedly set to be available in both coupe and convertible body-styles, but perhaps the real question is whether the asymettrical fender hash marks will return...

[Source: Corvette Action Center]

Rumormill: Corvette Grand Sport returning to Chevrolet for 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 RM Auction, Scottsdale: 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Sold for $1.3 MIL

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 14:48:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions

1967 Shelby 427 S/C Cobra Roadster - Lot 254

Here's another gem from RM. One of Only 30 S/C (Semi-Competition) Cobras built, this ex-John Mozart Collection car was another childhood dream car visited for us. Aside from the rare supercharged specials, the S/C was the fastest Cobra around. After getting spanked by Chevy's new Corvette Grand Sport in Nassau (at Speed Week in 1963) Shelby decided they needed a big block in the Cobra. The NASCAR teams made it tough on Ol' Shel and so the iron 427 was used instead of the aluminum motor Ford had been developing for racing. The chassis had to be completely reworked, and widened by 5 inches to handle the extra bulk. These competition cars featured the wider bodies to cover the huge wheels and tires, an oil cooler, side exhaust, external fuel filler, front jacking points, roll bar, and a special 42-gallon fuel tank.

Unfortunately, the FIA inspectors who showed up on April 29th, 1965, saw only 51 finished cars and denied Shelby homologation approval. Shelby cancelled the remainder of the order with AC, who went back to building street cars. Then the FIA decided to add a new class called "Competition GT." Only 50 production versions were needed to qualify. Of the 53 competition cars Shelby had received, 16 were sold to private teams, the first two were used as prototypes, and one went to Ford Engineering. The other 30 cars ended up sitting outside Shelby's L.A. warehouse until one bright soul thought to shift them as street cars. And that's how the 427 S/C was born.

This super clean, fully documented car went for $1,300,000.

[Source: RM Auctions]

Gallery: 2007 RM Auction, Scottsdale: 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C

2007 RM Auction, Scottsdale: 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Sold for $1.3 MIL originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Jan 2007 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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