Corevette Grandsport

2011 Grand Sport

Grand Sport echoes from the formative days of the 1960s when Corvette was cutting its teeth in brutal endurance races such as Les 24 Heures du Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Those learnings applied, today's Grand Sport coupe offers one of the best combinations of all-out performance and efficiency of any sports car. "Like all Corvettes, it has strong grip and excellent midrange power, with the added bonus of the Z06's stunning brakes."

Purposeful design

Corvette provides a premium driving environment with such options of rich leather coverings on the instrument panel upper, door panel uppers, console cover and sport seat surfaces with the available Custom Leather-Wrapper Interior Package on the 4LT trim level. This option also gives you the opportunity to personalize your Corvette with contrasting stitching in Red, Yellow, and Blue.

PERFORMANCE

We take tech transfer seriously

The incredible performance is born from years of racing experience on the world's best-known tracks against the world's best sports cars. Features include:

LS3 Engine

• Dry-sump oil system (coupe with manual transmission only)
• Wide-stance body with flared fenders
• Six-piston front brake calipers and four-piston rears engaging cross-drilled rotors
• Brake cooling ducts
• High rear spoiler

Trim-Specific Features Features to the right may be in addition to, or in place of, features in other trim levels.	1LT	2LT	3LT	4LT
	Leather seating surfaces	Sport bucket seats with adjustable lumbar support, side bolsters and perforated seating surfaces	Head-Up Display	Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package
	Audio system: AM/FM stereo with CD player/MP3 playback and SiriusXM Satellite Radio3 with three trial months	Power passenger seat	Memory Package	Carbon Gunmetal console trim plate
	18-inch front, 19-inch rear Grand Sport painted aluminum wheels	Luggage shade and cargo net	Power telescopic steering column
	Removable roof panel	Bluetooth® wireless technology4 for select phones	Heated seats
	Z52 Performance Package		Universal Home Remote transmitter
	Six-piston front brakes/four-piston rear brakes		Audio system: Bose® AM/FM stereo with CD player/MP3 playback and SiriusXM Satellite Radio3 with one-year subscription
	Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires

Vehicle Key Features	1LT	2LT	3LT	4LT
6.2 Liter 430-hp LS3 V8 engine	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Silver painted Grand Sport five-spoke aluminum wheels	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Flared fenders with front air inlet and rear brake cooling inlets	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Six-piston front brakes and four-piston rear brakes	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Z52 Performance Package including dry-sump oil system and differential cooler	Standard with manual transmission	Standard with manual transmission	Standard with manual transmission	Standard with manual transmission
OnStar®(3) with the Directions & Connections® Plan for the first six months	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
SiriusXM Satellite Radio3 with three trial months	Standard	Standard	Standard (with one-year subscription)	Standard (with one-year subscription)
Front and side-impact air bags6	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard

Corvette ZR1

638 hp/205 mph on the test track

ZR1 is powered by a 6.2 Liter LS9 aluminum block V8 equipped with a four-lobe Eaton Twin Vortices Series supercharger with intercooler. It delivers a whopping 638 hp at 6500 rpm and 604 lb. ft. of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine employs lightweight titanium intake valves and connecting rods and contains a high-performance dry-sump oil system, which distributes pressurized oil from an external reservoir to protect vital components under high-g driving conditions.

Trim-Specific Features Please note: Features to the right may be in addition to or in place of features on other trims.	1ZR	3ZR
	6.2L LS9 638-hp supercharged V8 engine	Audio system: Bose®AM/FM stereo with navigation system(7), CD player/MP3 playback, SiriusXM Satellite Radio(4) with one-year trial
	Aluminum frame with fixed-roof structure	Sport seats with perforated seating surfaces and adjustable lumbar support and side bolsters
	Visible carbon-fiber roof, rockers, splitter and painted carbon fiber	Heated seats
	Brembo® carbon-ceramic brakes	Power passenger seat
	Head-Up Display	Power telescoping steering column
	Steering wheel audio controls	Bluetooth® wireless technology(5) for select phones
	OnStar(3) with Directions & Connections Plan standard for the first six months	Custom-Leather Wrapped Interior Package
	Audio system: AM/FM stereo with CD player/MP3 playback and SiriusXM Satellite Radio(4) with three trial months	Carbon Gunmetal console trim plate
	19" front, 20" rear(6) Sterling Silver painted wheels	Memory Package
	Front bucket seats with perforated leather seating surfaces, embroidery and contrasting stitching	Universal Home Remote transmitter
	Magnetic Selective Ride Control

Vehicle Key Features	1ZR	3ZR
6.2L LS9 638-hp supercharged V8 engine	Standard	Standard
Brembo® carbon-ceramic brakes	Standard	Standard
Visible carbon-fiber roof, rocker extensions, front splitter and roof bow	Standard	Standard
Magnetic Selective Ride Control	Standard	Standard
Performance Traction Management	Standard	Standard
Aluminum frame with fixed-roof structure	Standard	Standard
Keyless Access with Push-Button Start	Standard	Standard
Variable-ratio power steering	Standard	Standard
Dual power-adjustable heated Sport mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors (rearview and driver-side exterior)	Standard	Standard
Dual-zone automatic climate control	Standard	Standard
Run Flat Tires	Standard	Standard
Head-Up Display	Standard	Standard
OnStar(3)with the Directions & Connections® Plan (standard for six months)	Standard	Standard
Bose® AM/FM stereo with navigation system(7), CD player/MP3 playback and SiriusXM Satellite Radio(4) with one-year trial	N/A	Standard

Powertrain	ZR 1ZR	ZR 3ZR
Standard Engine	Supercharged Gas V8	Supercharged Gas V8
Displacement (liters/ cu in.)	6.2L/378	6.2L/378
Transmission	6 Manual	6 Manual
Horsepower @ RPM	638 @ 6500	638 @ 6500
Torque @ RPM	604 @ 3800	604 @ 3800
Fuel Injection	Electronic Fuel Injection	Electronic Fuel Injection
Drivetrain	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Front Suspension	Short/Long Arm	Short/Long Arm
Rear Suspension	Short/Long Arm	Short/Long Arm
Axle Ratio	3.42	3.42
4- wheel ABS	Standard	Standard
4-wheel Disc Brakes	Standard	Standard
StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System	Standard	Standard
Traction Control System	Standard	Standard
Turning circle	39.0 ft	39.0 ft
Alternator (amps)	110	110

The C2 Crosses the finish line

In 2004, Sports Car International named the Sting Ray number five on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960’s. The design of this generation had many inspirations. The first was the Jaguar E-Type, another inspiration was a mako shark that Mitchell had caught while deep-sea fishing.

In 1961 the Corvette finally sold over 10,000 vehicles per year, hitting a number of 10,947 in that production year. In 1962 Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov came up with a lightweight version of the C2.

Interestingly enough the Z06 performance package on the C5 and C6 model Corvettes is named after a Z06 performance option dating back to the 1963 model year.

C3 Corvette 1968-1982 Shark

C3 Corvette Mako Shark Edition

The third generation or "Shark", patterned after Chevrolet's "Mako Shark II" (designed by Larry Shinoda), started in 1968 and ended in 1982. This generation has the distinction of being introduced to the motoring public in an unorthodox—and unintended—fashion. 1968 marked the introduction of Mattel's now-famous Hot Wheels line of 1/64-scale die cast toy cars. General Motors had tried their best to keep the appearance of the upcoming car a secret, but the release of the Hot Wheels line several weeks before the Corvette's unveiling had a certain version of particular interest to Corvette fans: the "Custom Corvette", a GM-authorized model of the 1968 Corvette. The 1968 corvette was not actually titled "Stingray", although it was almost identical to the "Stingray" 1969 model. Nowhere on the '68 can the word "Stingray" actually be found.

In 1969, the 350 cu in (5.7 L) engine became available in the Corvette and was the only year that an all aluminum 427 CID big block titled the ZL-1 was available. It was reported to produce a conservative 525 horsepower (391 kW) and was only available as an "off-road" option without a heater and radio. In 1970 the 427 big block was enlarged to 454 cu in (7.4 L). Small block power peaked in the 1970 models, with the 1970 LT-1 putting out 370 hp (276 kW) with the '71 and '72 rated at 330 gross HP. The 1971 454 big block had its last year of big power with the 425 hp (317 kW) LS6 engine. An even more powerful LS7 454 CID engine rated at 465 hp (347 kW) was planned and even included in early GM assembly manuals, but was never installed in any production cars. In 1972, GM moved to the SAE Net measurement for power (away from the previous SAE Gross standard), which resulted in lower values expressed in HP. Along with lowered compression ratios from 1971 in anticipation of unleaded fuel, emission controls, and catalytic converters in 1975, power continued to decline and bottomed out in 1975 — the base ZQ3 engine put out 165 hp (123 kW), and the optional L82 engine put out 205 hp (153 kW). Power remained fairly steady for the rest of the C3 generation, ending in 1982 with the 200 hp (149 kW) L83 engine.

Styling changed subtly over the generation. Early model years came standard with an innovative Fiber-Optic light monitoring system. Strands of fiber optic wire went from the center console to the headlights (low and high beam), turn signals, tail lights and license plate light for a total of 9 monitored lights. Due to cost savings, it was discontinued after the 1971 model year. Minor trim changes occurred through the 1972 model. In 1973, due to government regulations, the Corvette had to get rid of the chrome front bumper for a urethane-compound "5 mph" bumper but kept the rear chrome bumpers. In 1974, the rear chrome bumpers became urethane as well, resulting in the first ever chrome-less production Corvette. 1975 saw the last year for the convertible, which did not return until 1986. In 1968 the "Sting Ray" name was not used, but returned in 1969 as a single word "Stingray" until 1976. In 1977, Dave McLellan succeeded Zora Duntov as the Corvette's Chief Engineer. 1978 saw a 25th "Silver Anniversary" edition, the first Corvette Indy Pace Car, the introduction of a "fast back" glass rear window, and the highest production number until the C-5. In 1980, the Corvette got an integrated aerodynamic redesign that resulted in a significant reduction in drag. In 1982, an opening rear hatch was offered for the first time on the Corvette available on the Collectors Edition model only. A new engine featuring cross fire injection, a fuel injection carburator hybrid, was also introduced that year as the L83. It was the only engine available in 1982, and was not offered with a manual transmission.

C2 1963-1967 Sting Ray Corvette

Sting Ray Corvette

 
The second generation, or mid-year, was designed by Larry Shinoda with major inspiration from a previous unproduced design called the "Q Corvette" by Peter Brock and Chuck Pohlmann, and under the styling direction of Bill Mitchell, started in 1963 and ended in 1967. Introducing a new name, Corvette Sting Ray, the 1963 model year Corvette was the first year for a coupé with its distinctive split rear window and non-functioning  hood vents as well as an independent rear suspension. The split rear window was discontinued in 1964 due to safety concerns. Because they made the design too busy, the hood vents were also cut. Power for 1963 was at 360 hp (268 kW) hitting 375 hp (280 kW) in 1964.

Four-wheel disc brakes were introduced in 1965, as was a "big block" engine option. Side exhaust pipes became optional on the 1965 Sting Ray and persisted through 1967, then again for 1969. Chevrolet would up the ante in 1966 with the introduction of an even larger 427 CID (7 L) version, creating what would be one of the most collectible Corvettes ever. 1967 saw an L-88 version of the 427 introduced, which was rated at 430 hp (321 kW), but unofficial estimates  place the actual output at 550 hp (410 kW) or more. Only twenty such engines were placed in the 1967 Corvette, and the cars can fetch US$1,000,000 or more in auction today. From 1967 to 1969, the 1282 cu ft/min Holley triple two-barrel carburetor, or Tri-Power, was available on the 427. The 1967 Corvette originally was going to be the first of the C3 generation; however, due to delays the C3 had to be put off until 1968. This was also the first year to introduce the L-88 motor option with 560 bhp (420 kW). Other early options available on the C2 included an AM-FM radio (mid 1963), air conditioning (1963), a telescopic steering wheel (1965) and headrests, presumably to prevent whiplash (1966). edrinke owns the 3rd corvette ever made retard

The 1965 introduction of the 425 hp 396 CID big block was ultimately the harbinger of doom for the Rochester fuel injection system. The 396 CID option cost $292.70 while the fuel injected 327 CID engine cost $538.00. Few people could justify spending $245 more for 50 hp (37 kW) less. When only 771 fuel-injected cars were built in 1965, Chevrolet stopped the program.
In 2004, Sports Car International named the Sting Ray number five on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s.
The design of this generation had several inspirations. The first was the contemporary Jaguar E-Type, one of which Mitchell owned and enjoyed driving frequently. Bill Mitchell also sponsored a car known as the "Mitchell Sting Ray" in 1959, because Chevrolet no longer participated in factory racing. This vehicle had the largest impact on the styling of this generation, although it had no top and did not give away what the coupe would look like. The third inspiration was a mako shark that Mitchell had caught while deep-sea fishing.

In 1961 the Corvette finally sold over 10,000 vehicles per year, hitting a number of 10,947 in that production year.

In 1962 Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov came up with a lightweight version of the C2. Concerned about Ford and what they were doing with the Shelby Cobra, GM planned 100 Grand Sport Corvettes. The plans never came about and only five were built. They were driven by historic drivers such as Roger Penske, A. J. Foyt, Jim Hall, and Dick Guldstrand among others. Today the cars 001-005 are all held by private owners. They are among the most coveted and valuable Corvettes ever built.

The popular Z06 performance package on the C5 and C6 model Corvettes is named after a Z06 performance option dating back to the 1963 model year.

2009 Concept Sting Ray Corvette