Not content on sitting
still, Chevrolet is offering the Grand Sport edition of the Corvette,
making for a more sporty driving experience. The Grand Sport is able
to do sub four seconds 0-60 times, 1.0g on the skid-pad and an
optional track capable Z52 dry sump performance package. Not to
mention the superb fuel economy of 26 MPG on the highway.
The curb appeal of the
Corvette Grand Sport is incredible. The aggressive looking five-spoke
wheels, the distinctive bulging fenders, the distinctive front end
and rakish side profile as well as the appetizing exhaust growl make
for an unforgettable entrance regardless where you go. The doors are
very large, and once open you literally climb down into the sitting
area.
Once inside, both the
driver and passenger are ensconced in a fighter-jet cockpit like
cabin. Gone are the gimmicky star wars digital displays, replaced
with a very complete instrument dash that even offers a HUD (Heads
up display) that includes several different displays to pick from.
By selecting the 4LT option, there is a provocative leather-wrapped
interior package, two tone seating, special stitching on the seat
headrests and special color trim on the console. Fit and finish is
better than before but the Corvette still has a lot of hard, ho-hum
interior plastics and trim.
Convertible top operation
is not very intuitive, but once figured out, it is a snap. One nice
benefit of a small cabin is the effectiveness of the air
conditioning. South Florida summers can be brutal, and the Grand
SportⳠair conditioning turned the sauna-like heat in the cabin
into ice-box temps in less than 10 minutes. The convertible offers a
rectangular, shallow trunk, big enough for several soft-sided
weekend bags.
Starting the Corvette
Grand Sport is by way of a convenient keyless button. The power and
sound of the 430 HP engine (436 HP with the optional dual-mode
exhaust package) instantly puts your senses into overload mode. This
engine sounds exactly how a true V8 muscle car engine should be,
deep, aggressive and with the right amount of burbling mixed into it.
Blip the throttle and its impossible not to get a big grin on your
face from it.
Selecting D on the
automatic transmission, you look forward and instantly notice the
large fender arches that are definitely a signature Corvette item.
The steering is power assisted but not overly so. Interestingly,
during our week-long experience with the Corvette Grand Sport, we
noticed ourselves driving slower than typical, I figured it was for
two reasons, namely because itⳠgreat knowing you have all of that
power and not really needing to show it off and second, the spring
on the throttle is stiffer than what this writer is used to. This is
a good thing, as that alone can save you from the embarrassment of
saying 㗡s I driving that fast officer? I didnⴠeven notice it䬠
excuse.
The other interesting item we
noticed was how quickly the gears upshift, clearly done for better
fuel economy. Mind you, this is not your grandmotherⳠchurch going
conveyance. Stomp on it and the optional dual-mode exhaust explodes
into a cacophony of sweet engine sounds that create a compelling
reason why one buys one of these great sports cars in the 1st place.
Handling is superb, with an amazing capacity to 㧯 in deep into the
corners䠯ffering a predictable and balanced behavior regardless
what you ask of it. Brakes are simply breathtaking, offering
excellent repeated stop performance with very little fade. Ride
quality is aggressively sporty, almost on the edge of harsh,
although it is much better than how previous generation Vettes felt
like.
Looking at a Porsche Boxter/Cayman
or 911? Maybe even a BMW 6 Series? Then itⳠtime to include the
2011 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport in your short list of world-class
sports car candidates.
The Essentials:
MSRP: $58,600.00 MSRP (As
tested): $77,800.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 16.5 MPG
Engine: V8, 6.2 liter, 436 HP (with the optional dual-mode exhaust)
Popular Options: Packages include: 4LT, Grand Sport Heritage, Chrome
Aluminum wheels, Nav-system, 6 speed paddle shift automatic.
Visit: www.chevy.com
