2010 Corvette Grand Sport ( RIP Z51 )

niteriyder

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Location
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99 FRC VETTE
'Z51' Corvette no longer exists - Grand Sport model replaces it for 2010

This model is available on Coupe or Convertible

The complete list of content and special features for the Grand Sport includes

* Launch Control ( Now std on all 2010 Corvettes)
* Dry Sump Oiling System and Differential Cooler ( Manual Trans only)
* Wider front and rear fenders ? including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges
* Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler
* Functional brake ducts and extra cooling
* Unique 18-inch front and 19-inch wheels; painted finish standard and chrome finish optional
* Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear
* Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers
* Specific manual transmission gear ratios
* Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped models


grandsport1-1280.jpg

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PS Different colors
Corvette-Grand-Sport-Yellow.jpg

Corvette-Grand-Sport-Wit.jpg

Corvette-Grand-Sport-Blackblack.jpg



Grand Sport history
Envisioned by legendary Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov as a factory-built, lightweight and race-ready production model that would trump domestic and foreign road-racing competitors, the original Corvette Grand Sport was a promising idea stymied by GM's agreement to stay out of manufacturer-backed motorsports.

The planned 125 production models required for racing-class homologation were never built, but five prototypes based on the styling of the 1963 Corvette were hand-assembled under Duntov's watchful eye. And while they looked like production models, the prototypes were purpose-built racecars that shared little with their assembly-line cousins. Duntov also oversaw the Grand Sport engine program that featured a special, 377-cubic-inch small-block V-8 and used side-draft carburetors.

Although never officially sanctioned by General Motors, the five Grand Sport prototypes saw extensive racing experience throughout the 1960s in the hands of "private" racers who had strong contacts within Duntov's engineering circle. All five original cars are accounted for today and are among the most valuable in the collector market.

Chevrolet offered a limited-edition Grand Sport production model in 1996, commemorating the original racing cars and marking the end of the C4 era in Corvette production. All of the 1,000 examples were painted Admiral Blue and featured a white center stripe and red "hash mark" graphics on the left front fender, a graphic scheme that mimicked the look of some of the original racecars.
 
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Which Corvette was it with the trick shock absorbers, and does it still have them?

Also, very Ferrari like. Never thought I'd say that of a Vette...
 
Looks good and is a smart idea by GM. The Z51 package was very nice, but few seemed to know about it. Calling the Z51 the Grand Sport and giving it some Z06 parts, as well as unique fenders, sets the Z51 apart from the other base Corvettes.

I can't wait to see the various color combo's.
 
Which Corvette was it with the trick shock absorbers, and does it still have them?

Also, very Ferrari like. Never thought I'd say that of a Vette...

That would be the ZR1 equipped with a specially tuned magnetic fluid damper system.

The original version of that is still offered on std Corvette coupe and convertible models (has been since later C5 model corvettes and 05-present
C6 models) It is known as F55 or "magnetic ride control".

Obviously the ZR1 system is much more polished and focused tuned for its own application.
 
2010 Corvette Changes

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Z06 and ZR1 Models are now offered in all 8 Corvette Colors - no other major changes listed
 
IMO, it looks very plain and boring. For a couple years I thought corvettes were getting interesting again, but this looks like a step backwards.

Then again, I'm partial to the '69 Stingray.
 
NEW FOR 2010 ZR1 Performace Traction Management technology

Performance Traction Management ensures that engine torque is instantly matched to the allowable tire
traction to enable maximum acceleration. In a situation such as a corner exit, this new technology allows the
driver to maintain throttle pressure without losing traction. Performance Traction Management, using
electronic controls, directs torque to maximize acceleration and traction in conditions, such as hard
acceleration when more power is commanded by the driver. Where stability controls tend to manage wheel
slip in an effort to slow or steer the car, Performance Traction Management regulates torque delivery to
enhance acceleration and provide an optimized launch. The system maximizes acceleration by instantly
matching torque to the available tire traction.
 
Loving the white one!
 
NEW FOR 2010 ZR1 Performace Traction Management technology

Performance Traction Management ensures that engine torque is instantly matched to the allowable tire
traction to enable maximum acceleration. In a situation such as a corner exit, this new technology allows the
driver to maintain throttle pressure without losing traction. Performance Traction Management, using
electronic controls, directs torque to maximize acceleration and traction in conditions, such as hard
acceleration when more power is commanded by the driver. Where stability controls tend to manage wheel
slip in an effort to slow or steer the car, Performance Traction Management regulates torque delivery to
enhance acceleration and provide an optimized launch. The system maximizes acceleration by instantly
matching torque to the available tire traction.

We have that already. It's called, wait for it, a throttle.

It looks stunning, however.
 
Anyone else find the wheels a bit spindly-looking? The numbers look great though. I'd be sold on a 'Vette, heck even a standard one. If I had a choice, though, I think I would end up with the Z06. Love the GS colors, can't wait to see the whole catalog and the pricing.
 
These will be a damn good deal once they start plummeting in value.
 
Chevrolet released the Grand Sport (GS) version in 1996 to mark the end of production of the C4 Corvette. The Grand Sport moniker is a nod to the original Grand Sport model produced in 1963. A total of 1,000 GS Corvettes were produced, 810 as coupes and 190 as convertibles. The 1996 GS came with the high-performance LT4 V8 engine, producing 330 hp (246 kW) and 340 lb?ft (461 N?m) of torque. The Grand Sport came only in Admiral Blue with a white stripe down the middle, and black wheels and two red stripes on the front left wheel arch added to its distinctive look.

https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/crazyjeeper/2009/05/05/corp_0703_20_z1996_grand_sport_corvettecruising.jpg

Which was a tribute to:

https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/crazyjeeper/2009/05/05/65_Corvette_Grand_Sport.jpg
 
The corvette is the US muscle car that i have always liked :), and this is no exception.
 
Does this mean the sixth generation corvette is marking its end?

I'd love to see a radial C7 with a midengined LSA or something...
 
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