Even though a new base Corvette is a huge event, and we all love seeing how insane the Z06 and ZR1 models will be, the model that is consistently the sweet spot in the line is the Grand Sport. Basically, the Grand Sport, for just a bit more than the standard model, offers a bit of extra performance and styling from the monster cars, making it both more fun than the base car, and more accessible than those monsters. Chevy finally revealed it back in March, along with its E-Ray replacement, the Grand Sport X, and it seems to live up to the Grand Sport’s reputation. It’s also now in production, and Chevy seems to think it’s going to be a big seller.
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand SportChevrolet
35% Of 2027 Corvettes Are Grand Sports
A member of a C8 Corvette owners’ group on Facebook posted the production numbers we see today, and they were initially spotted by CorvetteBlogger. The member shared a chart showing that production officially started on June 9, and it was posted on June 26, meaning that the numbers that can be counted are for that roughly three weeks.
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand SportChevrolet
Also, these just come from a spreadsheet shared by someone on Facebook, so it should be taken with a grain of salt, even though it appears that person has been following Corvette production numbers for a few years. We’ve reached out to a representative from Chevrolet to hopefully confirm some of the numbers, as well as potentially find out when the Grand Sport X will start production (it’s the only 2027 model not yet in production). However, we haven’t received details at the time of publication. We will add any comments and information when we get a final response. With all of that accounted for, here are the combined numbers so far.
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Production Numbers: June 9-June 26
Stingray
719
42.6%
Grand Sport
590
35%
Z06
241
14.3%
ZR1
91
5.4%
ZR1X
48
2.8%
Unsurprisingly, the base Stingray is still the majority of Corvette production, but the difference between it and the Grand Sport is surprisingly close. Chevy only built 129 more Stingrays than Grand Sports, fewer than the number of Z06s built in total. So it’s pretty clear Chevy sees this being a huge success.
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand SportChevrolet
We’ll also certainly be curious as to how many Grand Sport X models are built when production finally starts. Chevy had announced earlier that it would come a bit later, with ordering starting this summer. In particular, we’ll be curious if it sells better than the E-Ray that it replaced.
The Grand Sport Is Appealing To Customers And Chevrolet
As we mentioned, the Grand Sport is arguably the best Corvette trim you can get. For one thing, it adds a bit more performance. While both it and the Stingray have the same new 6.7-liter LS6 engine making 535 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque, the Grand Sport has better standard and optional chassis upgrades. It has the wide-body styling from the Z06, plus standard Magnetic Ride Control for a sweet combination of handling and comfort.
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand SportChevrolet
It can even be upgraded with track packages that add extra-sticky tires, Z06 brakes, and even some of the aerodynamic goodies from the top-spec ‘Vettes. Chevy offers this sweetened C8 for an MSRP of $86,000, which comes to $88,495 with destination. So, for under $100,000, you can have a Corvette that looks like the six-figure versions, and has some decent upgrades, which is undoubtedly appealing to Corvette buyers.
Related
The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Is Back, And It Brings A Brand New Engine With It
The Grand Sport returns for the C8, and it’s better than ever.
Looked at from the other side of things, Chevy is also selling a more expensive, and potentially more profitable version of the Corvette in numbers nearly as high as the base model. In fact, you can technically spec a base Corvette fairly close to the Grand Sport for a major discount. A Stingray with the Z51 Package, which upgrades the suspension and brakes, plus Magnetic Ride Control, comes to a total of $80,785 with destination, about $8,000 less than the base Grand Sport, with the biggest difference being the exterior design. That’s got to be good for Chevy’s bottom line.
Related
Corvette Grand Sport Pricing Is Here, And It’s A Performance Bargain
The ZR1, though, is about to deliver some sticker shock.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Not only do these production numbers suggest that Chevy’s expecting it to be a big success, and could be a boon to both enthusiasts and the brand, it’s also a sign that this is an important bridge to the next-generation Corvette. The 2027 model year is the eighth for this generation, making the C8 one of the longest-running Corvette generations. Both the new LS6 engine and the trim level are definite moves to keep the Corvette fresh and relevant into the twilight years of the C8. Ideally, it’ll keep interest strong right up to the launch of the inevitable C9.
Source: C8 Corvette Owners (And Friends) / Facebook, CorvetteBlogger
