The 2018 Corvette Grand Sport Might be the Right Corvette
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- Опубликовано: 19 апр 2018
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The 2018 Corvette Grand Sport bridges a middle ground between the Stingray Z51 and Z06, or, more appropriately, provides a naturally aspirated powertrain with all the handling improvements of the Z06 body and chassis, for the ultimate in well-rounded street and racetrack Corvette package. Matt tests the Grand Sport at the historic Road Atlanta course on the optional Michelin Sport Cup 2 tire and recommended DOT4 brake fluid for track use.
GM provided airfare, lodging, transits, meals, the vehicle, and track time at Road Atlanta for this review. 
Авто/Мото
ABOUT THE PADDLES ON THE WHEEL:
I cant believe I'm still saying this, as the C7 has been out for four years now, but all Corvettes use the same steering wheel with paddles on it.
In the 8-speed automatic cars, they are shift paddles like normal.
In the manual cars they toggle the automatic rev-matching feature.
This is an obvious and sad cost cutting measure for GM, but if we have to suffer extraneous appendages in order to be delivered the 755-Horsepower ZR1 with it's GT3-spec Aero, so be it.
I like the Grand Sport more than the Z06, GM did a good job on this one, it just seems more balanced.
what about the prd? did it just look too terrible for you to use it?
Love the video but the SECOND you mentioned you drove the ZR1 all I wanted was to hear about that car! LOL does it feel similar to the Callaway C7 Z06 you drove a while back?
waderedsox was wondering the same thing
the resolution is really not good, especially when paired with a GoPro. but In actuality I did run it but losst the file when I turned off the car before stopping the camera thrugh the software.
A Corvette has the exotic looks, low ride height, a targa removable top, all the scoops, and the view behind the wheel looking over the wheel arches in the hood is special.
it kinda intimidates me......I don't drive many cars like it
I'm not a corvette guy at all, but something about the Grand Sport is very attractive to me. Just the balanced nature of the chassis and power level. Very accessible.
Just watching the video you can see just how smooth the entire car is on track. Almost like a larger faster miata, it looked like he was momentum racing since he barely lost speed through those corners. At least that's what stood out to me. This corvette gave me a Porsche kind of vibe in the way it behaved.
Petrol_Head wtf the grand sport is a waste of a corvette. Either base model or Zo6. And the cost? Neither as much as a Zo6 and 200 less hp. Doesn’t make sense
Tbone Scriv - OK thanks for telling us your feelings.
Petrol_Head yup, the other two in the lineup are just to crazy for their respective chassis. This thing is the sweet spot.
+Tbone Scriv - really 200 more hp doesn't make sense. Its crazy how we have come to think that 460 HP is low HP.
Approx. lap times:
1. Warm up lap pit to pit 1m 45s
2. 1m 43s
3. 1m 46s
4. 1m 45s
5. 1m 44s
6. Cool down lap pit to pit 2m 06s
I'm impressed that he was able to run that good of a lap time on the first lap.
These are fairly mellow laps, probably 75-80% pace. You can see I'm braking at like the 5 board. Actually, the one place where I could really improve (and learned this for my session after the video) is to short-shift 4th gear on the downhill before 12, that way you're not running out of revs right at the exit to 12. I think I could get this car down in the 1:30's with one or two more session and not having to narrate.
Bad DFW Drivers i
Grand Sport is the C7 I’d have. Wifey has gotten really attached to the SS sedan (and a back seat + 4 doors for managing the toddler), so no Corvette for me for a little while at least... but the C7 Grand Sport just knocks it out of the park. Z06 chassis goodness and aero, with the N/A 6.2L LT1. Honestly, I am finding between 400-500 HP is about the sweet spot, and I like normally aspirated engines. Less power feels underwhelming when you romp on it, more feels breathtaking but unusable on winding roads or road courses. Drag racing is not my thing. Gimme a properly balanced road course car any day. Grand Sport hits that balance pretty much bang on.
DucFanDan completely agree. With the wider track and tires you can get into the throttle a little harder at each exit and not have to manage the oversteer as much
Having driven both, the grandsport 4th gear is way too tall, it literally falls flat on it's face. But it's a very good chassis to learn on without trying to kill you like the Z06. I like cars that try to kill me, so that's why I went with the Z06.
your wifey hates you. never commit to black holes. never put your eggs in one basket. get out before it's too late
I’m deciding between a c6 z06 and a c6 grandsport. Would you say these attributes apply to the c6 as well?
Holy shit, how you have improved over the years as a car reviewer. Bravo, Matt.
Love Matt's track videos. The way he talks and explains things really helps you understand what a performance car is all about.
Anyone else notice he says Road America at 13:00 not Road Atlanta. You know the car is good when Matt starts forgetting where he's at!!!
Good indicator of a fun car right there - loss of awareness of what track you're running.
I have a 2018 Grand Sport 1lt M7 and it's a great car also bought it for $57,000 brand new.
That's awesome!!!
how did you get it so cheap?
@@pattucci5541 because it's a 1LT lol
How'd you get even the 1LT so cheap! what state are you in so I can drive over and get one. Most of those are used for that price in cali :p
One Takes on the track are sooooo much better than regular ones.
sukhoi350 I usually skip the track one takes because I really don't like them. much prefer the street versions.
No you have that misconstrued
I must have gotten lucky. My 2019 Grand Sport has flawless fit and finish inside and out. The new paint facility exceeded my expectations as well.
I bought a 2017 Grand Sport convertible for my wife. It was a great driving car. Impressive. I came home with it. I have never been a corvette person but the C7 Grand Sport is one fine sports car.
If I had "fuck you" money, the CGS is the very first American car I'd buy, hands down.
Black with silver decals, please.
Shadow On The Sun is want mine in blue with white decals. I remember the first Gran Turismo game, I loved that car in the game.
This is how all reviews should be. Fuck all the bullshit. Blind corners at night with no lights or headlamps. Just skill and experience. Not that this guy could survive that type of drive but that's the type of driving I respect.
^^ what a fucking weirdo.
TheSmokingTire lol I am kinda out there
I just got one on 4/20! 7 speed manual. Just found this video.
Perfect balance between the speaker's sound and the engine sound.
I've debated and debated. My gf and I have two Corvettes...a C5Z pretty heavily modded for track/street and an 09 LS3 C6 that she drives mostly. After ongoing debate since literally 2014, about which C7 to get....it's gonna be the GS. GM never really gave me the 550hp NA track car I hoped for, but now with the ZR1 aero and front end, there is a parts bin big enough to build that car myself. So, GS, some small/reliable power mods, coupled with some off the shelf ZR1 front end/splitter/wing/chassis mounts in a yr or two when the parts are more accessible and ultimate C7.
No
Rey Fakhar Seems like a great idea to me. C7 Z chassis. No heavy supercharger and all the downforce of the ZR1. No one is going to confuse it for ZR1.
Sounds good to me!
The ZR1 uses different front quarter panels that are wider instead of the base body panels + spats. The hood lines are also different. Making your non-ZR1 car look like a ZR1 will be a fairly expensive proposition, and you'll need somebody to come up with a hood (or have one custom made).
diddo on 550 hp in this package,headers/cam/intake perhaps??
A great sports car, driven properly by an ‘old sport’ - two thumbs up indeed!
My favorite Corvette
Mehdi Mohamed especially the one from the 90s.
My favorite is the C6 Z06
Just traded my beloved 2016 SS sedan for a 4500 mile 2019 GS Vette 7 speed stick. I'm straight up crazy about the GS. Much respect for the SS and will never forget that car.
I've got the 2017 GS, 3LT Auto, this is my third vette (01 and 06 Coupes) as well. Great video and thanks for some great track shots. I think the GS is the best car I've ever owned and would recommend to anyone looking for the best bang for your buck.
“ I just shifted out of third at 130”
Okay I’m sold
Jacob Erickson 103*
Brilliant - love seeing these videos, thanks Matt.
The Grand sport is one hell of a car
Beautiful car, can't wait for them to make a mid engine zr1. It would be a ferrari killer.
TK the front engine Zr1 already is a Ferrari killer
Lol guys still care about these cars going around the track. I like my cars on the street where people can see me enjoy it.
Ferrari is good at making performance cars, not good at making cars with reasonable maintenance. That's where Porsche and Corvette come in.
JAP TAP The majority of people buy a car like that to enjoy it's crazy power and handling capabilities which you cannot do legally on the streets. It seems like you just crave attention really badly
+Eli S - yup, I can't even really push my GTI much on public roads. Which frankly is why sports cars are superior to super cars. My idea of a sports car is something like an M2, cayman, or hopefully the upcoming supra, anything more is kinda silly. I wouldn't mind a base stingray for that matter.
I love driving my friend's c6 grand sport. It's so easy to drive and so so comfortable, even on the freeway). Can't imagine what the c7 grand sport is like. I remember being able to play with the gear lever of the c7gs, and that 7 speed is even better than the 6spd in the c6gs.
This is what a Vette is all about right here. Everything a FR layout is truly capable of
I'm not really a Corvette guy, but this is the one I'd get. It just seems so perfectly balanced and I love that it's NA.
Just got mine omg how much I love the GS it’s like a dream
The Corvette GS is basically a Z06 with a Stingray engine. To make this car feel less like a boat, this is equipped with MICHELIN® Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and if 650+ horsepower is too much, then the GS is the Corvette for you. And PLEASE, if you’re getting a Corvette GS, PLEASE get the manual transmission!
Fun fact: This track, Road Atlanta, was featured in the 2014 movie _Need for Speed,_ where Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul) took a 900 horsepower Ford Shelby GT500 to a top speed of 234 mph, as the buyer of the car wanted it to cross 230 mph to accept the $2.7 million price.
Finally, probably the most under appreciated car on the market today. You can get this car used for $66k with all the options and 2k miles. bargain.
You can probably get a new 2LT GS for that price.
I got a z51 for 70k (Canadian) full loaded with 900 miles in it
I got a 2016 Z06 2LZ with 2k miles for $68 in March 2018. It's a very good deal considering with the options it was $105 new.
That engine sings
Cam and Bolton’s in the grand sport and it would be a really nice package
Really like the colors on that Corvette and looks great tearing up the track.
Gotta love the new Corvettes! Nice video Matt👍🏽
Fantastic driving Matt.
Even though you're retiring from this, Matt, it's still a lot of fun watching you hit the apexes (apices?) Funny watching 99% of other journalists talk about a car as they blow every apex on a road course -- kind of the opposite of the Stig.
So much want... This really is the sweetheart package for this generation Corvette.
track package turns that vette into a great weekend track and auto country club car that will whip up on most cars that are $50k to $75k more expensive. Engine is bulletproof ...don't need all those horses in Z06 and ZR1 to have a great car that is streetable and trackable at both times. Chevy did great with this model. Don't need ceramics, don't need all that crazy 3LT stuff...most of these slightly used or new with track pack could be had for $58k to $70k today...CHEVY GUY THRU AND THRU
Unfortunately I'm not in a position to even think about getting a sports car right now, but if I was, I think the Grand Sport would be at the top of my list. It's suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch a good package
My uncle recently got a 2017grand sport and the steering is by FAR the most precise steering I have ever felt. Literally zero play in the rack unlike most cars. It makes all the AMG’s I drove when I was a dealer mechanic feel numb.
GM
That blue is beautiful.
I think this is the best Vette for the money hands down thanks for the video this thing sounds great and even with it's flaws I love the GS Vette !
I love this vette. I don’t know why but it’s my favorite of the bunch.
This is as close as the C7 R can get. Fast, balanced, and consistent.
What's the head restrain system in this video, is this the Simpson Hybrid S?
"As manageable as a Miata" LOL Hey Matt, you should have used the Performance Data Recorder and it's wonderful track maps and data display! Oh wait, just heard you say you hoped it was what we were watching! Oh well!
Heavily considering GS or SS 1le, would mainly be using it on weekend drives/road trips/occasional track visits. In your opinion does the GS warrant the price difference due to performance improvements and overall usability?
I'm European and I like this car. Fuck me, right?
C7 started as a 2014 model. Now that the 2019 models are out, it makes me wonder why GM hasn't done a HP boost on the LT1 engine. Just like they did on the C6, going from LS2 400hp to LS3 430hp.
To be fair, you don’t really need more power, 460 is plenty on the streets. I would like some shorter gearing tho.
It should be said that you can pick up this car new for low to mid 60's decently equipped. All these GM events have cars loaded with options that are not necessary. The lower trim level of the Grand Sport gives you all you really need. At $65k this car is a performance car bargain.
IMO, this might be close to the best track car IRL to own produced today, regardless of price:
- It has more than enough horsepower and grip to challenge and intimidate on the track, but not too much power that it scares drivers from wringing them out.
- It's still a corvette, so that comes with all the advantages of having cheap af insurance (thank you pensioners), acceptable parts and labor costs should something need to be replaced, and good reliability, all of this means that the owner has more confidence to wring out the car. The above doesn't apply to a 300k Ferrari that may be theoretically faster on track but is too scary to go maximum attack mode .
- It's track-prepped out of the box, lots of cooling and big brakes means that it's track-ready without needing to throw extra money (maybe throw away warranty), something that isn't a guarantee on many other expensive performance cars. (*ahem open diff + braking in place of a real LSD*)
Did I mention that it still comes with a manual, but also has an engine that doesn't require constant shifting to keep on the boil?
Exactly... I went from a ZL1 1LE to a Grand Sport and your statements are dead on. The car insurance one was the biggest surprise LOL (was HALF the cost, literally). Perfect car!
It would be a huge mistake to think this car will not scare the you.
Finally a track that I know. Thanks Forza.
The best Corvette there is.
Great video.
Thought the reflection of the dash stitches in the wind shield was a little bit distracting.
I would buy this over the Z06 for the track. Less to worry about , better throttle input on corner exit :)
Matt, I'm seriously considering the Grand Sport over the Z06. I've test driven both and both felt great on the streets, however I've been reading that the Z06 is not as balanced and can be quite a handful when driven fast around twisties. Since you've had first hand experience with both of them, would you say the Z06 is overpowered for its chassis? Would you take a Grand Sport or a Z06?
How was the acceleration in comparison? Which did you feel was better?
Kamil Kapitan I got a 2019 Z06 after having a 2017 2SS Camaro which has the same horse power as the Grand Sport, and I personally think that I would have been a bit disappointed without having the extra power. Just like your not going to be doing max speed on the street, your not gonna be doing max attack on every twisty road you get to. Just like a motorcycle the thing only goes as fast as you put your foot down. You may have to be a bit more careful in the Z06 but once you get used to it, you will want more power, and depending on what you do those upgrades to get more power may or may not void your warranty. So for me going with the Z06 out of the crate was the better move. To get Z06 power you are either gonna have to do cam/port/head work which will void your warranty or add a supercharger which will void your warranty. However if big power is not your bag, and you don’t mind Camaros running up on you and testing you on the street, meaning you have checked your ego at the door, then the Grand Sport is the way to go. Cheaper and is better balanced for that 9/10ths on the track or twisty roads and plenty enough speed for the average Joe and with better road manners than a Camaro, as it’s wider lower with better suspension.
The Grand Sport is so dope!!!
Question to all the Corvette guys out there: are there any aftermarket, reasonably priced manual gearboxes for this C7 because I just can't believe how obnoxiously stupid the gear ratios are on the stock (it seems to be a national sport for american manufacturers) and this really seems like an awesome car.
Been really enjoying the videos of new cars; didn't think we were going to get more videos from u. I guess the pdr didn't work out? But regardless it was a good video. That drop between gears is pretty crazy definitely steep, but it has torque
Matt does it bog that bad between 3rd and 4th or were you going light on the throttle?
I completely agree on the shifter! I have a '15 Z51 (and this video makes me want to go turn some laps at RA in it instead of my bikes) but I absolutely hate the shifter. It's soft as Ed Sheeran poetry and that 2nd to 3rd or 4th to 5th shift is terrible at speed.
Aftermarket MGW shifter helps.
I've been debating on which shifter to get. Sometimes when sitting in traffic it will pop out of first in a rather violent way.
Did any 1 watch Matt on the Joe Rogan Podcast it’s actually really good I never though I’d watch something 3hrs long
Matt Farah speaks about Chris Harris leaving DRIVE : cars - Reddit
www.reddit.com/r/cars/.../matt_farah_speaks_about_chris_harris_leaving_drive...
Oct 15, 2014 - So, Matt's father, Roger Farah, is a very successful businessman. ..... Matt Farrah = Fat guy who lives off his dads wealth (COO of Ralph Lauren Polo) and bitches about everything. ..... Farrah has climbed to the top rapidly over the years from just making RUclips videos for fun while he was detailing cars.
I have the grand sport and its a fun car....
Love Road Atlanta.
Road Atlanta is so freakin good!
Happy 420 fuccers 👍🏾🍃🍃
But I'm in Utah.
Can't help but wonder if those Cup 2 run flat tires have anything to do with all the Cracking rims on Grand Sports happening now. Wish you had a HUD to watch the speed.
Road Atlanta vs Road America... lol. Under the strain of making the video, I see how easy of a mistake that was to make. Cheers bro.
Epic!
do you miss the american cities Grand prix circuit now.. we loved the touring class and had the eagle talon gt in tropical lime green
What I want to know is, why does it have paddles if it's a manual? Cost cutting/manufacturing streamlining?
I think this is the perfect Corvette for the street and track. I suppose if I were a really hardcore racer I'd want the Z06, but the Grand Sport has a great balance of power and chassis. I think the Z06 engine might be just a bit too much power for the chassis. My friend just traded his regular 2017 Stingray for the Grand Sport and my God, that thing is a dream to drive. It's PLENTY fast for the street, perhaps too damn fast! I'm talking windy twisty roads, not straight line crap. I mean really, how much power do you need to run from corner-to-corner? I used to have a blast with my old '91 Miata because you could beat the shit out of it on the twisty roads without feeling like the car is trying to kill you. Then I traded it for a new 1994 RX-7. That car with all of its 255 hp, still feels plenty fast for windy roads and it will kill you if you drive like an idiot. I think the perfect car for me would be a ragtop Grand Sport. I'm not a big fan of turbos or superchargers. Too much heat and complication, especially with the twin-turbos in my FD. The Grand Sport is pretty much the last of the mostly analog cars that I would take to my grave. So many modern cars or hypercars are too damn complicated! Way too much shit to worry about breaking!
Matt, I see you wearing a HANS in this video. Could you do a video reviewing yours and maybe some other models?
could the engineers hook up the car audio to biach in a blue tooth about revs for gear shift so the heads up in glares better and u dont loose time scanning dash?
nice vid...thumbs up...ive had my 18 grandsport with the automatic trans. 4 a few months aprox..love the car..traded in my 16 gt35o..miss the sound od that car..is the manuel trans.anymore responsive than the autom.??
Anyone wondering about the overruns Matt mentioned? I am quite annoyed by those on other cars and not yet driven a c7 yet.
This is the best Corvette package to get for daily drivers
The feeling that the car keeps accelerating after releasing the throttle must be weird, maybe something to do with a heavy dual mass flywheel?
@thesmokingtire is the grand sport something that can be comfortable on a long road trip? A 7 to 9 hour trip for a example
Of course..
Sad we have to wait till Monday for the Zr1 video
Does the Grandsport have the same telemetry dash options and camera that the other Vettes and Camaro ZL1s have?
Centowski yes, the same PDR.
@TheSmokingTire did you get a chance to test them on the street? I saw a gang of new Corvettes in the mountains of Suches GA yesterday and now I'm realizing it may have been journalists
remciver yeah
Yes! A review with a manual transmission for more fun.
The Grand Sport would definitely benefit with shorter gears. It's made for the track, yet it's in 4th gear at 140mph on the long straight with 3 gears to go
Just nitpicking here, but at the end you said "Road America". Speaking of that though, any plans to go to Road America in the near future?
Road Atlanta is so good
literally nowhere near the limit. Nice safe review tho
Now how’s it compare to the C6 Z06? Not sure which to get
Good seeing you the hybrid Hans. Did you bring that yourself or did GM provide it?
GM required it.
Matt, curious to know, 991.2 GTS or this Corvette Grand Sport?
Of course hahah
Nice review, Matt, but where's Zach?
Do you feel the gears are too long 1-6?
My GS 1LT with video recorder cost $57K. U don’t need to speed $85K.
Matt how would you compare the GS and GT350 overall and on track? These are 2 cars that are on my radar.
The GT350 is a fantastic engine with a Mustang wrapped around it. The Grand Sport is a fantasstic sports car with an unexciting engine inside it.
TheSmokingTire so a Grand Sport with a Voodoo engine in it would be perfection?
seems like a track weapon having all that grip and less motor but my God for that price I cant imagine buying a car that a mustang gt with a tune would keep up with on the straights.Deff a great track car and probly just as quick as a z06 around a track with the right driver Its just damn 90k plus and under 500hp I cant.This package should of beefed the motor up to at least another 35hp aswell thats alot of cash.Chevy could of at least put a more aggresive ecu or cam in these to make it faster then the base but still less then the supercharged z06.Its a wonderful machine for sure and I can deff see the market for it with track focused drivers.Deff not street drivers.Package should cost 12k more at most tho
With 7 gears there’s no reason for the huge rpm drop on the 3-4 shift. I would’ve hoped for the 2.29 gear set with a shorter final drive than the Z06/ZR1.
Nice!
That thumbnail is hella blurry 😂