A Look Back: 2010-2013 C6 Grand Sport

This model was a hit right out of the gate

I had always said that my ideal C6 would be a Jetstream Blue Grand Sport. I love that color and I really like the enhanced design elements incorporated into this model.

The Grand Sport became the best-selling model in the Corvette lineup after it was introduced in 2010. From 2010 through 2013, about 28,000 coupes and convertibles were produced as a result of the value these cars offered. The 2010 Grand Sport, which replaced the previous Z51 option, was unveiled at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash held at the National Corvette Museum.

The Grand Sport combined the Corvette’s LS3 engine with unique, wide-body styling and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivered a great balance of road and race track performance. It was offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine was rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevated the power ratings to 436 horses and 428 lb-ft.

The following enhancements differentiated the Grand Sport from the base model:

• Wider front and rear fenders to accommodate larger wheels/tires

• Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler availability

• Functional brake ducts and extra cooling

• Larger/stiffer anti-sway bars

• Stiffer springs

• Revised shocks

• Unique 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels

• Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear

• Z06 spec brakes

• Specific manual transmission gear ratios

• Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped models

• Dry-sump oil system (coupes equipped with manual transmissions only)

• Launch control (manual transmission models)

The base price for a base C6 coupe in 2010 was in the high thirties. If you wanted to upgrade to the Z06, which was a near supercar, the base price was around $75,000. However, the Z06 coupe wasn’t available as a targa-top or convertible, or with an automatic transmission.

The Grand Sport seemed to hit the sweet spot. The starting price for the targa-top coupe was around $59,000 and it was available as either a convertible or targa-top coupe with either a manual or automatic transmission. This made it an extremely popular choice for buyers who wanted something more than the base model but weren’t willing to pay the large price premium for a Z06.

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