Chevrolet will bring the Grand Sport moniker back to the Corvette lineup for the 2010 model year

The 2010 Corvette Grand Sport will replace the previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires, revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications and specific gearing.

The new Grand Sport combines the Corvette’s LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers a great balance of road and race track performance. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 hp and 428 lb-ft.

The last time Chevrolet offered a Grand Sport model was in 1996. All of the 1,000 limited-edition vehicles were painted Admiral Blue and featured a white centre stripe and red “hash mark” graphics on the left front fender, a graphic scheme that mimicked the look of some of the original race cars from the 1960s.