I cannot speak for anyone else but for me, the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is spectacular. Earlier this year we had the pleasure of seeing this Vette in person at the local auto show.

Maybe it was the wide fenders and confident-aggressive stance or the Admiral blue metallic paint with the full-length white centered racing stripe.

I don’t know, perhaps the 2017 GS is just simply awesome and I was merely caught off guard seeing it live but none the less, my initial reaction was Whoa! Okay Chevy, I see you!

As you know the original Grand Sport racer was developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov back in 1962 which was targeted for the 1963 Le Mans race and therefore Chevrolet and the Grand Sport, in particular, has a very rich history of racing in its DNA.

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
1963 Corvette Grand Sport in Nassau – GM Heritage Center

The all-new 2017 edition of the Grand Sport still shows off its racing heritage but has a lot more to offer than the original lightweight (1,800 pounds) Corvette used to race against Ferrari’s, Cobras and other GT production class cars on the international circuit.

Powered by the track-focused naturally aspirated 460-horsepower LT1 6.2L V-8 engine the 2017 Vette packs a lot of power and performance with lightweight architecture and carbon-fiber components.

The new Grand Sport is available with either a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission and for the first time, you can now add on the Z07 package.

2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport – Dallas, TX

This package includes some serious stopping power with Brembo carbon ceramic custom red calipers, upgraded Magnetic Ride Control suspension and competition style seats.

The black aluminum wheels wrapped in practically racing grade Michelin rubber also delivers exceptional performance while keeping this monster glued to the ground.

From the Grand Sport’s torch red fender hash marks to the leather and suede-wrapped interior if you want a signature ride with racing DNA and can drop $60,500 to $90,000 the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport might be for you.

Other notable features and accessories:

• LT1 performance
• 6.2-liter V8
• 460 hp, 465 lb-ft
•Grand Sport Heritage Package
•Grand Sport logo floor mats
•Aluminum door sill plates
•Front curb view cameras
•Heated and ventilated seats
•Optional choice of 5 center stripe colors