Corvette Grand Sport X introduces hybrid power and 721 hp output

Chevrolet has introduced the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport X, expanding the Corvette lineup with a new electrified all-wheel-drive variant while discontinuing the previously offered Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray. The Grand Sport X replaces that role, combining a naturally aspirated V8 engine with an electric front axle to deliver increased performance and all-weather capability.

The Grand Sport X builds on the legacy of the Grand Sport nameplate, which dates back to a small group of race-focused Corvettes developed in the early 1960s. In its latest form, the Grand Sport X shifts the formula toward electrification while maintaining a focus on track capability and daily usability. It sits alongside the rear-wheel-drive Grand Sport but introduces a different approach to performance through its hybridized powertrain.

At the center of the Grand Sport X is a new 6.7-liter LS6 V8 engine. This naturally aspirated unit produces 535 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. It represents the next generation of General Motors’ Small Block V8 architecture and becomes a core engine across the Corvette lineup. The engine features increased displacement, a 13.0:1 compression ratio, and revised intake and exhaust systems designed to improve airflow and performance across the rev range.

Unlike the standard Grand Sport, the Grand Sport X pairs this V8 with an electric motor mounted on the front axle. The system draws on technology from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, combining a rear-engine V8 with a compact battery pack and a front-drive unit to create an electrified all-wheel-drive configuration. Total system output is rated at 721 horsepower.

The electric motor contributes up to 145 pound-feet of torque at the front axle, enabling immediate torque delivery during acceleration. This setup allows the Grand Sport X to retain rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics under many conditions while providing additional traction when needed. The system is designed to improve both standing-start performance and corner-exit stability.

Chevrolet has integrated multiple driver-selectable modes to manage how the hybrid system deploys power. An endurance-focused setting adjusts battery usage to maintain consistent performance over extended track sessions, while a qualifying mode prioritizes maximum output for lap times. A push-to-pass function allows the driver to access the full available power on demand.

In addition to performance-oriented features, the Grand Sport X includes limited electric-only operation. A “Stealth” mode allows the vehicle to travel using only the front electric motor at speeds up to 50 miles per hour (approximately 80 km/h), while a low-speed “Shuttle” mode enables quiet movement in non-street environments at speeds up to 23 mph (37 km/h).

Chassis and suspension systems are shared with other high-performance Corvette variants but adapted for the hybrid configuration. Magnetic Ride Control is standard, providing continuously adjustable damping that adapts to road conditions and driver input. The vehicle also includes carbon-ceramic brakes as standard equipment, along with Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 tires.

An available performance package upgrades the tire selection to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, improving grip and responsiveness for track and spirited driving. The additional traction from the front electric motor complements these upgrades by enhancing stability during acceleration and cornering.

The battery pack used in the Grand Sport X is positioned low within the chassis to maintain a low center of gravity and preserve the mid-engine Corvette’s balance. Chevrolet states that this placement helps retain the platform’s agility while accommodating the additional components of the hybrid system.

From a design standpoint, the Grand Sport X incorporates elements associated with the Grand Sport name, including distinctive striping and hash mark graphics. For the first time in the model’s history, the hash marks have been relocated to the rear of the vehicle, reflecting the mid-engine layout of the current Corvette generation.

The exterior color palette includes both heritage-inspired and new options. Admiral Blue Metallic returns as a reference to earlier Corvette generations, while a new Pitch Gray Metallic is introduced across the lineup. Buyers can select from a range of stripes and accent combinations, enabling extensive customization.

Inside, the Grand Sport X Launch Edition features a Santorini Blue-dominated interior with red accents and contrast stitching. The design extends across most interior surfaces, including seats, the dashboard, and trim elements. Additional details include embossed headrests with a Grand Sport outline and unique Launch Edition badging.

Wheel options include forged aluminum designs and available carbon-fiber wheels, which are intended to reduce unsprung mass and improve handling response. Multiple finishes are offered, along with visual treatments that match exterior and interior configurations.

Production of the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport X will take place at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky. The LS6 engine will be assembled at the company’s Flint Engine Operations facility in Michigan, continuing a long-standing association between Corvette engines and the Flint plant.

The introduction of the Grand Sport X also signals a shift in the Corvette lineup. With the discontinuation of the E-Ray, Chevrolet has consolidated its electrified Corvette offering into this new model. The Grand Sport X effectively replaces the E-Ray as the hybrid all-wheel-drive option, while incorporating updated hardware and increased output.

Chevrolet positions the Grand Sport X as a bridge between traditional V8 performance and electrified capability. It combines elements of established Corvette engineering with hybrid technology derived from higher-performance models, resulting in a configuration that emphasizes both versatility and output.

The broader Corvette lineup for 2027 also adopts the new LS6 engine across multiple models, including the Stingray and the standard Grand Sport. However, the Grand Sport X remains distinct due to its electrified drivetrain and higher combined power figures.

Chevrolet expects the Grand Sport and Stingray models to represent the majority of Corvette sales, indicating that the Grand Sport X will serve as a higher-performance alternative within the more accessible portion of the lineup rather than a limited-production halo model.