Chevrolet Reportedly Developing A New C8 Corvette Grand Sport

We’ve speculated in the past about the return of the Corvette Grand Sport nameplate, but the rumors are starting to gain traction and this time the speculation is that it will debut with an all-new small-block behind the driver’s seat. Since the launch of the mid-engine C8 generation, enthusiasts have been asking when the Grand Sport would make its return. Now, several recent prototype sightings and insider reports suggest that GM is quietly working on a new C8 Corvette Grand Sport to slot between the Stingray and the E-Ray.

If history is any indication, the Grand Sport has always represented the perfect middle ground between daily drivability and track performance, and this new iteration seems to follow that same formula. The upcoming model is expected to feature the same widebody styling as the E-Ray and Z06 but without the added weight or complexity of the E-Ray’s hybrid powertrain. Instead, it’s likely to stick with a traditional internal combustion setup powered by GM’s upcoming Gen 6 small-block V8.

Spy photos recently posted by GM Authority show a camouflaged C8 prototype rolling on wheels with Buick center caps, which sounds unusual, but may be a detail that is more than coincidence. The “Gran Sport” nameplate traces its heritage back to Buick’s high-performance models of the 1960s, and the use of the Tri-Shield logo could be an intentional nod to that legacy. Another prototype spotted earlier this fall wore Z06-style wheels and rectangular exhaust outlets, further fueling speculation that a new Grand Sport is on the horizon.

The rumored powerplant for this model ties into GM’s next-generation small-block development. The Gen 6 small-block is expected to debut in the 2027 Silverado and Sierra, with displacement options reportedly including 5.7 and 6.6 liters. For the Corvette application, sources indicate the 6.6-liter variant is the likely choice, which would be a natural evolution from the current 6.2-liter LT2 that powers the Stingray and E-Ray.

If these reports hold true, the C8 Corvette Grand Sport will reclaim its familiar position in the lineup bridging the gap between the Stingray’s everyday budget accessibility and the Z06’s razor-sharp focus. Blending widebody performance with naturally aspirated power, it could deliver the best of both worlds for enthusiasts who crave balance over extremes.

Until Chevrolet makes an official announcement, fans can only speculate. But with testing already underway and the Gen 6 V8 nearing completion, the return of the Corvette Grand Sport may be closer than anyone expects.