There has been a lot of chatter about a proposed commemorative edition Corvette to be revealed at a press session today as part of the Rolex 24 festivities. The Daytona Speedway app leaked a photo of four cars and their accompanying drivers who created them, which was enough to keep the internet churning until GM officially pulled the covers mid-day today.
Some of what we knew then was confirmed, while others struggled with the reality that what they wished for most wasn’t part of the option. What we do know is that there are four driver-spec’d Grand Sports that will be made available to race fans who want to feel connected to their favorite driver. For those who have a mutual respect for all four drivers represented, we’d suggest saving your pennies or asking your local dealer for a group discount.
While each of these gentlemen have made it their goal to make Corvette the fastest car on the track, higher-ups at Chevrolet didn’t ask their input when it came to powering these special editions. Each 2019 Corvette Grand Sport Drivers Edition will have the same 460-horsepower 6.2L V-8 as all Grand Sports, along with the requisite dry-sump system, Michelin Pilot Super Sports rubber, Brembo brakes and additional cooling accessories. All these cars will get black wheels with red stripes and red calipers.
Choices range from the various packaged aesthetic goods chosen by each driver; Antonio Garcia, Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen, and Tommy Milner. Each car will have a commemorative dash plaque bearing the designing driver’s name. Beyond that, you can choose from the other options available to Grand Sport buyers, such as a manual or auto transmission and adding the Z07 package on top of the already-capable Grand Sport. The Drivers Edition Grand Sport package is only available on Grand Sport Coupes, and can be had in 1LT and 2LT trim levels for $4,995 or in the 3LT package for $5,995, The price difference owing to the addition of carbon fiber interior pieces.
On a recent thread started at the Corvette Forum , some enthusiasts were hoping for a bump in horsepower as a nod to these guys’ penchant for going fast on track. Others spent their time waiting for the reveal by correcting spelling errors in the marketing flyer that was posted to the thread. Perhaps diverting their angst from simply getting 460-horsepower as the only option.
We feel that each of these drivers are well deserving of a special edition Corvette. Their skill has kept Corvette out in front, and even the street cars that we enjoy today have been honed by their time behind the wheel. With the next-generation Corvette sightings becoming more frequent, it’s safe to assume that these cars may stand as the last of the front-engine special edition Corvettes. They will surely help move cars from dealer’s showrooms at a time when everyone is focused on what’s next.