2027 Corvette Grand Sport & GS-X: 6.7 Litres of "No Substitute!

The 2027 Corvette Grand Sport has arrived, and it swaps the familiar 6.2L for an all-new 6.7L Gen 6 Small Block LS6 V8. This torque rich, naturally aspirated monster makes the Grand Sport the most usable, real world friendly mid engine Corvette yet, and arguably the most “South African” ‘Vette ever built.

By pairing the aggressive Z06 style widebody with massive low end shove, Chevy has created the perfect sweet spot, 90% of the Z06’s drama with far better daily drivability on our imperfect tarmac. Whether you’re overtaking on the N3 at altitude or enjoying a Sunday cruise on the R55, this is the Corvette that finally feels built for our conditions.

The Heart of the Beast: All-New 6.7L LS6 V8 Engine Specs

GM didn’t just bore out the old motor. The Gen 6 Small Block LS6 gets a stretched stroke to 100 mm, a sky-high 13.0:1 compression ratio (the highest ever in a production Corvette V8), forged internals, dual injection, and a clever tunnel-ram intake with high-velocity ports.

• Power: 535 hp (399 kW) @ 6,100 rpm

• Torque: 520 lb-ft (705 Nm) @ 4,600 rpm

Unlike the high revving, flat plane crank Z06, the LS6 is a proper torque monster. That fat mid range pull delivers instant, linear shove exactly where you need it most , long highway overtakes at altitude, where thinner air robs turbo cars of punch. The deep, thunderous exhaust note (especially with the optional quad centre-exit) is pure old school Chevy, without the complexity of forced induction.

This same 6.7L LS6 also becomes the standard engine in the 2027 Stingray, showing GM is doubling down on big displacement pushrod V8s to take the fight to high revving Europeans while keeping maintenance relatively straightforward and the centre of gravity low.

Corvette Grand Sport X (GS-X): The 721 hp Hybrid AWD Contender

Need even more? The Grand Sport X (GS-X) officially replaces the E-Ray. It combines the 6.7L LS6 with a front-axle electric motor borrowed from the ultra-exotic ZR1X setup.

• Combined Output: 721 hp (537 kW) with eAWD

• Key Features: “Push to Pass” mode for instant overtaking bursts, “Shuttle Mode” (limited to ~23 km/h) for silent, neighbour friendly garage exits, and selectable drive modes including Endurance and Qualifying.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0 is standard across the range and remains a standout,  it can transform the car from comfortable grand tourer to track weapon in milliseconds.

The GS-X’s added weight and more aggressive aero bias may make it feel like “too much car” for less track focused drivers among us, especially on broken surfaces like parts of the R55 or N3. Extra mass from the front motor and battery also impacts fuel thirst and reduces front storage space.

Stick with the lighter, more flickable rear wheel drive Grand Sport if you are the occassional track day enthusiast, but enjoy driving the mountain passes of South Africa. Its Touring suspension tune and Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tyres (standard) handle our uneven roads and potholes far more comfortably than the GS-X’s track focused setup. You still get the Z06 widebody stance and that glorious 705 Nm without the hybrid complexity.

How the 2027 Grand Sport Drives on South African Roads

Imagine pulling out onto the N1 or Chapman’s Peak, the 6.7L LS6 delivers immediate, effortless acceleration without waiting for turbos to spool. The mid engine balance keeps it planted through corners, while Magnetic Ride smooths out the worst tar patches. It’s loud, honest, and addictive, the kind of car that makes every drive feel like a Sunday morning breakfast run.

Yes, it’s wide (the Z06 body doesn’t shrink), so urban parking in Sandton or Cape Town requires care. Fuel consumption will be on the thirsty side (expect mid teens litres/100 km in mixed driving on 95/93 octane), but that’s the price of 6.7 litres of naturally aspirated fury.

The Grand Sport doesn’t pretend to be a pure track weapon like the Z06. It bridges classic American muscle with modern supercar dynamics, exactly what enthusiasts have been asking for in an era of downsized turbos and heavy EVs.

“The Grand Sport doesn’t try to be a race car. It tries to be the best version of your favourite Sunday morning drive.”

So! What are Pros and Cons of the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport

Pros

• Massive low end torque (705 Nm) perfect for real world overtakes and altitude driving

• Striking Z06 widebody stance with aggressive presence

• World class Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 for supreme ride comfort and handling

• Simpler, more reliable pushrod V8 architecture with lower centre of gravity

• RWD version remains lighter and more playful than the hybrid GS-X

Cons

• Heavy fuel consumption (thirsty V8 character)

• GS-X loses front storage space due to the electric motor and battery

• Very wide body can be challenging for tight urban parking and narrow South African roads

• Higher expected pricing (US base rumours around $95k–$115k+; SA landed price TBC but will reflect strong Rand/duty impact)

Final Verdict: The Smartest Corvette Choice for South Africa?

The 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is the iteration that finally feels perfectly judged. It delivers jaw dropping performance and presence without the compromises that make the Z06 or GS-X less practical for daily use on our roads.

Purists will gravitate to the RWD Grand Sport with its pure 6.7L “jackhammer fury.” Those wanting maximum grip and headline power will eye the 721 hp GS-X. Either way, GM has proven there really is no substitute for displacement when it’s done this right.

Would you choose the pure RWD Grand Sport or the hybrid G?