Photo Credit: Keith Cornett

The arrival of the new 2027 Grand Sport X flips the traditional Grand Sport script by being more powerful than the C8 Z06. So many people are fixated on the total horsepower numbers versus what is the car’s stated purpose, and we have seen this question arise many times as customers grabble with which car best fits their use.

On one hand, the Grand Sport X has 721 combined horsepower which is greater than the 670-hp in the Z06. Plus, it’s 520 lb-ft of torque becomes readily apparent almost from the get-go versus that of the Z06 in which you have to wind up the high-revving Z06’s 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 for it to really kick in.

The GSX also has a number of improved modes for the track that takes advantage of its hybrid AWD system. These include Endurance Mode (for prioritizing longer sessions), Qualifying Mode (all the energy for the fastest lap time), and Push-to-Pass (maximum power output for overtaking). While those features sound like Chevy wants you to track the GSX, what the car is missing is a real factory track performance configuration as its only performance package swaps out the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S all-season tires for the PS4 summer tires.

Meanwhile, the Z06’s naturally aspirated 5.5-Liter V8 is Chevrolet’s purpose-built track weapon that was made for putting down fast laps at the track. It can be ordered with all the components needed for great times including the carbon aero package, Z07 racing suspension, Michelin Cup 2 R tires, and Brembo’s carbon ceramic brakes. It’s lighter than the Grand Sport X and seasoned drivers racing on the Michelin Cup 2 R tires will have a distinct advantage against other cars.

And that leads us to this question asked and answered by members of the GM’s Corvette Team at the NCM’s 32nd Annual Celebration.

The seminar was held on Saturday morning as Executive Chief Engineer Tony Roma and Vehicle Chief Engineer Josh Holder shared all the latest news and updates for the Corvette team. Following their planned discussion, the floor was opened to questions.

One question that came up had to do with the Grand Sport X vs the Z06 on the track, and the customer asked “everything being the same (same driver, same track) which car would do better?

Tony answered first an alluded to the AWD Grand Sport X being a great choice for the less experienced driver as it feels really planted with the All-Wheel Drive system. The Z06 is a little looser, more nimble, and it’s lighter. Tony says for the more experienced driver, the Z06 is the car for the track that will grow your experience even more.

You can see the question and answer from the Q&A Session below:

Source:
Photo and Video by Keith Cornett

Related:
[POLL] Now That We Know More, Which C8 Corvette Grand Sport Are You Picking?
[VIDEO] 2027 Grand Sport and Grand Sport X Driving Reviews are Now Out!
[VIDEO] Corvette Team Presentation from Corvettes at Carlisle 2026

Subscribe Now: