Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport X was unveiled, making it clear that the first hybrid ‘Vette, known as the E-Ray, wasn’t completely retired—rather, it was refined, enhanced, and rebranded. The outcome is a 721-horsepower, all-wheel-drive American sports car featuring a substantial V8 engine positioned behind the cockpit.
I recently experienced the full LS6-powered lineup: Stingray, Grand Sport, and Grand Sport X, which you can find detailed here.
Focusing on the Grand Sport X, I aimed to discover how this new all-weather powerhouse sets itself apart from the discontinued E-Ray and what it’s like both on the racetrack and city streets. With a fresh 6.7-liter LS6, a hybrid system, a Z06-style body kit, and an electrified front axle taken from the formidable ZR1X, it represents the apex of the “regular” Corvette. Venturing further into Z06 and ZR1 territory demands courage and significantly more financial investment.
New LS6 V8
Proudly revealed as having the highest torque of any naturally aspirated V8 that Chevy has ever crafted, the new 6.7-liter LS6 produces 520 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its predecessor, the LT2, which delivered 470 lb-ft. While the base Stingray and standard Grand Sport provide 535 hp—up from 490 in the earlier 6.2-liter—the Grand Sport X boasts 721 hp thanks to a boost from the hybrid system.
Additional standout features of this new engine include a 13.0:1 compression ratio (the highest ever in Corvette’s history) for enhanced responsiveness, and a 95-mm throttle body paired with a tunnel ram intake featuring high-velocity ports to facilitate increased airflow. Furthermore, a novel lubrication system, along with forged pistons and rods, plus modified exhaust manifolds ensures resilience during prolonged high-load, high-temperature conditions.
The Grand Sport X, like all other C8 Corvettes, is exclusively available with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
From E-Ray to Grand Sport X
The Grand Sport X doesn’t dwell on its predecessor much. The V8 is entirely new, as is the hybrid powertrain, composed of the electric motor and battery. Consequently, from a drivetrain standpoint, the X represents more of a new vehicle than merely an evolution of the E-Ray. The components are borrowed from the ZR1X, which recently set the all-time record for production cars at Pikes Peak with J.R. Hildebrand at the helm, indicating its impressive capabilities. There are, of course, tuning differences given that the ZR1X is driven by a different engine and boasts 1,250 hp, which is a staggering 529 more than the GSX. To provide context, the previous E-Ray produced 655 hp.
A similar narrative unfolds in terms of styling. Traditionally, the Grand Sport has drawn its design elements from the flagship Z06, and this time is no exception. The broader, more aggressive body kit is directly taken from the Z06, although the large badging in front of the rear wheels, particularly the X, may lead you to do a double-take, ensuring it’s not a ZR1X sans the enormous rear wing. Overall, the new GSX resembles the latest GS more closely than it does the E-Ray.
The chassis remains largely unchanged, although the Stingray and Grand Sport incorporate recalibrated MagneRide for enhanced performance, a modification that is carried over to the highest trim of the LS6 lineup. The interior also remains mostly in line with the E-Ray’s, featuring only minimal model-year updates.
Regarding performance, the X can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.4 seconds, in contrast to the E-Ray’s 2.5 seconds, which is impressive. What falls short, however, is the fuel efficiency: 15 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined, compared to the E-Ray’s 16 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. You may think I’m odd, but I doubt anyone will seriously mind.
Driving the 2027 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport X
I never had the opportunity to drive the E-Ray, but my colleague and friend Adam Ismail recently did. From his June 2026 review:
“I’d heard that the C8 exceeded expectations for its price category, and the discussed figures reveal a narrative, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much of a true supercar the E-Ray truly is. Everything feels solid, optimized, and fine-tuned for responsiveness and communication. My loaner was fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season tires—not summer tires—and even then, the eagerness with which it transitioned directions and the utter clarity when it did were intoxicating. The raucous symphony of the small-block mere feet from my back was thrilling, though that’s probably the least surprising aspect. The hybrid E-Ray, by the way, adds to that growl with an oddly remote siren-like sound that kept me checking my mirrors.”
“Perhaps the torque from the front axle influenced my confidence; it certainly made its presence felt with a few flicks of the left paddle. Naturally, it’s swift, and public roads don’t permit you to safely explore that for much longer than a brief burst. This car is so effortlessly capable, yet full of personality. And yes, the ride can be a bit harsh, with potholes, rough surfaces, and driveline vibrations seldom going unnoticed, but you drive this vehicle precisely because it sharpens the senses. It invigorates them.”
It certainly mirrors my experience with the Grand Sport X, right down to the annoying artificial sound pumped into the cabin through the speakers to subtly remind you that you’re piloting a hybrid ‘Vette. In the X, it’s less of a siren and more of a futuristic whirring sound. I really wasn’t fond of it.
On the track, it feels equally secure and prepared to confront any set of curves presented. It quickly becomes apparent just how much front-end grip this vehicle possesses compared to its rear-drive counterpart. At Atlanta Motorsport Park’s notably long and quick turns, the X displays both poise and ferocity in navigating through sweeping turns and apexes. As Hildebrand emphasized while giving me an intense lap around the circuit, you don’t truly comprehend how much energy the battery delivers to the front axle to maintain the car’s rotation through tight or rapid corners until you either check the data, run out of battery, or switch to the rear-drive GS immediately afterward.
As Adam noted in his review, “the electric motor isn’t intended to minimize anyone’s carbon footprint,” and this remains approximately true for the new variant. Away from the track, and along the winding country backroads outside of Atlanta, the X was ever ready to surge forward and seize any corner or straightaway. Depending on the selected driving mode, the LS6 could be somewhat tame to avoid disturbing the neighbors at startup or to allow for discussions from within the vehicle. However, in modes like Sport or Track, it was overly loud. In fact, I only became aware of its true volume once I took off my helmet, completed my track session, and transitioned back to the street.
Ultimately, without the opportunity to drive both vehicles consecutively, it’s challenging to discern the subtleties between the old LT2 V8 in the E-Ray and the LS6 in the GSX. However, given the substantial effort the engine team invested into creating the new engine, I would assume that all driving dynamics have been enhanced in the latest model. Perhaps Chevy still has an E-Ray setting around in the Midwest and would allow me to take it for a spin before the first snowfall.
At the end of the day, both vehicles signify a major milestone for the Bowtie brand, particularly considering that many fans of the make never believed they would witness a mid-engine Corvette. Now, we not only have a mid-engine option but also a hybrid model with all-wheel drive. Additionally, if you ascend beyond the LS6 range, there’s a $250,000 Corvette capable of reaching 233 mph. What a remarkable era to experience.
Click here for my comprehensive review and ratings of the 2027 Grand Sport X and its counterparts.
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**Analysis of the 2027 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport X: Development from the E-Ray Hybrid Foundation**
The 2027 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport X signifies a considerable development in the Corvette series, building on the groundbreaking foundation established by the E-Ray hybrid model. This article explores the crucial features, technological progressions, and performance improvements that characterize the Grand Sport X, showcasing how it encapsulates the future of American sports vehicles.
**1. Design and Style**
The Grand Sport X keeps the renowned Corvette shape while introducing distinctive design features that set it apart from its predecessors. The front design showcases a more aggressive demeanor, with sharper angles and a wider grille for enhanced aerodynamics. The rear highlights a unique quad-exhaust system and a revamped spoiler, boosting both style and downforce. Offered in a variety of vivid colors and finishes, the Grand Sport X appeals to enthusiasts seeking customization.
**2. Power and Performance**
At the core of the Grand Sport X lies a robust hybrid powertrain that builds upon the innovative technology of the E-Ray. The blend of a high-performance V8 engine and electric motors delivers a remarkable output, offering thrilling acceleration and responsiveness. The hybrid system not only elevates performance but also enhances fuel efficiency, rendering the Grand Sport X a more eco-friendly selection without sacrificing power.
The incorporation of all-wheel drive, a feature initiated with the E-Ray, ensures superior traction and control, especially under demanding driving circumstances. The Grand Sport X also benefits from advanced suspension systems that strike a balance between comfort and sportiness, guaranteeing an exhilarating driving experience on both track and road.
**3. Technological Innovations**
The 2027 Grand Sport X is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, including a sophisticated infotainment system that seamlessly connects with smartphones and other devices. The digital cockpit incorporates customizable interfaces, equipping drivers with live information on performance metrics, navigation, and entertainment options.
Safety features have also been upgraded, with a collection of driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance overall safety and driving assurance. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and advanced collision avoidance systems, making the Grand Sport X not only a high-performance vehicle but also a sensible choice for everyday use.
**4. Driving Dynamics**
The driving dynamics of the Grand Sport X are tailored to be immersive and engaging. With several driving modes, including a specialized track mode, drivers can adjust the vehicle’s performance attributes to fit their preferences. The responsive steering and precise handling make driving on twisting roads enjoyable, while the hybrid powertrain guarantees that power delivery is seamless and immediate.
**5. Heritage and Future Vision**
The launch of the Grand Sport X represents a crucial juncture in the Corvette’s legacy, highlighting Chevrolet’s dedication to innovation and performance. By utilizing the hybrid technology from the E-Ray, the Grand Sport X not only respects the Corvette’s distinguished history but also lights the path for a sustainable future in high-performance automobiles.
As the automotive landscape continues to transform, the 2027 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport X stands as a symbol of the integration of tradition and modernity, appealing to both longtime Corvette fans and a fresh generation of drivers in search of exhilarating performance and cutting-edge technology.