Atlanta Motorsports Park, at first encounter, might seem like just another addition to the burgeoning collection of upscale racing circuits. While more racetracks are always a welcome sight, some cater to a less demanding clientele, prioritizing wide, sweeping corners over technical challenges. The kind of tracks where raw horsepower trumps finesse. But Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) is different.
Conceived by a former karting champion and designed by the renowned Hermann Tilke – the mind behind numerous Formula 1 circuits – AMP is a demanding 1.83-mile road course nestled in the North Georgia Mountains. Its 16 corners are a true test of skill, rewarding precision and punishing errors. It’s precisely the kind of playground where a machine like the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport truly comes alive.
My weapon of choice for tackling AMP was indeed the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport. Crucially, this model was equipped with the coveted seven-speed manual transmission – a stark contrast to the sometimes-maligned eight-speed automatic found in other GM performance vehicles like the Camaro and Cadillac ATS-V. While the automatic might be acceptable, for a true driving enthusiast, especially on track, the manual is the only way to go.
The seven-speed manual in the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport is nothing short of exceptional. Each gear engages with satisfying precision, allowing for rapid-fire shifts that make you feel connected to the car in a way automatics simply can’t replicate.
For those wondering about the rev-matching feature, yes, it was engaged. While purists might scoff, the system is so expertly implemented that it enhances, rather than detracts from, the driving experience. It’s there to assist, not to patronize, and can be easily disabled for drivers who prefer the traditional heel-toe method. Having the choice is the real victory here.
The beauty of this gearbox lies in its near perfection. Shifts are slick and direct, allowing you to attack corners with confidence. However, during my track session, a minor hiccup emerged. A few times during aggressive upshifts from second to third gear, I inadvertently found myself in fifth. On the road, this is a minor annoyance easily masked by the Corvette’s abundant torque.
But on the track, missed shifts disrupt rhythm and lap times. While not a frequent occurrence, it was enough to warrant investigation. Conversations with other automotive journalists revealed a split experience – some reported flawless shifts, while others encountered the same second-to-third gear issue. The culprit could be overly aggressive shifting technique, suggesting a need for a more deliberate hand when slotting into third.
Aside from this occasional blip, every other gear change was sublime. Particularly rewarding were downshifts during heavy braking into tighter corners. Dropping from third to second, accompanied by the seamless rev-matching, momentarily transformed me into a racing driver, if only in my own mind.
Speaking of braking, the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport is equipped with formidable stopping power. Standard Brembo brakes, featuring massive 14.5-inch rotors both front and rear with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, are more than capable. However, for the ultimate in braking performance, the Grand Sport offers the Z07 package, borrowing technology from the Z06.
The Z07 package elevates braking to another level with colossal 15-inch carbon ceramic rotors. While the standard steel brakes showed no signs of fade even under sustained track abuse, the carbon ceramics remained unfazed, dismissing heat as a mere concept.
The result is breathtaking stopping power. The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport can decelerate from 60-0 mph in under 100 feet. Remarkably, braking from 25-0 mph requires a distance shorter than the car’s overall length.
But track prowess is more than just brakes. Thankfully, the Grand Sport inherits the Z06’s chassis tuning DNA, further refined for this specific model. Magnetic Ride Control comes standard, complemented by unique stabilizer bars and springs tailored for the Grand Sport. Staggered wheels – 19×10 inches front and 20×12 inches rear – are wrapped in 285 front and 335 rear series Michelin Pilot Sport tires as standard.
For the ultimate grip, ticking the Z07 option box upgrades the tires to the ultra-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s. On a day where track temperatures approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit, these tires were practically at their optimal temperature before even leaving the pits.
On track, the C7 Corvette’s steering feel remains a benchmark, even with electric power assist. Minor understeer can be induced if corner entry isn’t perfect, but it’s easily corrected with throttle input. On the correct line, turn-in is precise and immediate, placing the car exactly where intended. While exploring the limits, keeping the traction control just shy of fully off allows for a playful hint of oversteer while still providing a safety net.
While the base Corvette Z51 is competent on track, the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport is in a different league. It’s sharper, more focused, and ultimately more rewarding for the serious driver.
Pushing the Grand Sport into corners reveals astonishing grip. Even when challenging your perceived limits, the car remains composed, capable of generating up to 1.05g in corners on the standard setup. Opting for the Z07 package elevates this to an almost unbelievable 1.2g, a figure that will have you uttering expletives of pure joy.
The 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport isn’t just another country-club racer. It’s a serious performance machine, honed for the track, and a testament to American engineering. It’s a car that demands to be driven hard and rewards skillful inputs with an exhilarating and deeply satisfying driving experience. For those seeking a track-ready Corvette that bridges the gap between the Stingray and the Z06, the Grand Sport is the perfect answer.
