Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) might initially seem like just another addition to the growing list of exclusive, country-club style racing circuits. While the increasing number of racetracks globally is undoubtedly a positive trend, some are designed with layouts that prioritize less challenging, sweeping turns aimed at boosting the egos of wealthy drivers seeking speed thrills without demanding technical skill. However, AMP breaks this mold.
Founded by a former karting champion, AMP boasts top-tier facilities and a racing surface crafted by Hermann Tilke, a name synonymous with some of the world’s most renowned circuits. This 1.83-mile road course nestled in the North Georgia Mountains features 16 demanding corners, presenting a genuine challenge for drivers. Mastering a particularly tricky section after repeated attempts brings immense satisfaction, making AMP an ideal proving ground for a performance car like the new Corvette Grand Sport.
My track experience at AMP was behind the wheel of a Grand Sport equipped with GM’s eight-speed automatic transmission. Having previously encountered this gearbox in models like the Camaro, ATS-V, CTS-V, and the standard Corvette, my impressions were mixed. The eight-speed often seemed indecisive, slow to downshift from eighth to a more appropriate gear, and somewhat cumbersome for truly engaging driving. However, for enthusiasts seeking a more connected driving experience, particularly on the track, Chevrolet thankfully offers the seven-speed manual transmission in the Grand Sport – the configuration specifically designed to shine in performance driving scenarios.
The gearbox itself is 99 percent wonderful. It slots into nearly every gear effortlessly and you can bang shifts around like you’re Miles Teller trying to find the right tempo to keep JK Simmons from taking your head off.
For those wondering about the use of rev-matching, while heel-toe shifting is a skill I possess, I readily appreciate and utilize a well-executed computer-assisted system. If a car offers a superior rev-matching system, as the Grand Sport does, I’m happy to let technology enhance the driving experience. Of course, for purists who prefer complete control, the system can be deactivated, offering drivers the best of both worlds.
The seven-speed manual in the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport is indeed exceptional. Gear engagement is nearly flawless, allowing for rapid and precise shifts, reminiscent of a high-stakes drumming performance where timing is everything. However, during my track session, I encountered an occasional hiccup. Upshifting from second to third gear sometimes resulted in inadvertently landing in fifth. On public roads, this isn’t a major issue, as the Corvette’s ample torque easily compensates.
On the racetrack, however, such a mis-shift can disrupt lap times, corner entry, and overall driving rhythm. While not a frequent occurrence, it happened more than once, prompting me to consult with other automotive journalists present at the event. Interestingly, feedback was varied. Some reported flawlessly crisp shifts, while others had also experienced the second-to-third gear issue. This inconsistency suggests that perhaps my aggressive shifting technique was to blame, and a more refined approach might be required for perfect gear changes in this specific transition.
Beyond this occasional second-to-third gear anomaly, all other gear changes were superb. Particularly in tighter track sections demanding rapid deceleration, downshifting from third to second gear, enhanced by the rev-matching system, provided a sensation of seamless precision and control, briefly evoking the prowess of a professional racing driver.
Braking performance in the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport is equally impressive. Standard models are equipped with Brembo brakes featuring substantial 14.5-inch rotors both front and rear, coupled with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. Notably, for the first time in the Grand Sport lineage, the optional Z07 Package becomes available, mirroring the high-performance braking system found in the Z06.
Opting for the Z07 package elevates braking to an extreme level, incorporating massive 15-inch carbon ceramic rotors. During a full day of rigorous track driving by automotive journalists, the standard steel brakes exhibited no signs of fade, while the carbon-ceramic brakes seemed impervious to heat buildup, showcasing their exceptional thermal capacity.
Applying firm pressure to the brake pedal in the Grand Sport results in rapid deceleration, bringing the car to a halt from 60 mph in under 100 feet. Remarkably, braking from 25 mph to a complete stop requires even less distance than the car’s overall length, highlighting the sheer stopping power on tap.
However, exceptional lap times are a product of more than just powerful brakes. Thankfully, the Grand Sport benefits from the Z06 chassis tuning expertise, further refined specifically for this model. Magnetic ride control comes as standard equipment, complemented by unique stabilizer bars and springs engineered for the Grand Sport’s dynamics. The car rolls on 19×10 inch front wheels and 20×12 inch rear wheels, fitted with 285-series front tires and substantial 335-series rear tires. Michelin Pilot Sport tires are standard, providing excellent grip and handling.
For those seeking ultimate track performance, specifying the Z07 package brings an upgrade to the incredibly sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. In ambient track temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, these tires reach optimal operating temperature almost instantaneously.
On the track, the steering feel of the C7 Corvette platform remains a standout feature, even with the electrically assisted power steering system. While minor understeer can be induced by incorrect corner entry, it’s easily corrected with throttle modulation. On the correct racing line, turn-in is precise and predictable, allowing for confident placement of the car’s nose. While I opted to keep the traction control partially engaged, the available driving modes in the Chevrolet system offer a spectrum of settings. Selecting a mode just shy of completely disabling all aids provides a hint of oversteer, full power delivery, and a safety net to avoid damaging the car’s bodywork.
While the Z51 is more than acceptable out on the race track, it’s nowhere near as wonderful as the Grand Sport or the Z06 because it’s just not as fast or as sharp an instrument.
Pushing the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport hard into corners reveals its remarkable grip and composure. As you approach your perceived limits, the car encourages exploration of its even higher capabilities. Without the Z07 package, the Grand Sport achieves an impressive 1.05g of lateral acceleration in corners. Equipping the Z07 package elevates this figure to an astonishing 1.2g, a testament to the enhanced grip and handling prowess. The sheer cornering force is genuinely exhilarating and, at times, almost induces involuntary exclamations of surprise and excitement.
In conclusion, the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport stands out as a track-focused marvel, blending potent performance, refined handling, and advanced technology into a compelling package for driving enthusiasts. Whether equipped with the standard Brembo brakes or the ultimate Z07 carbon-ceramic system, and whether riding on Pilot Sports or Pilot Sport Cup 2s, the Grand Sport delivers an engaging and rewarding driving experience that lives up to its legendary name.
