The Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (C4) Grand Sport, produced for the 1995 and 1996 model years, represents a high-performance iteration of the fourth-generation Corvette. It was conceived as a tribute to the original 1963 Corvette Grand Sport, of which only five were ever built. The C4 Grand Sport served as a final, potent send-off for the C4 platform before the arrival of the C5 Corvette in 1997. Positioned at the top of the C4 lineup, it offered a significant performance upgrade over standard Corvette models, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a track-capable and visually distinctive sports car. The Grand Sport was exclusively offered as a Targa top model.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette |
| Generation | Corvette Coupe (C4, facelift 1990) |
| Type (Engine) | Grand Sport 5.7 V8 (330 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Targa |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (EPA) | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (EPA) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (EPA) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 330 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 461 Nm @ 4500 rpm (340.02 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | LT4 |
| Engine displacement | 5733 cm3 (349.85 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 101.6 mm (4 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.4 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.67:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt, 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 13.8 l (14.58 US qt, 12.14 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 357 l (12.61 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 76 l (20.08 US gal, 16.72 UK gal) |
| Length | 4535 mm (178.54 in.) |
| Width | 1796 mm (70.71 in.) |
| Height | 1177 mm (46.34 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2444 mm (96.22 in.) |
| Front track | 1466 mm (57.72 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive. Internal Combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Leaf spring |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 275/40 ZR17, Rear wheel tires: 315/35 ZR17 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 9.5J x 17, Rear wheel rims: 11J x 17 |
Introduction
The 1995-1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport was a limited-edition model designed to celebrate the legacy of the original 1963 Grand Sport. Built on the C4 Corvette platform, which had received a significant facelift in 1990, the Grand Sport represented the pinnacle of performance for that generation. Only 1,000 Grand Sports were produced – 810 coupes and 190 convertibles – making it a highly sought-after collectible today. The Grand Sport was exclusively equipped with the potent LT4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission, emphasizing its focus on driving performance.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Grand Sport is the 5.7-liter (349.85 cubic inch) LT4 small-block V8 engine. This engine was a significant upgrade over the standard L98 engine found in other C4 Corvettes. The LT4 featured revised cylinder heads with improved flow, a higher compression ratio (10.67:1), and a more aggressive camshaft profile. These changes resulted in an output of 330 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 340 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The engine utilized multi-port fuel injection for precise fuel delivery. The LT4’s valvetrain employed an overhead valve (OHV) configuration, a traditional design for Chevrolet small-block engines. The Grand Sport was exclusively paired with a ZF 6-speed manual transmission, providing precise gear changes and enhancing the driving experience. This transmission was known for its robust construction and smooth operation.
Driving Characteristics
The Grand Sport’s combination of the LT4 engine and six-speed manual transmission delivered a noticeably more engaging and exhilarating driving experience compared to other C4 Corvettes. The increased horsepower and torque provided quicker acceleration and improved passing power. The six-speed transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, maximizing performance. The gear ratios were carefully selected to provide both strong off-the-line acceleration and comfortable cruising at highway speeds. While not a modern sports car by today’s standards, the Grand Sport offered a raw and visceral driving experience that appealed to enthusiasts. The suspension, while based on the standard C4 setup, was tuned to provide a firmer ride and improved handling, complementing the increased power.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Grand Sport came standard with a unique Admiral Blue exterior paint color with a white stripe down the center, mirroring the livery of the original 1963 Grand Sport. Black leather sport seats were standard, along with a special Grand Sport badge on the dashboard and exterior. Other standard features included air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a premium sound system. Optional extras included the Selective Ride Control suspension system, which allowed drivers to adjust the suspension stiffness, and various interior trim options. The Grand Sport was essentially a fully-equipped Corvette, with the focus being on performance and exclusivity rather than adding luxury features.
Chassis & Braking
The Grand Sport utilized the C4 Corvette’s space frame chassis, which provided a rigid and lightweight platform. The suspension consisted of an independent front suspension with transverse leaf springs and a multi-link rear suspension, also with transverse leaf springs. Both front and rear brakes were ventilated discs, providing ample stopping power. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard. The Grand Sport featured wider tires – 275/40 ZR17 front and 315/35 ZR17 rear – mounted on larger 9.5J and 11J wheels, respectively, to improve grip and handling. These wider tires contributed to the car’s more aggressive stance and enhanced cornering ability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Corvette Grand Sport was widely praised by automotive critics for its performance and exclusivity. It was seen as a fitting tribute to the original Grand Sport and a worthy send-off for the C4 generation. Compared to the standard C4 Corvette with the L98 engine, the Grand Sport offered a significant performance advantage. The LT4 engine provided noticeably more power and torque, while the six-speed transmission offered a more engaging driving experience. Fuel economy was comparable to other C4 models, averaging around 16 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Reliability was generally good, although the LT4 engine required more frequent maintenance than the L98 due to its higher output.
Legacy
The Chevrolet Corvette C4 Grand Sport has become a highly collectible model, particularly among Corvette enthusiasts. Its limited production run and unique features have contributed to its increasing value in the used car market. The LT4 engine is regarded as one of the best small-block V8s ever produced by Chevrolet, and its robust construction and performance have ensured its longevity. While modern Corvettes offer significantly more performance and technology, the C4 Grand Sport remains a beloved classic, representing a pivotal moment in Corvette history and a testament to the enduring appeal of the American sports car.
