Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) might initially seem like just another addition to the growing number of exclusive, country-club style racing circuits. While more racetracks are always a positive for automotive enthusiasts, some are designed with less challenging layouts, prioritizing wide, sweeping turns over technical sections. These tracks often cater to drivers seeking speed without demanding high levels of skill. However, AMP is a different breed altogether.
Founded by a former karting champion, AMP boasts top-tier facilities and a racing surface crafted by the renowned Hermann Tilke, a name synonymous with some of the world’s most famous Formula 1 tracks. This 1.83-mile road course, nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, features 16 challenging corners that test drivers with elevation changes and intricate sequences. Mastering a particularly tricky section after repeated attempts is incredibly rewarding. In essence, Atlanta Motorsports Park is the perfect proving ground for a performance machine like the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport.
My test drive at AMP was conducted in a Grand Sport equipped with the GM eight-speed automatic transmission. While I’ve experienced this gearbox in other GM performance models like the Camaro, ATS-V, CTS-V, and the standard Corvette, it’s not my preferred choice. The eight-speed can sometimes feel indecisive, particularly when downshifting from eighth gear to a more appropriate ratio for spirited driving. For enthusiasts reading Jalopnik (the assumed original publication), the seven-speed manual transmission is likely of greater interest, and thankfully, that’s the gearbox Chevy provided for track testing.
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.
A common question among performance driving enthusiasts is whether to use rev-matching. As someone with size 12 shoes and a decent but not professional heel-toe technique, I appreciate a well-executed automated rev-matching system. If a car offers a computer system that can do it better, I’m happy to utilize it. For purists who prefer complete control, the system can be deactivated. This choice is a significant advantage, offering flexibility for drivers of all skill levels.
The seven-speed manual in the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport is indeed “99 percent wonderful.” Gear engagement is almost always seamless, allowing for rapid shifts that feel both precise and engaging. It encourages aggressive driving and enhances the connection between driver and machine. However, during my track session, I encountered an occasional issue with the two-three upshift. On several attempts to shift from second to third gear, I inadvertently found myself in fifth. On public roads, this might be a minor inconvenience, easily masked by the Corvette’s abundant torque.
On the racetrack, however, missed shifts can significantly impact lap times, corner entry speed, and overall driving rhythm. This issue wasn’t consistent but occurred more than once. Inquiring with other journalists at the event, I found a divided response. Some reported flawless, crisp shifts, while others also experienced the two-three gear change anomaly. This suggests the issue might be related to overly aggressive shifting technique, indicating that a more deliberate and precise approach to the two-three shift might be necessary.
Beyond this occasional hiccup, all other gear changes were exceptional. Especially in tighter, more technical sections of the track, the ability to quickly downshift from third to second under heavy braking, with the rev-matching system perfectly in sync, truly elevates the driving experience. It momentarily evokes the sensation of being a professional driver, like Oliver Gavin, pushing the car to its limits.
Speaking of braking, the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport is equipped with formidable stopping power. Standard models feature Brembo brakes with substantial 14.5-inch rotors both front and rear, coupled with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. For the first time on the Grand Sport, buyers can opt for the Z07 Package, mirroring the upgrades available on the high-performance Z06 model.
The Z07 package elevates the braking system to an even more extreme level, incorporating massive 15-inch carbon ceramic rotors. During a full day of track driving with automotive journalists pushing the cars hard, the standard steel brakes showed no signs of fade. The carbon ceramic brakes, however, seemed impervious to heat, showcasing their superior performance and durability under extreme conditions.
Applying firm pressure to the brake pedal in the Grand Sport results in rapid deceleration, bringing the car from 60 mph to a standstill in under 100 feet. Remarkably, braking from 25 mph to zero can be achieved in a distance shorter than the car’s overall length, highlighting the sheer stopping capability of this machine.
However, achieving fast lap times requires more than just powerful brakes. Fortunately, the Grand Sport benefits from the chassis tuning expertise of the Z06 development team, further refined specifically for this model. Standard magnetic ride control, along with unique stabilizer bars and springs tailored for the Grand Sport, contribute to its exceptional handling. The car rides on 19×10 inch front wheels and 20×12 inch rear wheels, fitted with 285 series front tires and massive 335 series rear tires. Michelin Pilot Sport tires are standard equipment.
For even greater grip and track performance, opting for the Z07 package upgrades the tires to the incredibly sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s. On a track day with ambient temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, these tires reach optimal operating temperature almost instantly.
On track, the steering feel of the C7 Corvette chassis remains excellent, even with the electrically assisted power steering. Minor understeer can be induced if corner entry is slightly off-line, but it’s easily corrected with throttle input. When the correct line is maintained, turn-in is precise and predictable, allowing the driver to place the car exactly where intended. While I chose to keep the traction control partially engaged, preferring not to risk losing control in someone else’s car, Chevrolet provides a range of driving modes to suit various skill levels and preferences. Operating just shy of “all systems off” allows for a hint of oversteer, full power delivery, and the peace of mind of returning the car to the pits in pristine condition.
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 aggressively into corners reveals its impressive grip and composure. As the driver pushes closer to their perceived limits, they begin to approach the car’s remarkable capabilities. Without the Z07 package, the Grand Sport can achieve 1.05g in cornering force. Equipping the Z07 package elevates this figure to an astonishing 1.2g, delivering truly breathtaking levels of lateral grip. This level of performance is genuinely awe-inspiring and translates to exceptional track prowess.
In conclusion, the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport masterfully bridges the gap between the base Stingray and the extreme Z06. It offers a significant step up in track capability from the Z51, delivering a sharper, more focused driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability. At Atlanta Motorsports Park, the Grand Sport proved to be a highly rewarding and engaging track machine, particularly in manual transmission guise and when equipped with the Z07 package. For Corvette enthusiasts seeking a track-capable sports car that excels both on and off the circuit, the 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport is an exceptional choice.
