2027 Corvette Grand Sport X Begins Production in Kentucky

Bowling Green Starts Building First Grand Sport X Customer Cars

Production of the 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport X has officially begun at GM's Bowling Green assembly plant in Kentucky. According to the latest C8 production tracker compiled by Roger Kiel, the first customer-bound Grand Sport X units rolled off the line on August 17, marking a milestone for the hybrid performance variant that replaces the E-Ray for the 2027 model year.

While the initial run is small, it represents the first tangible step in bringing Chevrolet's front-axle electrified Grand Sport to buyers. Early output mirrors the slow ramp-up that hampered the E-Ray, with only a handful of customer cars now moving into shipping. Higher production targets are on GM's schedule for coming weeks, but whether the automaker can scale assembly efficiently remains to be seen.

Unofficial tracker vs. official counts

The production update comes from a Facebook-sourced C8 tracker, and that means the numbers are unofficial until Bowling Green or the National Corvette Museum publishes formal figures. The museum has long worked closely with the Kentucky plant and typically provides authoritative production data in the weeks and months following a model's launch.

"Small initial runs are common for new powertrains and higher-performance trims," industry observers note. "The important factor is how quickly production stabilizes while keeping quality high."

What’s new under the hood: LS6 + electric assist

The Grand Sport X swaps in a brand-new LS6 6.7-liter small-block V8 that produces 535 naturally aspirated horsepower. This free-breathing V8 shares architecture with the Stingray's engine lineage but surpasses the LT2's torque figures. Complementing the V8 is a front-mounted electric motor derived from the E-Ray program, delivering additional power when demanded by the drivetrain.

Combined output is estimated at around 721 horsepower and 665 lb-ft (902 Nm) of torque—figures that place the Grand Sport X between the combustion-only Grand Sport and the track-focused Z06 in the Corvette lineup. It also adopts a wider body and performance hardware similar to higher-end C8 variants, bringing enhanced grip and aerodynamic capability.

Key performance highlights

• Engine: 6.7L LS6 naturally aspirated V8 – 535 hp
• Combined system output: ~721 hp and 665 lb-ft (902 Nm)
• Drive layout: Rear-wheel drive with front-axle electric assist
• Body: Wider Grand Sport-style track architecture

Market positioning and pricing

The Grand Sport X represents Corvette's first Grand Sport with front-axle electrification, slotting into the range as a self-charging hybrid between the conventional Grand Sport and the Z06. Pricing positions reflect that hybrid premium: before destination and taxes, Chevrolet lists the Stingray at $71,000 and the Grand Sport at $86,000. The Grand Sport X starts at $109,700 for the coupe and $116,700 for the convertible. Buyers should also account for a $2,495 destination charge.

This pricing strategy targets enthusiasts who want near-Z06 performance with the extra torque and responsiveness that an electric assist can provide—without stepping all the way into the dedicated track-focused Z06/ZR1 territory.

Trim levels and packages: from daily driver to track-ready

Chevrolet offers the Grand Sport X across three LT grades rather than the LZ nomenclature used on Z06/ZR1 models.

• 1LT: Entry-level kit with GT1 sport seats in Mulan leather, eight-way power adjustments, a 10-speaker Bose system, and an 8-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Performance Track Management is standard; the Performance Data Recorder (PDR) remains optional.
• 2LT: The sweet spot for many buyers—adds the PDR as standard, a 14-speaker audio system, head-up display, navigation with live traffic overlay, HD front and rear cameras, a rearview camera mirror, and heated/ventilated front seats.
• 3LT: Focused on luxury and materials—extended leather, suede microfiber, carbon-fiber trim accents, and exclusive interior colorways.

For buyers chasing more capability, the Z52 track performance package upgrades tires, brakes, suspension, exhaust, and aerodynamics. There’s also a less extreme Z52 sport package for those who want improved dynamics without full track-focused hardware.

What this launch means

The Grand Sport X is a strategic move for Chevrolet: it broadens Corvette’s appeal to drivers seeking hybrid-enhanced power delivery and strong straight-line performance while retaining the car’s V8 character. The early production trickle is not unusual for a new powertrain, but it will be important to watch how Bowling Green scales output and addresses logistics as customer deliveries ramp up.

For now, Corvette fans and prospective buyers can celebrate that the Hybrid Grand Sport is no longer just a concept—it's on the line and on the way to customers. Official production totals and delivery timing will become clearer when the National Corvette Museum and GM release formal numbers.