Superformance unveiled its brand-new Corvette Grand Sport replica at the 2010 SEMA show, using GM Performance Parts' supercharged LSA engine package from its new E-Rod program.
There is a relatively small group of race cars from the history of American motorsport that continue to have a significant impact on the automotive world even decades after their competition careers concluded. In the case of the Corvette Grand Sport, the impression left by just five cars still reverberates throughout the enthusiast community nearly 50 years on with such passion that tributes in various forms continue to emerge.
Now, Superformance has stepped up to add the Grand Sport to its already impressive lineup of legendary replica vehicles. Having long established itself as a source for high-quality GT-40 and Shelby Cobra replica cars, Superformance was able to work with Duntov Motor Company and General Motors to develop the Grand Sport replica, and says the new car was created with a high degree of accuracy, right down to the chassis. Street and racing versions will both be offered and customers can choose between the coupe and roadster versions of the GS, which will be available in complete “turn-key minus” form, which includes everything but the engine and transmission.
That’s another area where Superformance was able to team with GM, as the first Grand Sport replica was unveiled in the General Motors display at the 2010 SEMA show in Las Vegas, outfitted with one of GM Performance Parts’ new E-Rod crate engine packages, the 556hp supercharged LSA. The display car also featured a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, a custom rear axle housing with Dana differential and 3.36:1 gears, period-style Grand Sport wheels and an Admiral Blue and white paint scheme based on original GS racing livery.
One of the core motivations for developing the E-Rod line of crate engines was to provide an emissions-legal solution to builders of specially constructed vehicles like the new Grand Sport replica, as legislation in some states – particularly California – requiring such vehicles to meet certain standards has been a growing concern. The intention of GM Performance Parts is to obtain certification that will allow newly built specially constructed vehicles to satisfy government regulations without requiring builders and/or owners to obtain certifications on a case-by-case basis. Progress is ongoing and updates can be found at www.sema.org and at www.gmperformanceparts.com.
Meanwhile, the Superformance Grand Sport replica can be built with a wide variety of drivetrain options in addition to the contemporary EFI engine packages, including an all-aluminum small-block similar to the exotic 377-cu.in. engine used in the original GS, as well as other more traditional small- and big-block engines. Further details on the new GS replica can be found at www.superformance.com.
A roadster version of the GS will also be offered, and street and racing spec packages are among the choices available to buyers of the new line of replica cars.