Chevrolet’s proud tradition includes the incomparable iconic Corvette. Today the car is even more of a powerhouse with an exhaust sound that moves the auto enthusiast to another level of excitement. The only two areas that keep the Corvette from being the must have affordable sports car are the interior and image. Both areas can with a new design and a great marketing campaign be rectified. One bold ad for the 2008 Cadillac CTS took the model from a retirement car to an exciting drive that spoke vicariously to women and the actress’s charismatic charm to both genders with little regard to age.

In the meantime while waiting on GM to refresh Corvette’s image, customers that don’t buy into the Corvette as the aging boomer’s mid-life-crisis-mobile are happy to have the Grand Sport option to observe, drive, and maybe even own. Here are some facts about the flirty sibling of the Z06.

Chevrolet’s GS can be purchased as a coupe or convertible. Customers can choose among several equipment packages (4) and a sport-tuned suspension in lieu of the Z51 suspension. Taking a look at the exterior shows front fender stripes and vents, wider front and rear fenders, five spoke wheel design, borrowed Z06-size brakes and tires along with Z06-type front splitter and tall rear spoiler, and manual transmission gear ratios. A rear axle ratio is available on automatic models.

The GS is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 slapping the wind with 430 hp and 424 pound-feet of torque. When testing the GS shift it yourself manuals, 0 to 60 is achieved in 3.95 seconds. Trim levels offered for the GS are 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT with fuel economy on all levels at 26 highway and 16 city.

The Chevrolet Corvette, a car that has been around, is scrutinized by auto experts in magazines, on blogs, and in the racing world. What is known throughout the industry is the Corvette is still a beast of an exciting machine.