cars news 10: 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Will Pace 101st Indy 500 Race

The Indianapolis 500 will feature a 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport as its official pace car, the 14th time the model has done so since 1978. It will lead drivers to green flag at the start of the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 28.

Chevrolet has a close relationship with the Indy 500, which is held on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The brand’s founders, Arthur and Gaston Chevrolet, competed during the early years of the 500-mile race with the former completing it 1911 and the latter winning it in 1920. This year marks the sixth year that Chevrolet will pursue the IndyCar manufacturer’s championship, and the automaker hopes to build on its success from 2016 when it won 14 out of 16 races.

This year’s Corvette Grand Sport pace car will come equipped with the Z07 package, which adds go-fast goodies such as Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 performance tires, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and a more aggressive suspension calibration for improved handling. Powering the Corvette Grand Sport is GM’s LT1 6.2-liter V-8 that makes 460 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed manual is standard on all Corvette models but the pace car will use the optional eight-speed automatic transmission. Magnetic Ride Control and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential also come standard on the Corvette Grand Sport.

Source: Chevrolet