With the new year already two months underway, we car enthusiasts have had plenty of time to stir over the 2020/2021 models. Out of the dozens of worthy mentions (including the Ferrari F8, Civic Type R, etc.), only a handful of them are American-made. One that's peaked a lot of interest thus far is from the late-Carroll Shelby: the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500.
As Americans, we're inclined to support our domestic products and inventions. However, as great as the latest GT500 may be, there are still several cars we'd take in its place. As we said before, the past year has many such cars; all worthy of praise and attention on their own.
So, since the GT500 meets the criteria for a 'supercar,' we wanted to compile a list of eight supercars within the same price range that we'd choose over the 2020 Shelby GT500.
8 Volvo Polestar 1
As is the case for many gamers, we were ignorant of Volvo's latest (and greatest) sports car, the Polestar 1, until Need For Speed: Heat opened our eyes. After seeing the promotional vehicle and performance in-game, we knew it was something to strive for!
The base appearance of the Polestar 1 is already outstanding. However, once you add a body-kit designed by Khyzyl Saleem to it, you get the NFS cover car. It goes to show that, even though it's a sports car, two beasts live inside this Volvo: one that's luxurious and one that's a bonafide racecar.
7 TVR Griffith
American car enthusiasts avert your eyes! Well, at least until this car is either legalized or imported stateside somehow. Once again, that exact issue persists with TVR; this time with their brand new Griffith model.
Taking the name from an older TVR sports car, the Griffith is a mix between the unique Sagaris and late-'90s Speed 12, but with a modern flare to it.
The exterior is a lot cleaner and undisturbed (compared to the rigid surface of the Sagaris). Along with that, the Griffith is shockingly quick for a since-forgotten carmaker. If we could get one here in the U.S., we would already be waiting in line for it!
6 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant
Jon Olsson, a world-renowned professional skier, was the subject of our jealousy just a few years ago. When we saw his DTM-style Audi RS 6 Avant, it was love at first sight! However, as an American, the previous RS 6 wasn't sold in the States. There were two options: wait for 25-years until it's legal or hope Audi makes one for us. Thank God it didn't have to be the first option.
Pictured here is the 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant. Like the rest of Audi's lineup, the RS 6 also has an improved appearance from its later versions. The new look fits the wagon/hatchback style very well, especially when it's lowered to the floor!
Still, we're waiting to see a DTM version of the new RS 6. Since Olsson put the idea in everyone's head all those years ago, it's bound to happen soon enough.
5 2021 Jaguar F-Type R
As someone who absolutely hates doing constant repairs on an unreliable car, the name 'Jaguar' usually sends chills up our spine. More often than not, Jag's are notoriously shabby, albeit with a few exceptions. Case and point, the new (and old) F-Type R.
We here at HotCars have sung the praises of the Jaguar F-Type for a while now. From its elegant styling choices to its euphoric exhaust-note, the F-Type V6's and V8's prove to be a wonderful mix of luxury and speed. Now, with the 2021 facelift on the way, the F-Type's future appears to be secured for at least a few more years.
4 Dodge Challenger SRT ‘Hellcat’
While Ford has their two main sports cars, so too does Dodge with their Charger and Challenger models. At first, the new-age Challenger excited us, but it quickly went away. Though, once the Hellcat (and subsequent Demon) trim released, we did a full 180°!
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is a muscle car with the specs of an Italian supercar. Possessing over 700-hp, the Hellcat dominates both the road and dragstrip every time the ignition's turned. In fact, you even get two keys: one for a tame car ride and another to fully unleash its capabilities. If it were us, the only key in use would be the latter's.
3 Porsche 911 Carrera S (992)
Want to see a gearhead lose their mind? It's easy, give them a set amount of money, but only one car to purchase. This hypothetical situation has been the basis for hours of car-based discussion; deciding what to choose over another and so on. In our case, given $100,000 and carte blanche, we know what car we'd snag!
Normally, we would recommend a faster trim, such as a GT3 or Turbo S. Yet, compared to the GT500, those competitors seem to be "out of its league." Plus, the Carrera S is much more affordable, but still plenty fast enough to dust a Mustang. Not to mention the fact that the 992-body looks outstanding (as are almost all 911's)!
2 2021 BMW M4
Next to the Toyota Supra A90 and SSC Tuatara was another controversial car (albeit to a lesser extent). BMW, in all their German wisdom, decided to give their beloved M3/M4 a facelift. Needless to say, not everyone liked it. However, after some time, we've warmed up to the revised appearance.
Beyond the updated kidney grills and bodywork, the new M3 and M4 are vastly more powerful than pervious iterations. The average M-model sits around 500-hp (give or take). It's estimated to go beyond 155 MPH; exceeding 180 with an optional 'M Driver's Package'.
1 Chevrolet Corvette C8
You knew that as long as we're talking about muscle cars like the new Shelby GT500, we wouldn't be able to avoid some of its biggest competitors. We first explored this with the Challenger Hellcat, but now it's time to get to the real "bread-and-butter": the Chevy Corvette C8!
If you were to ask us, the GT500 and the C8 aren't even in the same league. Considering the C8 Corvette can pass 200 MPH, sport a mid-engine setup, and crush the other GT-class racecars all within their first attempt just shows that fact. If Chevy keeps this up, the C8 might very well become the de-facto American sports car everyone pictures in their minds.