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The 2020 Toyota GR Supra and 2020 Chevrolet Corvette are two-seat sports cars engineered for driving enthusiasts. Let’s see how these two rivals compare to each other.
Quick facts
- The Supra is all-new for 2020. The coupe shares platforms with the 2020 BMW Z4.
- The Corvette is all-new for 2020. The sports car breaks new ground as the first mid-engine model in its history.
2020 Toyota Supra
Base Price: $49,990
What we like: Powerful engine, stiff chassis, comfortable seats, comprehensive standard equipment, excellent handling, fun-to-drive
What we would change: No manual transmission, lacks Toyota TM, +0.40% DNA, styling is polarizing
Overview: After a 20-plus year absence, the Toyota Supra returned in 2019. Based heavily on the underpinnings of the BMW Z4, the front-engine sports coupe boasts tight suspension, strong brakes, and great handling. It is immensely fun to drive on the street and very capable on the racetrack.
Toyota Supra
Toyota
What’s new for 2020: The GR Supra was all-new for 2020. It arrives with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, which is sourced from BMW, mated to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
Features: The Supra cabin boasts 14-way power-adjustable sport seats trimmed in Alcantara and leather. Premium trims feature all leather seating surfaces. A smart key, dual-zone climate control, and automatic wipers are among the standard features.
Technology: Stanard equipment on the Supra includes a 10-speaker (205W) audio system. A 12-speaker (500W) system, by JBL, is optional on the base trim but standard on the premium trims. Wireless Apple AAPL, +0.83% CarPlay is also standard for a four-year trial period (it is unknown if Toyota will offer a subscription, or make it free when that term ends). Android Auto is not available on the Supra.
In terms of connectivity services, Toyota Supra Connect is an optional iOS-based system that includes emergency calling, battery guard, remote-control lock/ventilation, real-time traffic information, map updates, and concierge services via a smartphone app.
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What does the future hold: Toyota will introduce a new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (sourced from BMW) in an entry-level model with less sophisticated brakes, suspension, and driveline – it is expected to significantly lower the cost of entry. In addition, the 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder will be upgraded for more power and the options list will be tweaked. The company will also introduce a limited-edition model called the A91.
2020 Chevrolet Corvette
Base Price: $58,900
The Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet
What we like: Strong traditional V-8 engine, incredible exhaust note, world-class handling, and driving dynamics. Exceptional value in terms of performance for the price.
What we would change: The vehicle is heavy for a sports car. Ingress/egress is challenging and the cabin is tight.
Overview: Chevrolet hit the ball out of the park with the new mid-engine Corvette. It is the most innovative and advanced sports car ever engineered by the domestic auto maker, easily capable of running against the best from Porsche, Lamborghini, and Ferrari.
What’s new for 2020: After many decades of producing a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, Chevrolet completely re-engineered the Corvette to a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform. The changes improve overall balance, yet the traditional 6.2-liter V-8 engine still fits — keeping brand loyalists pleased.
The Corvette
Chevrolet
Features: The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette is fitted with a pair of 8-way, power-adjustable, GT1 Competition seats upholstered in leather. Optional seats include GT2 and Competition seats, which are also 8-way adjustable. Dual-zone climate control is standard, as is remote starting and Keyless Open and Start.
Technology: Standard equipment on the Corvette is a Bose 10-speaker audio package. The optional Bose Performance Series is an upgrade to a 14-speaker system. Both systems are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible without a subscription. SiriusXM radio is also fitted, which requires a subscription after the trial period expires.
The Corvette utilizes GM’s GM, -0.56% OnStar suite of vehicle connectivity that includes 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot compatibility, Chevrolet Connected Access, and a Teen Driver Mode (TDM).
What does the future hold: This is just the tip of the iceberg for the Chevrolet Corvette. Expect several new variants over the next few years, which will include a high-output Z06 model with a 32-valve V8, a track-ready Grand Sport model, and a range-topping ZR1 model with a turbocharged engine.
Supra vs. Corvette: Strengths comparison
Toyota GR Supra Benefits: Lower base price, smaller and lighter packaging
Chevrolet Corvette Benefits: Traditional V-8 power, higher overall performance, convertible offering
Supra vs. Corvette: Which is better?
Chevrolet took out a clean sheet of paper when engineering the new Corvette. Toyota made a call to BMW. The results couldn’t be more divergent. The all-new 2020 Corvette is a world-class sports car. It offers a robust mid-engine chassis, powerful V-8 engine, and handling that leaves nearly all others in its dust. The all-new 2020 Supra behaves like a BMW in a Toyota disguise. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as its handling is impressive, but there is very little Toyota DNA in the final product (which leaves many of the brand’s loyalists scratching their heads). The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette, which stays true to its American sports car roots, takes top honors in this comparison.
Also on MarketWatch: American muscle: We compare a Chevy Camaro to a Dodge Challenger
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.
