Toyota fans were ecstatic when the Supra returned after a 21-year absence, but many were dismayed by the lack of a manual transmission. The company is now addressing that oversight with the 2023 GR Supra, which features a new six-speed manual that has been designed specifically for the car’s turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 382 hp and 497 Nm of torque. As Toyota explained, the “engineering team modified an existing transmission housing, driveshaft and gear set and removed elements that were not required, such as the acoustic package, which reduced weight.” They then added a large diameter clutch with a reinforced diaphragm spring.
The upgrades don’t end there as the manual
Supra features a shortened final drive ratio to avoid a “sluggish take-off and
a low in-gear acceleration feel.” The gearbox also boasts performance-oriented
software, which optimizes engine torque at the moment of clutch engagement and
release when upshifting. Thankfully, if the software isn’t to your liking, it
can be switched off in Sport mode.
Elsewhere, the traction control, stability
control, and anti-roll systems have been recalibrated for the manual
transmission. Track mode has also been retuned to allow for easy drifting. Last
but not least, there’s a new Hairpin+ function that is designed to make driving
on twisty back roads more exciting. In order to do this, Toyota “optimized
engine torque control to allow a greater difference in the degree of wheel spin
on the left and right-side tires.”
To celebrate the return of the manual,
Toyota will offer an A91-MT Edition that is available exclusively with the DIY
gearbox. 500 units are coming stateside and each will feature an exclusive
Matte White or CU Later Gray exterior with red accents and 19-inch forged
wheels with a Frozen Gunmetal Gray finish. The special edition also has
exclusive Cognac leather seats and an Alcantara-wrapped shifter with GR
badging. Other highlights include red strut tower braces and a 12-speaker JBL
premium audio system.
Besides the six-speed manual, the 2023 GR
Supra benefits from a handful of other updates. In particular, models equipped
with the 3.0-liter engine have a retuned suspension and revised shock absorbers
for “improved roll balance and ride comfort.” They also boast an active rear
differential and a revised electric power steering system. The color palette
has been updated to include a new Stratosphere Blue option, while the 3.0 trim
gains new 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Furthermore, the GR Supra 3.0 Premium
comes with a new 12-speaker JBL premium audio system just like the A91-MT
Edition.
The 2023 GR Supra will arrive at U.S.
dealerships later this year and pricing for the manual variants will be
announced this summer.