For the 2023 model year, the Toyota GR Supra will add a new option to the list, a six-speed intelligent Manual Transmission available on the Supra 3.0 and 3.0 Premium, albeit not on the base model Supra 2.0.
“When we revealed the GR Supra back in 2019, we tapped into a heritage nameplate for Toyota,” said Mike Tripp, vice president of Toyota Vehicle Marketing and Communications. “But we were regularly asked if there would be a manual version. We immediately took that feedback to heart and started developing it, and we’re happy that we can now bring customers the perfect complement for Supra’s high-torque, high output engine with a six-speed manual.”
But it’s not just the new manual transmission as an option that is new for the MY 2023 of the GR Supra, in addition to the already head-turning looks there will be new colors and special editions launched too, like the limited A91-MT Edition model that will be exclusively built for the MY 2023 only, on MT 3.0 and 3.0 Premium you will be able to opt for any of the standard Supra colors, but you’ll be tempted by a new Stratosphere Blue color, which will also be available on Supra 2.0, while the A91-MT Edition will be available in a stunning Burnout (matted white) and CU Later Gray, two very impressive colors on this sportscar.
The GR Supra MT can now be ordered from official Toyota dealerships boasting a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) of $52,500 before options on the GR Supra 3.0 Base MT model (the GR Supra 2.0 comes with an MSRP of $43,540), the GR Supra 3.0 Premium MT is a bit more expensive starting at $55,650 while the top of the line GR Supra 3.0 A91-MT raises the price to $58,345
There is a reason why the manual transmission is only being offered on the GR Supra 3.0 model, that is because it was developed by Toyota GAZOO Racing Engineers working closely together with Toyota Motor Europe and the renowned German transmission supplier ZF, specifically to suit the power and torque characteristics of its 3.0-liter 382-hp straight-six engine, hence this transmission isn’t available on the 2.0-liter version. The engineering team combined an existing transmission housing and gear set, developed a new shift lever, and removed elements that were not required, such as the acoustic package, which reduced weight, bringing the manual-equipped Supra in at 3,389 pounds. At the heart of the transmission is a newly engineered large-diameter clutch with a reinforced diaphragm spring. With a larger friction area and a stronger spring, this new component has the high-performance capability appropriate for use with the GR Supra’s high-torque engine.
This version of the GR Supra comes standard with an Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) programmed with new software that prioritizes sporty performance, this will set the parameters to optimize engine torque at the moment of clutch engagement and release when the driver shifts up, while during a downshift, the same software will perform automatic rev-matching to offer consistent performance, if you are really confident you know what you are doing, and you don’t need any electronic gadgets to do perfect shifts, you can switch the iMT off in Individual Mode.
Subsequently, the introduction of models, like the GR Corolla and the GR86 coupe, have reinforced the special qualities that define the GR brand, cars that are born out of a passion for driving and draw directly on the world championship-winning expertise and experience of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. At launch, the 2020 GR Supra was offered with a straight-six 3.0-liter engine with 335 hp and 365 lb.-ft. of torque matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. In 2021, the GR team increased the 3.0 Supra to 382 hp and 367 lb.-ft. of torque and introduced a turbocharged four-cylinder GR Supra 2.0 with 255 horsepower and a stout 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
While the car and its performance have received high praise worldwide from media and fans alike, inevitably, the question of whether a manual gearbox would be available persisted. Now that it’s official, the addition of a manual transmission option to the Supra lineup means Toyota will offer all three of its U.S. GR models with a stick, which is standard on the GR Corolla and available as an option on GR86.
With the automatic, it’s possible to use second gear when pulling away uphill when opposite wheels are on surfaces with different grip levels – for example, when the car is parked on a partly icy road, progress is smooth with virtually no rolling back or wheel slip. With a manual gearbox, first gear must be used and releasing the clutch brings a greater risk of wheel spin. To address the issue, Toyota engineers have tuned the car’s TRAction Control (TRAC) system to achieve smooth operation similar to the automatic. The system is also optimized for the GR Supra’s characteristic high engine torque, wide tires, and rear-wheel drive.
The car’s character when accelerating out of a corner is a key element in the “Fun to Drive” quality Toyota has developed for the GR Supra. For the new manual version, the traction control has again been the focus to ensure an ideal balance of agility and stability when exiting a corner on the throttle. TRAC intervention has been calibrated to help maintain stability – so the car can keep faithfully to the driver’s intended line – while allowing the right amount of power for a sporty experience.
The ambition to make the GR Supra fun to drive in the most demanding scenarios has helped inspire the introduction of a new Hairpin+ function. This is designed to allow more freedom and reward when taking tight bends on an uphill gradient (more than 5%) with a high-friction road surface. More “freewheel” spin can make such routes more enjoyable to drive, so Toyota has optimized engine torque control to allow a greater difference in wheel spin between the left and right-side tires.
To counter the possibility of “snap-off” oversteer – something that may be hard to control with the car’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) alone – an Anti-Roll Program (ARP) has been adopted for both the manual and automatic versions of the GR Supra. This intervenes at an earlier point with the VSC to counter any sudden loss of grip when the car’s high-response suspension setting is used.
On all grades, drivers can select from Normal, Sport, and Individual modes that adjust throttle response, suspension damping, and power steering settings. Additionally, 3.0 grade and up include an Adaptative Variable Suspension (AVS) with sensors that constantly detect changes in the driving operations and road surface conditions, and solenoid valves finely control the damping force of the shock absorbers. In 3.0 grade and higher, NORMAL mode provides a high-level balance between vehicle stability and supple ride comfort, enabling sports driving without sacrificing comfort. SPORT mode realizes a reassuring and flat vehicle posture with a suppressed roll and driving with a more agile steering response.
The A91-MT special edition will be a 500 unit limited-run model that comes equipped with exclusive hazelnut-colored leather-trimmed seats, GR logoed shift knob and a 12-speaker acoustically tuned premium JBL sound system. On the outside, a red “Supra” Badge and red GR Supra emblazoned calipers punctuate its extreme, condensed design. It will be offered in two exclusive colors, Burnout and CU Later Gray, and comes equipped with unique forged 19-inch Frozen Gunmetal Gray wheels. Under the hood, red strut tower braces add one more accent to the already bold Supra.
All 2023 GR Supra 3.0 models, both AT and MT versions, will benefit from a retuned suspension with revised shock absorbers for improved roll balance and ride comfort. The mechanical components in the electric power steering and the system’s operating parameters have also been retuned. All 3.0 models will have an active rear sport differential standard.
The 3.0 MT will come equipped with new 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and be available in previously available standard and premium colors plus the new Stratosphere Blue color. On the inside, heated black leather-trimmed seats are now standard. The 3.0 Premium has everything you will find on the 3.0, plus a red and black leather-trimmed interior, full-color heads-up display, acoustically tuned 12-speaker JBL sound system, and Qi Wireless charger standard.
Supra Connect is also available. This advanced technology suite is designed to help you get more from your GR Supra 2.0 and 3.0 with Safety and Technology Package as well as the 3.0 Premium and A91-MT Edition and includes features like Automatic Emergency Call, Real-Time Traffic Information, Roadside Assistance, and the available Supra Connect iPhone® app to lock/unlock the doors and activate Ventilation Now and Ventilation Timer features.
