One of the major gripes that enthusiasts had with the modern-day Toyota Supra was the absence of a manual transmission. But now, the Japanese carmaker has finally picked out the long-stuck nail in the toe and has finally given the new 2023 Supra a stick shift! The Toyota Supra has always been a driver’s delight and the addition of a stick shift is only going to accentuate its legendary tales even further.
However, the six-speed gearbox is only reserved for the 382-hp, turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine while the four-pot motor still makes do with just an automatic transmission.
More details about the manual transmission
If you have been following the Supra lineage, you might remember that the modern-day iteration of this legend is based on a particular German roadster.
Since BMW does not currently offer a manual transmission for its B58 inline-six engines, we have to believe Toyota when they are claiming that they went to great lengths to craft this manual transmission specifically for this inline-six Supra.
To avoid a sluggish take-off and a low in-gear acceleration feel, the final drive ratio has been shortened, from 3.15 (in the GR Supra automatic) to 3.46 (in the GR Supra MT). The result is response and gearing appropriate for sports car performance. The GR Supra’s traction and braking have been optimized for operation with a manual transmission.
Other changes
In addition, the Track mode has been tuned to allow for easy drifting with freedom of throttle control. All 2023 GR Supra 3.0 models, both AT and MT versions, will benefit from a retuned suspension with re-tuned shock absorbers for improved roll balance and ride comfort.
Available on the 3.0, 3.0 Premium and a limited A91-MT Edition model, this newly developed 6-speed manual transmission has been engineered and tuned specifically for use with the coupe’s straight-six engine and also features an intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) programmed with new software that prioritizes sporty performance.
The GR Supra’s traction and braking have been optimized for operation with a manual transmission.
The A91-MT special edition will be a 500 unit limited-run model that comes in two exclusive colors, Matte White and CU Later Gray with unique forged 19-inch Frozen Gunmetal Gray wheels and exclusive Cognac leather-trimmed seats, red Supra badge, and red strut tower braces.
