Three Cheers for Three Pedals! Six-Speed Manual GR Supra Coming in 2023!
Paired only with the 3.0L engine, the six-speed manual GR Supra will also be available as a one-year limited-edition model.
It is the moment that many Supra fans have been waiting for since launching the A90 generation. Toyota has finally confirmed that a manual GR Supra is on the way. But that is not the only good news. There are a number of other enhancements for the 2023 model year, and a limited-edition model called the A91-MT Edition. There is so much exciting stuff to get to we don’t even know where to start.
It probably makes the most sense to start with the manual transmission. If there was one thing that was holding back enthusiasts from buying a new Supra it was the fact that it only came with an automatic gearbox. There have been rumors of a manual for a while, but we never knew if/when it would happen or which powertrain it would be hooked up with. Today we finally know all those details and get ready to call your local Toyota dealer to place your order now!
Intelligent Manual Supra GR
The six-speed manual will be available on the Supra 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and the A91-MT Edition. It has been designed to work in harmony with the power and torque characteristics of the 3.0L straight-six engine. The transmission was engineered to enhance performance in every way possible. Weight was reduced, and a large diameter clutch with a larger friction area and stronger spring are in place to be able to support the torque the 3.0 can produce. The transmission earns its Intelligent Manual Transmission moniker with software tuning that ensures sporty performance during both upshifts and downshifts. But if the driver would rather have full control and take the software out of the equation, it can be turned off in Sport mode. In addition, the final drive ratio has been shortened from 3.15 in the auto to 3.46 in the MT.
Hairpin+
The MT Supra has traction and braking tuning to work in harmony with the new six-speed. Traction control has been tuned to ensure smooth takeoffs even when on a slippery uphill, similar to starting out in second gear in an automatic. But smooth starts in slippery conditions are not what make drivers’ hearts race. It is handling that we care about, and Toyota addressed that with Hairpin+. This function allows for greater freedom when taking corners in high grip situations. It will allow the driver to attack the curves a little more aggressively before the safety features such as stability control kick in. If that is still not enough fun for you then try Track mode. This mode has been tuned to allow for easy drifting. It might not be the fastest way around the track but it sure is fun.
A91-MT
There will only be 500 copies of the A91-MT Supra. Each one comes equipped with Cognac leather-trimmed seats, GR logoed Alcantara shift knob, and a 12-speaker JBL sound system. On the outside, there are red Supra badges and red brake calipers. It will be offered in just two exclusive colors, Matte White and CU Later Gray. That might be our favorite paint color name of the year. The limited-edition model will also wear unique 19-inch forged wheels in frozen gunmetal gray. The final touch is under the hood with a red strut tower brace.
Updates for All
All 2023 GR Supra 3.0 models regardless of transmission will benefit from a retuned suspension with re-tuned shock absorbers for improved balance and comfort. The electric power steering has also been re-tuned. The 3.0 models will have a standard active rear sport differential. The 3.0 manual transmission cars will come with 19-inch forged wheels and a new Stratosphere Blue color will be offered. The 3.0 Premium will have a red and black trimmed interior, a full color heads up display, a 12-speaker JBL sound system and a Qi wireless charger.
Excited Yet?
This is really big news for one of our favorite sports cars. A car with an internal combustion engine is getting rare enough these days. One paired with a manual transmission is a gift from the driving Gods. For an extra cherry on top buying a Toyota Supra will get you a free 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). This will include a free high-performance track day so you can really see what your new Supra is capable of. As a NASA driving instructor myself, I can tell you first hand these cars are capable of quite a bit. Now with this new manual transmission, they will be capable and more fun than ever.
Images: Toyota
