2023 Toyota GR Supra Manual Transmission: Oh Yes!

Highlight: A manual transmission is now available.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $58,865 (Base Model: $44,634)

Seating Capacity: 2

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; automatic high beams; a pre collision warning system with pedestrian detection; a lane departure warning system; traction control system; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (2.0): 18-inch wheels; automatic engine start/stop; a dual rear exhaust system; a glossy black auto folding heated outside mirrors; auto dimming driver’s outside mirror; rear spoiler; dual rear exhaust outlets with polished stainless tips; a manual seats with driver’s lumbar support; Alcantata/leather sport seats; carbon fiber interior trim; a leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters; keyless entry; a push button start system; an 8-inch infotainment screen; a dual zone automatic climate control system; automatic dimming mirror; a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and an electric parking brake

Standard Equipment (3.0 Premium): 19-inch wheels; a 6-speed manual transmission; 382-hp engine; rear wheel drive; an active rear sport differential; an adaptive variable suspension system; an active exhaust system; Brembo front brakes; red brake calipers; a keyless remote system; a heads up display (HUD) system; heated power seats; a lumbar support with driver’s seat with memory; an automatic folding heated side mirrors;  an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system; a navigation system; aero underbody panels; sport pedals; auto leveling LED headlights and wireless charging

Options: a driver’s assist program; a radar activated cruise control; a blind spot monitor; a rear cross traffic alert system; parking sensors with an alert system; and carbon fiber mirror caps

Other Trim Levels:

GR Supra 3.0 Base

GR Supra 3.0 Premium

GR Supra 3.0 Premium

GR Supra A91 Manual

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower: a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/255-horsepower (base model)

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/31-hwy (test model)

What’s New: The big news is that Toyota has finally added a 6-speed manual transmission.

Why:

A manual transmission is finally available

Shares a platform with the BMW Z4

A variety of trims and horsepower

Sport driving mode allows the ability to amplify the vehicle sound

Sporty design which exudes athleticism

Nimble

Based on a RWD configuration

A host of standard safety driving aids

Well laid out gauges

An easy-to-use infotainment system

A radar activated cruise control system on the 6-cylinder trim

Shares some components with BMW’s Z4

A power driver’s seat available with the 6-cylinder powertrain

A heads up display (HUD) system

19-inch wheels available with 6-cylinder engine

But:

No sunroof

Center armrest isn’t designed for storage

No true enclosed truck, separating the occupants from the cargo area

It’s a 2-seater. That’s alright with us!

Not compatible with Android smartphones

Verdict: 

Toyota’s athletically designed GR Supra, with its artfully created swoopy lines, has finally been outfitted with the long awaited 6-speed manual transmission. In our opinion, designing a sports car without a manual transmission is like creating an art masterpiece without having a gallery to showcase the work.

Yes, Toyota’s GR Supra engineering team has finally answered our prayers, combining the platform it shares with the BMW Z4 and a 6-speed manual designed by the Japanese automaker. Like jelly and peanut butter, it's the perfect combination. Toyota engineering team has tuned the GR Supra's 6-speed manual transmission, with the help of software, specifically for use with the 3.0-liter engine to aid in performance. And it obvious, when one is behind the wheel. 

The fun to shift 6-speed manual transmission, which is only available in the zippy 3.0-liter engine, effortlessly pushes out 382-horsepower. This GR Supra configured with manual transmission is great for winding back roads, cruising on the highway less stop-and-go traffic and rolling around the city streets.

In 2020, when the GR Supra was relaunched, after a long seventeen-year absence from the market, we had the same anticipation and feeling then, as we do now. And let’s just say the GR Supra with the manual doesn’t disappoint. 

While the industry the industry slowly shifts toward electrification and self-driving cars, the GR Supra reminds us why it deserves to maintain its relevancy in the modern era, as a two-seater with no third wheel allowed.

Competition: 2023 BMW Z4 and 2023 Nissan Z