Manual transmission Supra fans, your wishes have been answered.
- Toyota will offer a manual transmission for the GR Supra 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and A91-MT Models.
- The 2.0-liter-powered models will not get the optional manual transmission.
- Toyota also will revise the suspension and steering system on six-cylinder equipped Supras for 2023.
Rejoice manual transmission fans! The Toyota Supra is finally getting its manual transmission. Originally launched with one available automatic transmission, the Supra caught some flak for its lack of a three-pedal variant. Well, Toyota is fixing that problem. A six-speed manual gearbox will play a starring role in the ’23 Supra, but it won’t be the only addition to this storied nameplate for next year.
Historically manual transmissions were at the bottom end of the price sheet because they were easier and less expensive to manufacture than their automatic counterparts. While that still might be true in some cases, it isn’t for the Supra. The six-speed intelligent manual transmission will be a premium offering, available on the Supra 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and limited-edition A91-MT models powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. This transmission won’t be available on the entry-level 2.0-liter four-cylinder Toyota Supra models.
Manual transmission in 2023 Toyota GR Supra.
Toyota
Expectedly, the transmission isn’t the only hardware change for these manual-transmission Supras. Toyota also shortened the final drive ratio from 3.15:1 to 3.46:1, which makes the car accelerate harder. The driveshaft, transmission housing, and gear set were modified, and the acoustic package was removed to reduce weight.
The transmission gets a new large-diameter clutch with a reinforced diaphragm spring to accommodate the engine’s 367 lb-ft of torque. When upshifting, new software parameters are tuned to optimize engine torque as the clutch is engaged and released; on downshifts, the software has been fine-tuned for consistent performance, Toyota says.
As for the interior packaging, Toyota says the team paid close attention to the gear selector to make it ergonomic, engaging, and a good fit within the center console, so you won’t hit the radio when making gear changes.
Regardless of the transmission choice on your six-cylinder Supra, you’re getting a revised suspension. All 3.0-liter equipped Toyota GR Supras feature retuned dampers for better roll balance and ride comfort, as well as a retuned electric power steering system. A new Hairpin Plus system also joins the Supra ranks, which allows for more wheel slip in tight corners to give you a more enjoyable experience.
Leather-trimmed seats in 2023 Toyota GR Supra.
Toyota
These updates sound like great news for the company’s flagship Supra model and might sway prospective 2.0-liter buyers to jump to the larger engine. Toyota says you can expect these ’23 model year Supras at dealers later this year, including the 500-example A91-MT model. Pricing will come closer to launch, but these upgrades probably won’t come without a small price hike. The monthly payment might hurt less if you’re rowing your own gears.
Keyword: The 2023 Toyota GR Supra Comes with a Stick