The six-cylinder Toyota GR Supra can now be had with a six-speed manual as an alternative to the eight-speed automatic transmission. A lighter version of the coupe also enriches a range that benefits from some technical improvements.
#savethemanual. With this mention, which can be translated as “save the manual transmission”, Toyota welcomes the arrival of a six-speed mechanical transmission on its GR Supra. Until now, the Japanese sports coupe was only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which has sometimes been criticized. In addition to the arrival in the catalog of this new option, the GR Supra benefits from a handful of other improvements.
Six-cylinder and manual transmission
While the BMW Z4 roadster, technical “cousin” of the Supra, can only be ordered with a manual transmission in a four-cylinder version, Toyota reserves this type of transmission for its six-cylinder. The original BMW 3.0 l turbo block (code B58) still sends 340 hp to the rear wheels in Europe. The manual transmission and accompanying clutch were custom designed. The final gear ratio is shorter than that of the automatic transmission, dropping from 3.15 to 3.46. This “intelligent” gearbox (iMT) optimizes engine torque with each gear change, a feature that can be deactivated in Sport mode. The car’s traction control and stability control have been recalibrated. Toyota does not yet communicate on the performance of the GR Supra with manual gearbox, nor on its CO emissions2 (therefore its ecological penalty) or on the requested rate.
The adoption of the manual gearbox required the design of a new central console, notably allowing more space to be left between the lever and the air conditioning control panel. The pommel is deliberately heavy (200 g) for an optimized feeling of control. As an option, it can be dressed in Alcantara like its bellows. The manual transmission Supra can be recognized by the red lettering affixed to its trunk.
A lighter Supra for the more sporty
The manual gearbox weighs less than the automatic transmission, and Toyota has pushed this difference a little further on the GR Supra Lightweight, a lighter version of its sporty addition to the catalog. The latter weighs 38.3 kg less than the 3.0 l model with automatic transmission. Seventeen kilos have been saved thanks to the transmission, 4.8 kg thanks to new forged aluminum rims (still 19 inches), and 16.5 kg thanks to a lighter audio system, to now adjustable seats manuals, the removal of lumbar support from them and fabric upholstery instead of leather. Toyota expects this Lightweight variant to be the most in demand in Europe.
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New in the whole range
With four or six cylinders, in manual or automatic transmission, the Toyota GR Supra also receives a modified braking system and an improved suspension. The rubber of the anti-roll bar mounts is harder than before, the shock absorbers have been changed, the steering has been reworked. The new Hairpin+ function, from the English word meaning “hairpin”, allows more glide in tight turns. Track mode has also been revised for easier drift control according to the manufacturer.
Moareki gray and Dawn blue body colors appear in the catalogue, as does the matt white Moonstone reserved for the GR Supra Premium with manual gearbox. The red leather upholstery disappears from the list of options in favor of light brown leather. All that remains is to know the prices of this ultimate range… and to test these new features behind the wheel to see if they keep all their promises.
