2023 Toyota GR Supra handbook unlocks new ranges of sports activities automobile enjoyable
It appeared like an oversight from the beginning. Why supply a sports activities automobile with out a handbook transmission from the get-go if plans name for one later?
When Toyota launched A90-generation Supra for 2020 with a large help from BMW, the automobile got here solely with a really succesful ZF 8-speed computerized. Whereas that transmission has paddle shifters, a portion of the consumers the Supra is supposed to draw nonetheless need the connection {that a} handbook supplies. With out one, Toyota little doubt left gross sales on the desk.
Toyota treatments that scenario for the 2023 mannequin 12 months with the discharge of a 6-speed handbook for turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 variations of the automobile. Toyota invited Motor Authority to Park Metropolis, Utah, to expertise the brand new handbook on a 2-plus mile highway course on the Utah Motorsports Campus. Laps across the observe, in addition to a extra subdued drive across the observe’s ring highway, confirmed the handbook is a key ingredient the automobile was lacking, and it unlocks a enjoyable issue that each sports activities automobile ought to have.
2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 A91 Particular Version MT
2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 A91 Particular Version MT
2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium MT
BMW taste
The brand new handbook is constructed by ZF and was designed for the ability and torque of the BMW engine it serves. Nevertheless, Toyota representatives say the corporate’s engineers labored with ZF to present it the character they wished for the Supra. They began with an present transmission housing and kit set, however engineered a bigger clutch friction space and a stronger spring. Additionally they eliminated a few of the acoustic supplies to save lots of weight and developed a brand new short-shifter.
Nonetheless, the BMW really feel isn’t misplaced. If something, this transmission takes the most effective of the BMW components and improves them with Toyota taste.
Driving a lap at a time, the flowing 12-turn course required solely the primary three gears. Instantly upon takeoff, the clutch felt gentle, with a pure, medium take-up level that makes it laborious to stall and really straightforward to shift above first gear. Gear modifications had a well-known delicate pop as I slotted them from gear to gear by way of a shift lever that’s barely shorter than typical BMW fare. The quick, satisfying shift motion would really feel proper at dwelling within the associated Z4. In actual fact, it will additionally barely enhance the texture of the handbook gearbox within the M3 and M4, largely as a result of shorter shift lever.
2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium MT
2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium MT
2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium MT
The inline-6 additionally retains its BMW really feel. It revs as freely because it at all times has, with a meaty torque band that begins on the 1,800-rpm torque peak—truly a plateau that runs to five,000 rpm—and builds easily and relentlessly as much as the 6,500-rpm redline
With the automated, the Supra is a fast automobile, posting a 0-60 mph time of three.9 seconds. Like most manuals, this 6-speed is slower, however solely a contact. Toyota quotes a 4.2-second 0-60 mph time for the handbook. That’s much less of a loss than the half-second or so most manuals scrub off, and it’s attributable to revised ultimate gearing. With the handbook, Toyota provides the Supra a shorter 3.46 ultimate gear ratio in comparison with 3.15 with the automated. The shorter gearing additionally makes it simpler to faucet into the ability upon nook exit to rocket to the subsequent nook.
Customary rev-matching additionally retains the automobile secure when downshifting for turns with out the necessity for deft heel-and-toe motion. It’s turned on by default, however drivers can flip it off by the Particular person drive mode settings.
My observe drive proved that with the handbook the Supra might lose a few of the outright efficiency, however it makes up for it with driver engagement.
2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 A91 Particular Version MT
2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 A91 Particular Version MT
2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 A91 Particular Version MT
2022 revisions
Tweaks for 2022 on all fashions even have a slight impact on the Supra’s trip and dealing with. Toyota retuned the steering and adjusted the dampers for improved roll stability and trip consolation, however I couldn’t really feel it on the observe. It will take a back-to-back drive to note any distinction.
Within the twisties, the Supra remains to be a decent, darty machine with plenty of grip and nice agility. The steering stays fast and direct, however with out a number of really feel for what’s happening on the entrance wheels. And the rearward seating place nonetheless exposes occupants to the back-of-the-bus up-and-down motions over bumpy or damaged pavement.
With these updates, Toyota has additionally tamed lift-off oversteer, which we seen as a doable difficulty after we first drove the automobile. We figured the automobile’s big-time energy might convey the rear finish round if the motive force will get on the fuel too quickly when exiting a nook, and that’s when the 6-cylinder made 335 hp versus the 382 hp it obtained for 2021. The handbook makes that extra doubtless attributable to a doable sudden clutch engagement mixed with a untimely kick of the throttle. To counter that difficulty, Toyota revised the soundness management program to intervene at an earlier level when there’s a sudden lack of grip with the suspension in its Sport mode.
2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 A91 Particular Version MT
I drove the Supra laborious on the observe and by no means skilled any tendency for the rear finish to come back round. I could not have felt the suspension and stability management modifications Toyota made for 2022, however I additionally really feel they made the automobile safer throughout efficiency driving.
Manuals was a credit score choice, however now they’re so uncommon they often simply tackle the value of vehicles geared up with the automated. That’s the case right here. Consumers can get the brand new 6-speed on the A90 Premium and A91 Particular Version fashions for gratis. The beginning value for the A90 Premium is unchanged from the automated’s at $56,745, whereas the A91 Particular Version runs $59,440 and is just out there with the handbook.
A handbook within the Supra is an oversight no extra. It prices no more cash, and whereas it gained’t make the automobile rocket from 0-60 mph extra rapidly or go round a observe sooner, it should make it extra enjoyable for lovers each time they row their very own gears. Isn’t that the purpose of a sports activities automobile within the first place?
Toyota paid for airfare, lodging, and observe entry for Motor Authority to convey you this firsthand report.