Car enthusiasts, rejoice! A 6-speed manual is finally available for the Toyota GR Supra, but just for the 6-cylinder model. Though it’s no secret the GR Supra is based on the BMW Z4, it could be argued that Toyota’s engineering improvements plus exclusive use of the manual/six combo makes for a much better car. Pricing for the manual GR Supra starts at $54,500, with the car we tested coming in at $57,270.
Exterior
The exterior hasn’t changed much since the Supra’s debut in 2020; it takes the FT-1 concept styling and applies it to BMW Z4 hardpoints. This particular car features one of the newer premium color options, “Stratosphere,” which looks blue in most lighting but occasionally has hints of purple. The headlights and taillights are both LED, with daytime running lights up front. This car rides on a set of gunmetal 19-inch forged aluminum wheels that look incredible with Brembo 4-piston disc brakes in the front.
Interior
The interior looks like it’s out of a BMW Z4, with the exception of the logos and shifting mechanism that is exclusive to the Toyota Supra. The leather trimmed sport seats are heated and powered with lumbar and bolstering adjustment, which I found to be comfortable. However, at 6-feet tall found myself sitting the seat as low as it could go, but I still had headroom. Overall the space is cozy and driver centric with everything in easy reach, including one of the better Qi wireless chargers I have used. In the center is an 8.8-inch digital touchscreen which features Apple Carplay but Android users will have to settle for Bluetooth, radio, or Supra Connect. You do not get a backseat, but in its place are two massive speakers as part of the JBL HiFi Surround Sound System, and direct access to all of your hatch storage from the interior with 10.2 cubic feet of space.
Powertrain
Power comes from a modified BMW turbocharged 3.0 liter inline-6 rated at 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque, the same as the BMW Z4, which is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission with rev-match. Also included is a limited slip differential and sport exhaust to give the engine a nice tone. Thanks to a relatively light curb weight of 3,400 pounds, the manual Supra achieves 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, a ¼-mile in 12.4 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. One of the surprises comes from the fuel economy. The manual transmission has an EPA rating of 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined. These figures are slightly worse than the automatic transmission, but you could find some more miles per gallon by short shifting, not that you buy a sports car for fuel economy. With the 21 mpg combined and 13.7-gallon fuel tank, you could average 287.7 miles of range, if you can keep your foot out of it.
Drive
The addition of the manual transmission comes with a huge boost to driver engagement and smiles per gallon, albeit with some quirks. The transmission is very much a BMW unit, utilizing a springy clutch that can make letting the clutch out interesting. The shifter is notchy and unique as Toyota intended, but it can be hard to recognize where in the shift pattern you are. Shifting nuances aside, you can improve the driving experience with time, and the car is lightning fast. You’ll have no problem lighting up the tires through the gears, which will certainly keep you on your toes. The low-slung visibility and sport seats help to amplify the nature of the car, just remember to keep it under the speed limit or take it to a track.
Conclusion
The new manual GR Supra adds a level of engagement that many enthusiasts felt was missing. The car is great with the 8-speed automatic it was designed to use, but the people are voting with their wallets and buying manual Supras. I think it goes without saying that you should test drive the manual GR Supra before making a purchase decision. Regardless of what you decide after, you will definitely have a lot of fun doing so.
