Toyota Has Developed A Manual Supra For Right-Hand Drive Markets

Toyota has confirmed that a manual transmission has been developed for the latest-generation Supra. Unfortunately, it may not be offered in the United States or Europe.

During a recent drive of a Supra prototype in Spain, assistant chief engineer Masayuki Kai told Car Advice that a stick-shift has been developed but only for right-hand drive markets. This means it would cater exclusively to enthusiasts to countries like Japan, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.

“This is not yet finally decided [introduction of a manual transmission], and depending on feedback from the market, we will decide if we should introduce a manual transmission.

“We have developed it, yes, there is hardware ready. Right-hand drive? Yes, of course. It needs to be sold in Japan, which is a right-hand drive market,” he confirmed.

Are your dreams coming true?

While a manual gearbox may only be offered in select markets, it’s better than nothing. After all, reports over recent months seemed to indicate that a manual transmission was extremely unlikely for the new Supra, no matter how much an auto-only model would infuriate die-hard enthusiasts.

Toyota has confirmed that two different engines will be offered in the new-age Supra. The first will be a BMW-sourced single-turbo 3.0-liter B58B30 six-cylinder expected to produce 335 hp. As standard, this engine will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission but could be the perfect powertrain for a manual.

As for the second engine, it will be a smaller and less-powerful 2.0-liter B48B20 four-cylinder with a little over 260 hp. This engine is probably less likely to be available with a manual.