2023 Toyota GR Supra Debuts With New Six-Speed Manual, Limited A91-MT Edition

Toyota fans were ecstatic when the Supra returned after a 21-year absence, but many were dismayed by the lack of a manual transmission.

The company is now addressing that oversight with the 2023 GR Supra, which features a new six-speed manual that has been designed specifically for the car’s turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 382 hp (285 kW / 387 PS) and 367 lb-ft (497 Nm) of torque.

As Toyota explained, the “engineering team modified an existing transmission housing, driveshaft and gear set and removed elements that were not required, such as the acoustic package, which reduced weight.” They then added a large diameter clutch with a reinforced diaphragm spring.

Driven: The Toyota GR Supra Is A Track Weapon And An Everyday Sports Car

The upgrades don’t end there as the manual Supra features a shortened final drive ratio to avoid a “sluggish take-off and a low in-gear acceleration feel.” The gearbox also boasts performance-oriented software, which optimizes engine torque at the moment of clutch engagement and release when upshifting. Thankfully, if the software isn’t to your liking, it can be switched off in Sport mode.

Elsewhere, the traction control, stability control, and anti-roll systems have been recalibrated for the manual transmission. Track mode has also been retuned to allow for easy drifting. Last but not least, there’s a new Hairpin+ function that is designed to make driving on twisty back roads more exciting. In order to do this, Toyota “optimized engine torque control to allow a greater difference in the degree of wheel spin on the left and right-side tires.”

New A91-MT Edition Is For DIY Enthusiasts

To celebrate the return of the manual, Toyota will offer an A91-MT Edition that is available exclusively with the DIY gearbox. 500 units are coming stateside and each will feature an exclusive Matte White or CU Later Gray exterior with red accents and 19-inch forged wheels with a Frozen Gunmetal Gray finish.

The special edition also has exclusive Cognac leather seats and an Alcantara-wrapped shifter with GR badging. Other highlights include red strut tower braces and a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system.

2023 GR Supra Range Gets New Exterior Color And Dynamic Enhancements

Besides the six-speed manual, the 2023 GR Supra benefits from a handful of other updates. In particular, models equipped with the 3.0-liter engine have a retuned suspension and revised shock absorbers for “improved roll balance and ride comfort.” They also boast an active rear differential and a revised electric power steering system.

The color palette has been updated to include a new Stratosphere Blue option, while the 3.0 trim gains new 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Furthermore, the GR Supra 3.0 Premium comes with a new 12-speaker JBL premium audio system just like the A91-MT Edition.

The 2023 GR Supra will arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year and pricing for the manual variants will be announced this summer.