Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Manual: A Classic Flavour with Modern Performance
When it comes to sports cars, there’s something undeniably appealing about a manual gearbox. The tactile connection between driver and machine, the precise control over gear changes – it’s an experience that many enthusiasts crave. That’s why we were thrilled when Toyota offered us the opportunity to test their GR Supra 3.0 manual long-termer for a few months. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this classic-inspired sports car and see how much a good three-pedal gearbox can enhance the driving experience.
Welcoming the GR Supra to the Fleet
As a motoring journalist, I often find myself wishing I had a list of ready-made reasons to hang up on PR representatives. But when Toyota called and offered us the chance to run a GR Supra 3.0 manual, I couldn’t say no. The GR Supra has always intrigued me, with its ’90s Supra tribute styling and promise of sporting performance. While I found the driving experience of the automatic version lacking in some areas, Toyota has continuously improved the car over the years – and introducing a manual gearbox is one of their latest updates.
Over the next three months, we’ll be putting the GR Supra 3.0 manual through its paces. This particular car already has around 9,000 miles on the clock, giving us the opportunity to evaluate its long-term reliability and the cost of ownership. We’ll also delve into its ride and handling characteristics, as Toyota has made specific adjustments to the adaptive dampers, power steering, and anti-roll bar bushes for the manual variant.
A Manual Gearbox Built for Performance
The GR Supra was initially launched in 2019 with a six-cylinder 3.0-litre automatic engine. In 2021, Toyota introduced a more affordable four-cylinder 2.0-litre automatic version. Finally, in 2022, they fulfilled their intention to offer a manual transmission for the car. To achieve this, Toyota developed a bespoke gearbox using components from transmission supplier ZF. The result is a seamless integration of the manual gearbox with the BMW-sourced, 335bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged ‘B58’ straight six engine.
The B58 engine is a perfect match for the Supra, delivering ample power and torque. While it may not rival BMW’s Motorsport six-pot in terms of outright performance, it provides a satisfying driving experience. During my initial days with the car, I’ve found it to be fast, torquey, and responsive.
Exploring the Dynamic Character
However, it’s not just the engine that piques my interest; it’s the Supra manual’s ride and handling. Toyota has used the development of the manual variant to fine-tune the car’s adaptive dampers, power steering, and anti-roll bar bushes. In our previous reviews, we praised the Supra’s comfortable touring ride but noted some shortcomings in body control and driver engagement. With this long-term test, we hope to see how much progress Toyota has made in these areas.
What truly excites me is the opportunity to dial into the dynamic character of an analogue sports car. Few manufacturers offer classic, front-engined, rear-drive, three-pedal setups anymore. Spending weeks and months experimenting with drive mode settings and tire pressures to achieve the perfect driving experience is a rare privilege for a road tester. With the GR Supra manual, I’m eager to explore this process and see how it enhances the overall driving pleasure.
A Simple and Pure Sports Car
Ordering a GR Supra is refreshingly straightforward. If you opt for the 3.0-litre engine, you can choose between standard and Pro equipment specifications, as well as the manual or automatic gearbox. However, if you prefer a simpler and more affordable trim, the manual gearbox is your only choice.
Our test car comes without the bells and whistles of full leather seats, premium stereo, or adaptive cruise control. Instead, it offers a pure sports car experience with just the right amount of kit. Over the next few months, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know this car inside out and truly appreciate its driving capabilities.
Conclusion
The Toyota GR Supra 3.0 manual is a car that combines classic-inspired design with modern performance. With its bespoke manual gearbox and powerful straight-six engine, it promises an engaging and thrilling driving experience. Over the next few months, we’ll explore its ride and handling characteristics, evaluate its long-term reliability, and uncover the true cost of ownership. Stay tuned for our in-depth analysis of this accessible sporting performance machine.