2023 Toyota GR Supra unveiled for Australia with manual gearbox

UPDATE, June 7, 2022: GR Supra manual driven

Following its global reveal, we've now driven the new manual-equipped Supra ahead of its Australian debut. Read our review at the link below.

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The story to here: Supra manual revealed

April 28: The wraps have been taken off the updated 2023 Toyota GR Supra – which returns with a manual transmission in Australia at the end of this year.

The new six-speed manual gearbox has been specifically developed to match the performance of the 285kW/500Nm 3.0-litre straight six, rear-drive engine.

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The manual 'box will be available on both GR Supra GT and GTS models and, according to Toyota, is more intelligently able to match engine speeds on up and down shifts for smooth and sporty driving.

In the cabin, the driver will operate it through a spherical gear shift knob, topped by a GR logo.

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In addition to the new manual transmission, Toyota has also improved the steering and suspension with modified stabiliser bushings, and retuned adaptive variable suspension and other chassis control systems to better the Supra's handling performance and ride comfort.

For GTS models, new design 19-inch forged alloy wheels with revised spoke and cross-sectional shapes and premium titanium dark silver finish deliver a more sporty style, greater strength and a weight reduction of 1.2 kilograms per wheel.

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The GR Supra also gains three new exterior metallic colours – volcanic ash grey, dawn blue and avalanche white – while the interior of the two-seater, two-door sports car is now available with a tan trim option.

"When Toyota first launched the reborn GR Supra in September 2019, we drew from our experience in motorsport to deliver a pure sports car that delighted fans of the iconic nameplate across the globe,” said Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley.

"But we always knew there were those that wanted an even more engaging drive experience and now we are able to provide that with a new six-speed manual gearbox available across the range and a suspension and steering retune to provide even more dynamic handling."

More than 700 GR Supras have been delivered in Australia since its launch in 2019.

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April 18, 2022: Manual transmission Toyota Supra confirmed

The Toyota Supra will soon be available with a manual transmission, the company has announced.

Despite the industry trend away from manual gearboxes, Toyota has confirmed a “newly-developed” manual transmission is on its way, while the carmaker’s Australian arm has also shown a three-pedal assembly for the Supra sports car.

Toyota says the all-new, tailor-made gearbox was created with “feedback from customers and fans alike”.

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In some overseas markets, Toyota also teased the news with a picture showing a red ‘Supra’ badge, which “[signals] the presence of [a] manual transmission – a highly desirable, pure and special feature”.

It’s expected the yet-to-be-confirmed six-speed manual will be mated exclusively to the coupe’s 285kW/500Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine.

While it’s believed Toyota has had a manual transmission available for the Supra for a number of years, timing of the announcement is no mistake, with the upcoming Nissan Z coupe set to arrive in the coming months with a choice of either a six-speed manual or nine-speed auto with its 298kW/475Nm 3.0-litre turbo V6.

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Rumours out of Japan suggest the manual GR Supra could precede a high-performance GRMN Supra – borrowing its powertrain from the BMW M4.

More details of the manual Toyota Supra are expected on April 28, 2022, with local pricing and availability to come.