One of many first issues I observed about driving the Supra is I could possibly be quicker threading the automotive into corners slightly than diving into them. With that lengthy 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine out entrance, I used to be sitting thus far again within the Toyota, I used to be proper in entrance of its rear wheels.
This meant a very good two thirds of the automotive was already into the nook earlier than I used to be, which made tossing the Supra right into a flip a recipe for undesirable oversteer. As a substitute, I threaded its nostril in, waited patiently, after which rolled onto the throttle as my physique reached the apex to drag the rear finish round. Pushed this manner, I may go fairly shortly — and easily.
Overview
As reported right here at TheDetroitBureau.com again in April of ’22, Toyota lastly fitted a guide transmission to its halo sports activities automotive. In so doing, the storied automaker upped essentially the most highly effective model of the Supra’s enjoyable quotient by an element of six. The guide is mated solely to the Toyota’s 382-horsepower, 3.0-liter engine, whereas the 255-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder model of the Supra stays an automatic-only providing.
By now, the story of Toyota’s partnership with BMW to resurrect the hallowed Supra nameplate is pretty frequent information among the many automotive cognoscenti so I received’t belabor it right here. What I’ll say is there’s a lot BMW within the Supra, I virtually marvel if it’s actually truthful to name it a Toyota. That is significantly true now that the Supra’s 6-cylinder engine enjoys the close to 400-hp output beforehand reserved for the Toyota’s BMW Z4 fraternal twin.
Exterior
Like it or hate it, there isn’t any denying the Supra’s look is all its personal. Nothing else even resembles the automotive, and but it’s immediately identifiable as a Toyota product. I’ve to confess the Supra’s look has grown on me, because it was most assuredly NOT love at first sight.
The amalgamation of voluptuous curves has change into extra fetching over time although and I believe the design will age nicely. Alternatively, I do nonetheless want all of these “vents” Toyota’s stylists integrated into the design have been practical.
Inside
For those who’ve been in a recent BMW, you’ve been within the Supra. The foremost switchgear and the middle console are shared with the Z4. The obvious divergence is the instrumentation, which is unique to the Toyota. The tachometer, because it ought to for a automotive of this nature, instructions many of the actual property within the binnacle behind the steering wheel.
Driver and passenger lodging are greatest described as close-coupled and sporty, but comfy. I discovered the latter to be significantly true over lengthy drives because the seats additionally proved fairly supportive in the course of the prolonged outings the Supra’s exhilarating nature impressed me to make.
Powertrain
As beforehand talked about, Toyota will get 382 hp from the three.0-liter turbocharged inline 6, together with 368 pound-feet of torque. My casual thousand-one, thousand-two, thousand-three counts gave me a constant zero to 60 of proper round 4 seconds. The engine revs freely, is smoother than Idris Elba in a Valentino tuxedo and pulls with what seems like infinite capability.
The 6-speed guide transmission feeds the rear wheels and shifts with the precision of an HBCU marching band in a homecoming parade. The lever supplied simply the correct amount of resistance and it went virtually presciently into the subsequent gear. Upon my first event to downshift, I depressed the clutch, rolled onto the brake, took maintain of the shift lever and was about to blip the throttle with the heel of my proper foot — solely to be stunned when the Supra’s computerized rev-matching perform beat me to the maneuver.
Security and Expertise
Right here once more, the familial relationship between the Supra and the Z4 is quickly obvious. The truth is, the Supra even inherited BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, full with the rotary controller on the middle console.
An 8.8-inch touchscreen presides over the sprint. Apple CarPlay is obtainable, however Android Auto isn’t. Toyota’s Security Sense suite of superior driver help applied sciences is duly utilized to the Supra and may be upgraded with capabilities resembling energetic cruise management and blind-spot monitoring.
Driving Impressions
The 6-speed guide transmission transforms the Supra’s driving traits. I famous improved management over all the dynamics of the automotive, significantly when attacking my favourite canyon roads in earnest. Managing shifts for myself, balancing the automotive in corners with the throttle and executing downshifts upped the engagement ante logarithmically.
Merely put, the automotive appeared extra “alive” with the guide transmission. Plus, I felt like I used to be contributing to the method, versus simply managing it, as I did within the computerized transmission-equipped model of the Supra.
2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Handbook Specs
| Dimension | L: 172.5 inches/W: 73 inches/H: 50.9 inches/Wheelbase: 97.2 inches |
| Weight | 3,343 kilos |
| Powertrain | 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6 cylinder; 6-speed guide transmission, RWD |
| Gasoline Financial system | 19 mpg metropolis/27 mpg freeway/21 mpg mixed |
| Efficiency Specs | 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque |
| Worth | Base worth: $55,650; As examined: $58,365 together with $1,095 vacation spot cost |
| On-Sale Date | Obtainable now |
Wrap Up
Driving the 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Handbook is an altogether totally different expertise than that of its self-shifting counterpart. Sure, the styling stays polarizing and sure, the Supra is extra BMW than Toyota. Nonetheless, let’s not overlook BMW builds some distinctive driver’s vehicles and Supra advantages mightily from the affiliation.
Toyota’s high sports activities automotive is quick, handles superbly (when you give it what it desires) and is kind of comfy over lengthy distances. For those who’ve been ready for the curvaceous coupe to be fitted with a “correct” guide transmission your wait is over. And sure, the wait was worthwhile.
2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Handbook — Continuously Requested Questions
Is the guide Supra quicker than the automated?
As has change into the norm lately, the 6-speed guide is slower than the 8-speed computerized. For those who deal with the gears, the most effective you’ll do is 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds whereas the auto will nip you on the line in simply 4 seconds flat.
How a lot horsepower does the GR Supra 3.0 possess?
It is available in at 382 horsepower with 368 pound-feet of torque. It’s a considerable increase over the two.0’s 255 hp.
How a lot does the GR Supra value?
The 2023 mannequin begins at $43,540 for the 4-cylinder mannequin that comes with solely the automated transmission. To maneuver up two cylinders and greater than 100 hp, it’ll value you $52,500 — to start out. For those who push all the way in which to the A91-MT, the verify you’ll write for that begins at $58,345 — earlier than any charges.