Toyota GR Supra Adds Manual Transmission for 2023
For 2023, Toyota is adding a six-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) as an option for the GR Supra, the automaker announced.
Toyota engineers developed the new manual transmission specifically for GR Supra, with components designed specifically to suit its 3.0-liter, 382-horsepower engine. Additionally, the GR Supra’s braking control systems and suspension have been retuned for the new model year, Toyota said.
The manual transmission will be available as an option on the Supra 3.0 and 3.0 Premium and a limited A91-MT Edition model will also be produced for model year 2023 only.
To develop the new transmission, the Toyota 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. At the heart of the transmission is a newly engineered large diameter clutch with a reinforced diaphragm spring.
The newly developed 6-speed manual gearbox also features an intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) programmed with new software that prioritizes performance, the company said. When upshifting, the parameters are tuned to optimize engine torque at the moment of clutch engagement and release; on downshifts, the software has been fine-tuned for consistent performance. Additionally, the final drive ratio has been shortened, from 3.15 (in the GR Supra automatic) to 3.46 (in the GR Supra MT).
The lever ratio was also specifically set to minimize the effort required to make shifts and engage reverse gear, designers said, while the weight and shape of the 200g gear knob, along with the quality of shift engagement, were designed with ergonomics in mind, as the console unit and position of the drive mode selector were adjusted to provide a 1.7-inch clearance between the shift knob and the control panel.
The GR Supra’s traction and braking have also been optimized for operation with a manual transmission. To address wheel spin issues, Toyota engineers have tuned the car’s TRAction Control (TRAC) system to achieve smooth operation like that experienced with an automatic, the company said. The system is also optimized for the GR Supra’s characteristic high engine torque, wide tires and rear-wheel drive.
The GR Supra is also equipped with Toyota’s new Hairpin+ function. Designed for taking tight bends on an uphill gradient (more than 5%) with a high-friction road surface, the new function offers more “freewheel” spin through optimized engine torque control to allow a greater difference in the degree of wheel spin on the left and right-side tires. An Anti-Roll Program (ARP) has been adopted for both the manual and automatic versions of the GR Supra to counter the possibility of “snap-off” oversteer.
The A91-MT special edition will be a 500 unit limited-run model that comes equipped with exclusive Cognac leather-trimmed seats, GR logoed Alcantara shift knob and a 12-speaker acoustically tuned premium JBL sound system. On the outside, a red “Supra” Badge and red GR Supra emblazoned calipers punctuate the design. It will be offered in two colors, Matte White and CU Later Gray, and comes equipped with forged 19-inch Frozen Gunmetal Gray wheels. Under the hood, red strut tower braces add one more accent.
All 2023 GR Supra 3.0 models, both AT and MT versions, will benefit from a retuned suspension with re-tuned shock absorbers for improved roll balance and ride comfort, designers said. The mechanical components in the electric power steering and the system’s operating parameters have also been re-tuned. All 3.0 models will have an active rear sport differential standard.
The 3.0 MT will come equipped with new 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and be available in previously available standard and premium colors plus the new Stratosphere Blue color. On the inside, heated, black leather-trimmed seats are now standard. The 3.0 Premium has everything you’ll find on the 3.0, plus a red and black leather-trimmed interior, full color heads up display, acoustically tuned 12-speaker JBL sound system and Qi Wireless charger standard.
