2023 Toyota GR Supra handbook overview

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Fans had been left disillusioned when Toyota opted to not provide a handbook gearbox with its reborn, German-flavoured GR Supra two-seater sports activities automotive in 2019.

These individuals may have their hopes and prayers answered within the fourth quarter of this 12 months, when a three-pedal choice arrives as a part of the 2023 model-year replace.

It’s not like DIY shifts are faster than what the eight-speed ZF auto with paddles provides – on the contrary – however for aficionados, nothing can prime the engagement issue a handbook provides.

Not Supplied — 2023 Toyota GR Supra handbook Credit score: CarExpert

With the reborn Nissan Z simply arriving, and the next-generation Ford Mustang and BMW M2 across the nook, it’s time for Toyota to remind us all of what this Supra can do.

This overview is admittedly extra of a fast drive, in that we did some observe laps within the USA on the similar media launch occasion because the GR Corolla – which we will even overview quickly.

This up to date Supra will hit Australian sellers earlier than the top of 2022, at which level we’ll carry you the complete highway check.

How a lot does the Toyota GR Supra handbook value?

The 2023 Toyota GR Supra will value just about (up $500) what the 2022 did: $87,000 earlier than on-road prices for the GT and $97,000 plus on-roads for the GTS.

The brand new handbook will value the identical because the auto, reasonably than reducing the value of entry. It’s the identical story within the ‘States.

To place this into some context, the mechanically associated BMW M240i xDrive prices $91,900 earlier than on-roads, whereas the Nissan Z kicks off at $73,300. The most cost effective method right into a Porsche 718 Cayman is the $122,000 four-cylinder.

What’s the Toyota GR Supra handbook like on the within?

Stepping into the Supra is a problem for taller people, on account of the small entry aperture: one thing that’s notably evident when helmeted-up on observe!

Discover the roof lip dips fairly low, lowering the scale of the facet window.

It provides a racy low-slung driving place with largely spot-on ergonomics when you’re safely inside nonetheless, and there are definitely sports activities coupes more durable to see out of than this one, with much less headroom.

On a observe, the power to see a nook forward previous the A-pillar and thru the facet glass is paramount.

The steering wheel has a larger-diameter centre piece than I’d like from a purely stylistic perspective, however the rim width is about proper – not too fats like in a number of the newest BMWs.

The digital cluster with centre-mounted analogue tacho readout doesn’t overcomplicate issues: there are some cool animations out there within the right-hand part, and a digital speedo to the left, nevertheless it at all times locations legibility over flash.

That gear stick sits in simple attain, with Toyota having moved the drive mode and traction management buttons to place it proper the place you need it, whereas leaving about 40mm of clearance between the knob and air con management panel in gears 1, 3 and 5.

Toyota has fitted its personal GR-badged knob, which weighs a further 200g so as to add a little bit weight to the operation, because you’re certain to be grabbing it much more than the auto’s shifter.

The 2 seats provide nice facet and thigh bolstering, and sufficient fore and aft motion to account for many drivers. There’s additionally a brand new tan trim choice for Australia, changing pink.

Sitting atop the sprint is the acquainted BMW 8.8-inch touchscreen with supporting rotary controller, providing satellite tv for pc navigation, AM/FM/DAB, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay. There’s nonetheless no point out of Android Auto, although.

There are some premium trims and supplies used, such because the carbon-fibre on the centre tunnel, and high quality stitch-work. It’s additionally screwed collectively very well.

On the similar time it retains the BMW ‘components bin’ really feel: the buttons on the steering wheel, underneath the centre display screen, and for the local weather management are pure Bavarian. Bland? A bit.

Strictly a two-seater, there’s a good 296-litre boot, greater than able to swallowing a few journey luggage.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

The BMW B58 3.0-litre straight-six makes the identical energy and torque because it did for the outgoing mannequin 12 months: 285kW (5800 to 6500rpm) and 500Nm (1800 and 5000rpm).

All Supra are rear-wheel drive, and the ZF eight-speed automated stays in place.

For the handbook, Toyota labored with the BMW ZF casing and driveshaft, however went for an elevated clutch diameter, strengthened the diaphragm spring, and shortened the ultimate drive ratio.

It additionally has extremely efficient auto rev matching, which you’ll flip off when you desire DIY heel-and-toeing.

Toyota within the US “estimates” the Supra handbook can do the 0-60mp/h (96km/h) sprint in 4.2 seconds, which is three-tenths slower than the auto.

To contextualise, Toyota Australia claims a 0-100km/h the for the auto of 4.1 seconds, suggesting a 4.4s time for the handbook, on the best way to a 250km/h prime clip.

The handbook model can also be 18kg lighter than the auto.

How does the Toyota GR Supra handbook drive?

The BMW straight-six could be very easy with broad energy and torque bands, providing wonderful tractability and acceleration even in the next gear.

However it’s additionally correctly fast, particularly when pushed instantly after the GR Corolla. The low seat, lengthy nostril, potent engine, and trace of tail squat make this really feel like an actual missile off the mark.

In Sport mode the Supra artificially enhances the engine word from inside, and its raspy soundscape is admittedly partaking so far as these techniques go.

You possibly can flip it off and go full analogue, and naturally you may hit up the sprawling aftermarket if you would like extra kerbside racket.

The handbook’s clutch felt well-weighted, nevertheless it was the quick and mechanical shift motion that impressed me extra – particularly since I discover the throw in some BMW manuals a little bit imprecise.

You’ll be desirous to row your personal gears, which felt obviously apparent given the check observe in Utah the place Toyota held the launch was one you may largely do in third gear.

It’s simple to see why so lots of the 770-odd Supras offered in Australia up to now do observe time.

Along with the brand new handbook gearbox, Toyota has fine-tuned the electrical energy steering and stability management to quicken response to steering inputs, and altered the suspension bushes.

The electrical steering is properly weighted (linked to the chosen drive mode), though I nonetheless suppose it might talk what the entrance wheels are doing a little bit higher – there’s only a trace of uncertainty in regards to the nostril once you’re getting familiarised.

It’s a brief automotive, however rotates progressively with out getting too snappy, and as long as you’re managed on entry, you may lean on the ability a little bit early and use that fats torque band and pliant suspension to actually push onerous out of a nook.

Whereas our check observe was flat as a tack, the Supra handbook will get a Hairpin+ traction management operate that permits a better distinction on wheel spin between left and proper tyres on high-grip surfaces with a gradient.

The mechanical format is acquainted: Double-joint MacPherson strut entrance and multi-link rear suspension, adaptive damping, and an electronically-actuated lively rear LSD.

The US-spec automobiles I drove had been shod with Michelin Pilot Tremendous Sport rubber. Australian GTS grades will get new-look 19-inch cast alloy wheels that reduce 1.2kg per nook.

Even after getting used and abused repeatedly on a observe in 40-degree desert warmth, brake fade felt minimal, although the pedal’s preliminary chunk is a tad on the comfortable facet.

Regardless, after some familiarisation, that is one bloody enjoyable observe automotive: small, sharp, agile, eager on fast directional modifications with a tail-happy manner. It’s additionally highly effective sufficient to make up time on the straights.

The auto with paddles is quicker, however the handbook’s pretty mechanical really feel clearly provides a brand new stage of driver engagement to an already superior package deal. I’m simply rapt Toyota bothered.

What do you get?

Toyota Australia is but to verify the complete 2023 function line-up throughout GT and GTS grades, however we wouldn’t be banking on many modifications.

The outgoing mannequin stroll went thus, and serves as information:

Supra GT highlights

18-inch alloy wheels
Adaptive LED headlights
LED daytime operating lights
Adaptive suspension
Restricted-slip differential (LSD)
Regular and Sport drive modes
Proximity key entry
Rain sensing wipers
Three-spoke leather-based steering wheel
Sports activities leather-accented seats
Heated seats
Energy seat adjustment
8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
10-speaker audio system
8.8-inch display screen with touchpad
Satellite tv for pc navigation
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
Wi-fi telephone charger
Digital radio
Twin-zone local weather management

Supra GTS provides:

19-inch alloy wheels
Pink brake calipers
Head-up show
12-speaker premium JBL audio system

Is the Toyota GR Supra handbook secure?

Customary security options embrace:

7 airbags
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Lane departure warning
Adaptive cruise management
Rear cross-traffic alert
Rear parking sensors
Reversing digital camera

How a lot does the Toyota GR Supra handbook value to run?

Toyota Australia offers a five-year, limitless kilometre guarantee, prolonged to seven for the driveline with common servicing.

It hasn’t introduced servicing costs for the MY23 Supra, however the outgoing model was very reasonably priced to keep up for a sports activities automotive and we see no motive for this to vary.

The MY22 Supra had service intervals of 12 months or 15,000km, with the entire first 5 visits capped at $390 a pop.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota GR Supra handbook

The handbook gearbox doesn’t make the Supra faster, nevertheless it opens it as much as extra consumers.

And whereas the mid-life operating tweaks are minor in scope, it’s essential to recollect it is a area of interest car.

It stays a competitively priced, correct efficiency automotive with supercar type and is supported by an adoring neighborhood of lovers, with all the advantages that brings.

I can’t wait to have a correct steer in Australia earlier than the 12 months is out!

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