The Sports coupe is lighter and has a Hairpin+ function.
The Toyota Supra’s drivers will finally be able to drive their own gears. The 2023 model year has arrived, complete with a clutch pedal. The red “Supra”, lettering on the rear bumper can be identified as the 6MT model before you even enter the cabin. The do-it yourself gearbox, touted as a novel development, was designed specifically for the 3.0-liter engine. We all know it is borrowed from a German automaker.
The European document, which was not included in the US press release mentions a weight loss of nearly 40 kilograms (88 lbs). The Old Continent will be getting a lighter version with 19-inch wheels, which helps to save weight. This diet includes removing leather upholstery and power adjustment. The sound system has also been changed. The Supra has lost 38.3kg (84.4 lbs) all in all.
Toyota claims that the “intelligent manual transmission” (iMT), features custom software to prioritize performance. How does it work? During upshifts, you can optimize engine torque by pressing and then releasing the clutch pedal. You can get “consistent performance” when you downshift, but you can also turn iMT off with the Sport mode.
The Supra’s automatic version has a 3.15 final drive ratio. However, the manual Supra variant has a 3.46 final drive ratio. This allows for more take-off and acceleration. Toyota describes the gear knob as weighing 200g (about seven ounces). It has a lever ratio that minimizes the effort required to change gears.
The console unit and position of the drive mode selector in the manual Supra were slightly modified to allow for 1.7 inches clearance between buttons and shift knob. The 6MT can only be purchased with the six-cylinder engine. However, the four-pot model remains an automatic-only option. Three pedals are available in the 3.0 Premium and 3.0 Premium trims. These trims also come with an optional automatic.
The new A91-MT model comes with the manual only. It has all the features of the Premium but with Cognac leather upholstery, and an Alcantara-wrapped shift handle. This special model will be limited to 500 cars and can only be painted in CU Later Gray, or Matte White. The A91MT is only available in the USA for the 2023MY. It also comes standard with a 12-speaker JBL soundsystem on the Premium trim.
The model year change includes more than just the manual gearbox. Toyota also created a special edition that has enhanced the suspension, steering and Track mode to allow for smoother drifts. A Hairpin+ function is now available to allow for a greater degree of wheel spin, making twisty roads more enjoyable.
The Toyota 2023 Supra will be available at Toyota dealers in the latter part of this year. Pricing details will be made public shortly.