The 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium is a highly anticipated sports car that is creating a buzz in the automotive industry. It is not just a regular Supra, but it features an important addition to the model lineup – a six-speed manual transmission. Toyota fans have been waiting for this feature to be added to the Supra since its revival in 2019, and now their dreams have come true. This latest addition to the Supra lineup offers a more engaging and thrilling driving experience, as the driver can now manually control the gears and feel more connected to the vehicle.
Beyond the manual transmission, the 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that generates an impressive 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. The exterior of the 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 is sleek and aerodynamic, with a low stance and bold lines, and the interior is equally impressive, with a driver-focused cockpit that includes a high-resolution display and intuitive controls.
The addition of the manual transmission to the Supra lineup is a significant milestone for Toyota, as it reflects the automaker’s commitment to meeting the demands of its customers. Enthusiasts have long clamored for a manual transmission in the Supra, and Toyota has finally delivered. The 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Manual is not just a car, it’s a symbol of Toyota’s dedication to delivering the ultimate driving experience for its customers.
EXTERIOR/INTERIOR
Boasting a sleek and aerodynamic exterior design, the 2023 Toyota GR Supra is an eye-catching sports car. A new addition to the lineup, the Stratosphere exterior color is a stunning shade of deep blue that gives this Supra model a bold and distinctive look. The car also features a low and wide stance, with short overhangs and a long hood that accentuate its performance-oriented design.
At the front, a prominent grille with a black mesh insert is flanked by sleek LED headlights on the Supra. A sculpted front bumper with large air intakes aids in engine cooling and aerodynamics. Moving to the side, sharp and aggressive body lines can be seen on the Supra, which also sports a unique double-bubble roof to enhance its sporty profile. 19-inch forged aluminum wheels finished in a high-gloss black that complements the Stratosphere exterior color complete the look.
With a black leather-trimmed cabin, the interior of the 2023 Toyota GR Supra is just as impressive as its exterior. A driver-focused cockpit includes a sporty and supportive driver’s seat, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring paddle shifters and a tilt/telescopic function. A high-resolution 8.8-inch display is mounted on top of the center console, which also houses the car’s audio and climate controls.
Other interior features of the 2023 Toyota GR Supra include a 12-speaker JBL audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Overall, the 2023 Toyota GR Supra is a striking and sophisticated sports car that offers an exciting driving experience in a luxurious and comfortable package.
PERFORMANCE
Delivering with precision, Toyota presents a 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-six engine that pairs seamlessly with a six-speed manual transmission. With a staggering 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 RPM, and 368 lb-ft of torque available at a mere 1,800 RPM, your acceleration will be instant and unrelenting. Not only has the 2023 model received an all-new transmission, but updates to the suspension system have also been implemented. Our review covers the Premium trim level, second only to the A91.Impressive specifications aside, we couldn’t wait to take the 2023 Toyota GR Supra for a spin and see how its manual transmission compares to the one on the Civic Type R, which we had the pleasure of reviewing a few weeks prior.
Positioned at elbow height, the six-speed manual shifter on the 2023 Toyota GR Supra is a remarkable engineering achievement. While optimized for track driving, it can prove slightly inconvenient for daily use, requiring the elbow to be lifted when the cup holder is in use. For storage needs, a Sequoia or Land Cruiser may be a better fit. The Supra’s manual transmission delivers swift and precise shifts, though its engagement is slightly less exact than other sports cars. Nevertheless, the driving experience is exceptional, featuring immediate and potent acceleration. Toyota has revamped the traction control system on the manual Supra to provide a more lenient response.
When the torque peaks at just 1,800 RPM, it can become challenging to maintain control of the rear end, but the Supra’s sophisticated traction control system helps to instill more confidence while exiting corners. The Brembo brakes are a standout feature that shines most brightly on the racetrack. However, they are undoubtedly overkill for regular road use. As a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the Supra is a popular choice for drifters. Unfortunately, the electronic emergency brake hinders drifting, necessitating a complete overhaul for track drifters seeking to engage in drifting maneuvers.
Flawless precision in steering and a suspension that blends seamlessly with it make driving the Toyota GR Supra an absolute thrill. It’s not just incredibly fast, clocking in a 0 to 60 MPH time of just 4.2 seconds, but it also excels on the track. What’s even more remarkable is its ability to transform effortlessly into a comfortable daily-driver without sacrificing performance. Although the manual transmission may not be as economical as the automatic, the unparalleled enjoyment and fulfillment it provides more than make up for it. Undoubtedly, the 2023 Toyota GR Supra manual has taken this already renowned car to new heights.
COMPETITION
The 2023 Toyota GR Supra is a high-performance sports car that competes with a number of other vehicles in the segment. Some of its main competitors include the Chevrolet Camaro, the Ford Mustang, the Porsche 718 Cayman, and the BMW Z4.
American muscle cars such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang are famous for their brawny engines and fierce appearance. While the Camaro offers both V6 and V8 engine options, the Mustang is available with a V6, turbocharged four-cylinder, or V8 engine. With rear-wheel drive, both cars provide great acceleration and handling, but compared to the Supra, they lack refinement and tend to concentrate more on straight-line speed and drag racing.
A mid-engine sports car renowned for its excellent handling and balance is the Porsche 718 Cayman. Turbocharged for enhanced performance, it has several four-cylinder engine options to choose from. Although it is pricier than the Supra, the Cayman boasts a superior driving refinement and exclusivity.
Sharing many of its components, the BMW Z4 is the platform mate of the Supra. It features a retractable hardtop roof and offers a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines. Although more expensive than the Supra, the Z4 provides more luxury features, but doesn’t focus as much on performance and handling.
When it comes to pros and cons, the Supra’s main advantage is its excellent balance of performance, handling, and refinement. It is also more affordable than many of its competitors, making it a great value for the money. Some potential drawbacks of the Supra include its small interior, lack of a manual transmission option for the six-cylinder engine, and limited cargo space.
Overall, the Supra is an excellent choice for drivers who want a high-performance sports car that is both fun to drive and practical enough for daily use. It offers a great balance of performance and refinement, making it a great all-around package for a wide range of drivers. However, drivers who are looking for a more powerful or exclusive sports car may want to consider some of the Supra’s competitors, such as the Porsche 718 Cayman or BMW Z4.
Conclusion
During our one-week test drive in Lodi, we got behind the wheel of the GR Supra 3.0 Premium Manual, which comes with a base MSRP of $55,650. After adding the optional Driver Assist package for $1,195 and a premium color for $495, the total price amounts to $58,365. For more information on our experience with the manual transmission version of the GR Supra, check out our video by clicking the link provided.
Photo Credit: Copyright 2023 Angel Mosqueda / Car Fanatics Blog
