Behold the new manual Toyota Supra
Toyota has already confirmed a six-speed manual for the Supra - now we get the nuggety details
#SAVETHEMANUAL. That's a hashtag we at PH can get behind, so get Tweeting Twitterati. Now. Because the manual is back in vogue it seems. We've only just been blessed with news that Porsche is making a 911 Sport Classic based on the 992 Turbo S, with rear-wheel drive and a self-shifter, and, if you haven't got the big bucks to bag one of those, here's something for us hoi polloi living nearer to the bread line. A Toyota GR Supra with an H-pattern gate. Is it Christmas already? Must be. It means Toyota is offering a triumvirate of manuals: this, the GR Yaris and the GR86.
And this isn't any old manual. Oh no. Apparently, it's intelligent, because Toyota brands it so: the Intelligent Manual Transmission or iMT for short. Now, having read the release, several times, I'm not exactly sure why it's intelligent, but let me quote the passage concerned to see if you can fathom its meaning: 'The iMT transmission uses an intelligent control system programmed with new software that prioritise sporty performance. When upshifting, the parameters are tuned to optimise engine torque at the moment of clutch engagement and release; on downshifts, the software has been fine-tuned for consistent performance.'
Right, what I deduce from this is that the intelligent control system (which in a manual car is the driver, surely) is being programmed with new software. Blimey, this is BIG. The realising of science fiction - the Borg in Star Trek - because owners will be plugged into the collective Toyota mainframe and updated. Pah! Beat that, Musk. This trumps Tesla's over-the-air car updates.
Anyway, back to the sublime and some sense. To avoid a 'sluggish take-off' and provide a bit more in-gear pep, the final drive ratio has been shortened from the auto's 3.15 to 3.46. There's a large diameter clutch with a beefy diaphragm spring to cope with the 3.0-litre straight-six's 340hp, and with the manual the Supra weighs less. The total saving, which includes less sound deadening and a new set of 19-inch wheels, is 21.8kg. Not content with that, Toyota is also introducing a new Lightweight version. This saves a total of 38.3kg over the standard auto with a simplified sound system and by ditching the heavy, leather-trimmed electric seats.
As for the gear lever, Toyota states 'This was not simply a matter of changing one shift lever for another; consideration had to be given to ensuring the gear knob was optimally placed for precise, rapid and rewarding gear changes.' Apparently, there wasn't enough clearance between the gear lever and the dashboard, so some reengineering was required. And here's attention to detail for you: the changes provide 'a comfortable 42mm clearance between the shift knob and air conditioning panel.' And the gear knob weight is a precise 200g, which provides a 'pleasing inertia effect' when used.
There are other changes, like reworked ESP and traction control software and the introduction of a new Hairpin+ function. This allows more wheel spin out of hairpins when the systems are on. Some of the changes have been applied to the auto versions as well. So all Supras come with a new anti-roll programme (ARP), which is designed to prevent snap oversteer, and a revised Track mode that allows easier drifting. The EPAS has also been retuned along with the dampers - a welcome thing in my book, because the GR Supra's steering wasn't great and nor was its body control - and there's more vulcanised rubber in the front and rear anti-roll bar bushes to stiffen those up.
What does the range look like now? Well, its starts with the 2.0-litre Live automatic that's available with optional Premium, Connect and Sport packs. Then there's the 3.0-litre Active automatic, with the option of a Premium pack. And the new models are the 3.0-litre Live Lightweight manual, which is expected to be the most popular GR Supra version, and the 3.0-litre Premium manual that now sits at the top of the tree. There are also some new colours - Moareki Grey, Dawn Blue and Matte Moonstone White - and an optional Alcantara Pack. There's no prices for any of this lot just yet, but expect to read about them before the new lineup goes on sale later this year.
I hope Toyota start bringing more volume of these GR cars for those of us that missed the first batch. Somewhat feels pointless making their products affordable if they still remain unobtainable for those that want one!
I'm sure they'll still sell more Auto's than manuals, as that's the times we are in. But giving the consumer the choice is what every manufacturer should do.
If I was to replace my F-Type with anything, this would be it! Now seems the right time for one final hurrah before the inevitable happens. I'd even consider buying new, which I've never done before.
Be interesting to see if the Manual is £1500-£2000 cheaper than the auto as you see through the BMW line-up. Suspect they won't be though.
back to reality.
I've always liked the new supra, forget the BMW blah blah blah. I'm just glad in this day and age that Toyota are still pushing such a line up. they really are on fire at the moment with release after release and on the whole pretty much exactly what people want. You can see the boss is a petrolhead. my only negative is that its a real shame they weren't doing this 20yrs ago as it all feels like a swansong for traditional IC cars and that does make me sad.
but this looks a lovely proposition and no it doesn't need anymore power, cretins whoever suggest that, if you can't go fast with 340bhp then you need to have a word with yourself
Anyone know why the UK/EU Supra hasn't got the upgrade to 382bhp? It was stated previously 'due to emissions', but then the new UK M240i has this upgraded engine
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