Manual Supra could be on the way
Toyota has the hardware, and it works in right-hand drive - the campaign starts here!
While it may be an ever dwindling appreciation, with affection for automatic gearboxes always on the rise, PistonHeads continues to fly the flag for the manual sports car. We're especially fond of a Japanese, manual sports car, in fact, as typically the shifts are short, precise and mechanical in a way that precious few rivals are - see the Mazda MX-5, Toyota GT86 and Honda Civic Type R for proof. The Japanese seem to care about the satisfaction of a tactile manual gearbox more than most.
Now it seems there could be another on the way, courtesy once more of Toyota and its new Supra. Thought it was going to be auto-only? Us too, although news has now emerged - via Car Advice in Australia - that the hardware exists for a manual, right-hand drive car.
It was confirmed by assistant chief engineer Masayuki Kai, who said: "We have developed it, yes, there is hardware ready. Right-hand drive? Yes, of course. It needs to be sold in Japan, which is a right-hand drive market". That said, the manual is not yet confirmed for production, Kai suggesting a decision on its viability was "depending on feedback from the market". The only powertrain announced thus far is the turbocharged straight-six with eight-speed ZF auto.
No doubt that will prove popular, the engine and gearbox already proven in BMWs and the Supra impressing in prototype form, but imagine what a manual could be like. A BMW straight-six with a Japanese manual gearbox in a rear-wheel drive sports car sounds pretty fabulous, doesn't it? Whichever way feedback can make it to Toyota, let's make it so - a manual Supra must return!
[Source: CarThrottle]
But let's not be facetious - the Supra Mk4 in particular was highly regarded at the time, and has since become a coveted, almost legendary vehicle - yes 'enthusiasts' / 'boy racers' (delete as appropriate to your stance) have pushed this interest up dramatically with F&F films spurring things on, but that shouldn't be brushed aside given the car in question. There are undoubtedly a great many who would invest in one with a £100k garage scenario - myself, a German car buyer, included.
I'm not sure I could say the same about this upcoming one though. I feel that the manufacturer drip-feed like we've seen here just makes the release a whole lot of tedious.
Be a Japanese gearbox attached to a B58 is it ?
Especially when Bmw already have the manual gearbox/flywheel/clutch on
The shelf and fit it to 240i/140i cars currently produced.
Bit of romantic license going on there......
Be a Japanese gearbox attached to a B58 is it ?
Especially when Bmw already have the manual gearbox/flywheel/clutch on
The shelf and fit it to 240i/140i cars currently produced.
Bit of romantic license going on there......
As an owner of two MKIV Supras in my time, I would seriously consider buying the MK V as a manual. However, if this was "auto" only, I will go down the Cayman / 911 / F-type route for similar money. Not many post 2012, 3 litre cars with manual gearboxes now.
Let's hope there is enough interest in a manual from the masses.
As an owner of two MKIV Supras in my time, I would seriously consider buying the MK V as a manual. However, if this was "auto" only, I will go down the Cayman / 911 / F-type route for similar money. Not many post 2012, 3 litre cars with manual gearboxes now.
Let's hope there is enough interest in a manual from the masses.
Unfortunately, they are becoming very expensive, and some of the parts costs now are eye watering. A low mileage example sold in the US for over $140k USD last week.
Be a Japanese gearbox attached to a B58 is it ?
Especially when Bmw already have the manual gearbox/flywheel/clutch on
The shelf and fit it to 240i/140i cars currently produced.
Bit of romantic license going on there......
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