The anticipation continues to build up for the 2023 Toyota GR Supra’s manual transmission variant, with the automaker announcing that the enhanced model will be gracing Japanese showrooms by the fourth quarter of 2022. According to Toyota, customers can expect to learn about several improvements once the company fields inquiries from prospective buyers in June this year.
Toyota says there's more to the improved Supra than just the clutch-actuated gearbox
Chief of these is the introduction of an RZ trim carrying the newly developed six-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission), which drivers can engage using a spherical shift knob featuring the GR logo. The manual gearbox matches the engine’s speed to the clutch and shift input, enabling automatic throttle blipping when engaging the gears for a sporty feel.
This will also be accompanied by an interior available in tan and tuned specifically for the manual transmission, resulting in an acoustic delight when the GR Supra is accelerating. A JBL Premium Sound System with optimal sound tuning will form part of the onboard entertainment setup for both the RZ and SZ-R trim levels.
The shift knob's round shape is said to be easy to grip and operate from any direction
Outside, the RZ will be sporting newly designed 19-inch wheels made from forged aluminum. Each wheel will have 1.2 kilograms of weight shaved off, with the reduced unsprung weight contributing to better ride comfort and stability.
A new Premium Titanium Dark Silver exterior color will also be exclusive to the RZ, with limited numbers coming in matte Avalanche White Metallic. Meanwhile, the rest of the GR Supra range will wear either Volcanic Ash Gray Metallic or Dawn Blue Metallic as exterior colors.
New design 19-inch alloy wheels are now lighter, resulting in improved handling
All trim levels will have improved ride comfort and handling performance thanks to chassis tweaks. An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) control works with refined shock absorber damping to reduce body roll, while modified stabilizer bushings will be used to refine initial steering response.
Chassis control systems including AVS, electric power steering, and vehicle stability control, will likewise be revised for better overall steering feel and control when taking the car to its limits.
Toyota has not disclosed a launch date yet for the 2023 GR Supra and has likewise stayed mum on pricing. Watch this space for more details once we get ahold of them.
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