2023 Toyota GR Supra
Finally, after years of listening to customers’ requests and cries, Toyota fitted its GR Supra sportscar with a six-speed manual transmission. Additionally, the engine’s power increases from 250kW to 285kW!
The GR Supra was first launched in South Africa in 2019, quickly becoming one of the best-selling models in its segment and outselling the car it’s based on: the BMW Z4.
Though the Z4 had an additional engine in the form of the turbocharged 2.0-litre mill, the agreement between the two automakers saw the GR Supra only borrow the 3.0-litre straight-six unit.
Why? Because a 3.0-litre straight-six engine is synonymous with the Supra name, Toyota doesn’t have such an engine in its portfolio.
Now, four years on, the GR Supra benefits from the uprated BMW engine, and a new manual gearbox to compliment the eight-speed automatic ‘box. Both transmission options channel the full 285kW to the rear wheels.
Toyota South Africa now offers all four of its GR models with the manual gearbox as standard (GR Yaris, GR Corolla), or as an option alongside an automatic gearbox (GR Supra, GR 86).
Improved mechanics
For the 2023 model-year, Toyota retuned the GR Supra’s suspension for both gearboxes application. The measures include more rigid vulcanised rubber in the front and rear anti-roll bar bushes and re-tuned shock absorbers.
The mechanical components in the electric power steering and the system’s operating parameters have also been re-tuned.
Toyota also reworked the GR Supra’s traction control system to improve drivability with the increase in power. Especially with the manual gearbox, the automaker says the risk of wheelspin in first gear has been greatly reduced.
Other updates include new 19-inch alloy wheels, which contribute to a 21.8kg weight loss over the outgoing model.
The GR Supra range also benefits from new paintwork options with the addition of Sapphire Blue and Iridescent Metallic Grey, while Ice Grey, Prime Silver and Grand Blue Metallic have been discontinued along with Matte Storm Grey.
The classic GR brand hues of White, Red and Black remain on offer alongside Striking Yellow.
The GR Supra sells for R1 488 400 (manual) and R1 524 400 (auto), with the price including a 5-services/100 000km service plan and a 3-year/100 000km warranty.
