- GR Supra evolves again with a new manual transmission (MT)
option
- MT available on GR Supra 3.0, 3.0 Premium and a limited A91-MT
Edition model
- A91-MT Edition limited to 500 units for the U.S. Market, comes
in two exclusive exterior colors with a unique Cognac leather
trimmed interior
- Refined handling across all GR Supra 3.0 models with new
steering and suspension tuning and new Hairpin+ function
- New premium 12-speaker JBL Audio system standard on all 3.0
Premium and A91-MT models
- Complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport
Association, featuring a High-Performance Driving Event with expert
instruction
PLANO,
Texas, April 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- From
the moment of its launch in 2019 the GR Supra captured the spirit
of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing – one that's all about the joy of driving.
For 2023, it adds one more dynamic element: a six-speed intelligent
Manual Transmission (iMT). For drivers who love the control and
rewards offered by precisely timed manual shifts, it might be the
Supra they've been waiting for.
True to the GR Supra's thoroughbred engineering quality, this
development wasn't simply a matter of using an off-the-shelf
solution. Engineers developed a manual transmission specifically
for GR Supra, with components designed specifically to suit the
power and torque characteristics of its 3.0-litre 382 horsepower
engine. At the same time, the GR Supra's braking control systems
and suspension have been retuned for even better performance –
changes that are being introduced throughout the model range.
The manual transmission will be available as an option on the
Supra 3.0 and 3.0 Premium and a limited A91-MT Edition model will
also be produced for model year 2023 only. Available colors for the
MT 3.0 and 3.0 Premium will include all standard Supra colors plus
a new Stratosphere Blue color, which will also be available on
Supra 2.0. The A91-MT Edition will be available in Matte White and
CU Later Gray. Pricing for 2023 GR Supra MT versions will be
announced later this summer and models will be available at Toyota
dealerships later this year.
Manual Transmission Designed for Supra Power
Available on the 3.0, 3.0 Premium and a limited A91-MT Edition
model. The manual transmission installed in the GR Supra has been
engineered and tuned specifically for use with the coupe's
straight-six engine.
The engineering team modified an existing transmission housing,
driveshaft and gear set and removed elements that were not
required, such as the acoustic package, which reduced weight. At
the heart of the transmission is a newly engineered large diameter
clutch with a reinforced diaphragm spring. With a larger friction
area and a stronger spring, this new component has the
high-performance capability appropriate for use with the GR Supra's
high-torque engine.
The newly developed 6-speed manual gearbox also features an
intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) programmed with new software
that prioritizes sporty performance. When upshifting, the
parameters are tuned to optimize engine torque at the moment of
clutch engagement and release; on downshifts, the software has been
fine-tuned for consistent performance. The iMT is set as the
default but, if the driver prefers, it can be switched off in Sport
mode.
To avoid a sluggish take-off and a low in-gear acceleration
feel, the final drive ratio has been shortened, from 3.15 (in the
GR Supra automatic) to 3.46 (in the GR Supra MT). The result is
response and gearing appropriate for sports car performance.
Close attention was also paid to how a manual shifter could be
accommodated in the driver's cockpit. The lever ratio was
specifically set to minimize the effort required to make shifts and
engage reverse gear. While the weight and shape of the 200g gear
knob, along with the quality of shift engagement, have all been
precisely defined. Ergonomics were also top-of-mind, as the console
unit and position of the drive mode selector were adjusted to
provide a 1.7-inch clearance between the shift knob and the control
panel.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing: #savethemanual
The GR Supra was Toyota's first global GAZOO Racing (GR) model
and the dream of Toyota President Akio
Toyoda to deliver a car that is purely about the joy of
driving.
Subsequently, the introduction of global models, like the GR
Yaris and last year's arrival of the GR86 coupe, have reinforced
the special qualities that define the GR brand – cars that are born
out of a passion for driving and draw directly on the world
championship-winning expertise and experience of TOYOTA GAZOO
Racing.
At launch, the 2020 GR Supra was offered with a straight-six
3.0-litre engine with 335 hp/365 lb.-ft. of torque matched to
an eight-speed automatic transmission. In 2021, the GR team
increased the 3.0 Supra to 382 hp and 367 lb.-ft. of torque and
introduced a turbocharged four-cylinder GR Supra 2.0 with 255
horsepower and a stout 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
While the car and its performance have received high praise
worldwide from media and fans alike, perhaps inevitably the
question of whether a manual gearbox would be available persisted.
Now that it's official, the addition of a manual transmission
option to the Supra line-up means Toyota will offer all three of
its U.S. GR models with a stick, which is standard on the upcoming
GR Corolla and available as an option on GR86.
Tuned for Traction, Stability and Agility
The GR Supra's traction and braking have been optimized for
operation with a manual transmission.
With an automatic, it's possible to use second gear when pulling
away uphill when opposite wheels are on surfaces with different
grip levels – for example, when the car is parked on partly icy
road, progress is smooth with no rolling back or wheel slip. With a
manual gearbox, first gear must be used and releasing the clutch
brings a greater risk of wheel spin. To address the issue, Toyota
engineers have tuned the car's TRAction Control (TRAC) system to
achieve smooth operation like that experienced with an automatic.
The system is also optimized for the GR Supra's characteristic high
engine torque, wide tires and rear-wheel drive.
The car's behavior when accelerating out of a corner is a key
element in the "Fun to Drive" quality Toyota has developed for the
GR Supra. For the new manual version, the traction control has
again been the focus to ensure an ideal balance of agility and
stability when exiting a corner on the throttle. TRAC intervention
has been calibrated to maintain stability – so the car keeps
faithfully to the driver's intended line – while allowing the right
amount of power for a sporty experience.
The ambition to make the GR Supra fun to drive in the most
demanding scenarios has helped inspire the introduction of a new
Hairpin+ function. This is designed to allow more freedom and
reward when taking tight bends on an uphill gradient (more than 5%)
with a high-friction road surface. More "freewheel" spin can make
such routes more enjoyable to drive, so Toyota has optimized engine
torque control to allow a greater difference in the degree of wheel
spin on the left and right-side tires.
To counter the possibility of "snap-off" oversteer – something
that may be hard to control with the car's Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC) alone – an Anti-Roll Program (ARP) has been adopted for both the manual and
automatic versions of the GR Supra. This intervenes at an earlier
point with the VSC to cover any sudden loss of grip when the car's
high-response suspension setting it used.
In addition, the Track mode has been tuned to allow for easy
drifting with freedom of throttle control. The vehicle remains
agile, but there is less risk of spinning thanks to specific engine
and torque control.
Special Edition and Updates Across the Lineup
The A91-MT special edition will be a 500 unit limited-run model
that comes equipped with exclusive Cognac leather-trimmed seats, GR
logoed Alcantara shift knob and a 12-speaker acoustically tuned
premium JBL sound system. On the outside, a red "Supra" Badge and
red GR Supra emblazoned calipers punctuate its extreme, condensed
design. It will be offered in two exclusive colors, Matte White and
CU Later Gray, and comes equipped with unique forged 19-inch Frozen
Gunmetal Gray wheels. Under the hood, red strut tower braces add
one more accent to the already bold Supra.
All 2023 GR Supra 3.0 models, both AT and MT versions, will
benefit from a retuned suspension with re-tuned shock absorbers for
improved roll balance and ride comfort. The mechanical components
in the electric power steering and the system's operating
parameters have also been re-tuned. All 3.0 models will have an
active rear sport differential standard.
The 3.0 MT will come equipped with new 19-inch forged aluminum
wheels and be available in previously available standard and
premium colors plus the new Stratosphere Blue color. On the inside
heated, black leather-trimmed seats are now standard. The 3.0
Premium has everything you'll find on the 3.0, plus a red and black
leather-trimmed interior, full color heads up display, acoustically
tuned 12-speaker JBL sound system and Qi Wireless charger
standard.
Supra Connect1 is also available. This advanced
technology suite is designed to help you get more from your GR
Supra 2.0 and 3.0 with Safety and Technology Package, 3.0 Premium
and A91-MT Edition and includes features like Automatic Emergency
Call, Real-Time Traffic Information, Roadside Assistance and the
available Supra Connect iPhone® app to lock/unlock the doors and
activate Ventilation Now and Ventilation Timer features.
Key Standard Features Include
2.0
|
3.0
|
3.0
Premium
|
A91-MT
|
Available in
Automatic Transmission only
|
Available in
Automatic and Manual Transmission
|
Available in
Automatic and Manual Transmission
|
Available in Manual
Transmission Only
|
Active
Exhaust
|
Everything in 2.0 Grade
Plus…
|
Everything in 3.0 Grade
Plus...
|
Everything in 3.0
Premium Grade Plus...
|
Automatic engine
Stop/Start
|
Active rear sport
differential
|
Leather-trimmed
Seats
|
Exclusive Cognac (Tan)
Leather-trimmed Seats
|
18" Cast- Aluminum
Wheel
|
New 19" Forged Aluminum
Wheel
|
Full-color Head-Up
Display (HUD)
|
Unique Red "Supra"
Badge
|
Aerodynamic underbody
panel
|
Adaptive Variable Sport
(AVS) suspension system
|
12-speaker
JBL® * HiFi Surround Sound system
|
Red Strut Tower
Braces
|
Dual rear
exhaust
|
Sport pedals
|
Toyota Supra
Connect
|
Alcantara Shift
Knob
|
8.8-in. full-digital
TFT LCD gauge cluster
|
Heated seats
|
Qi-compatible wireless
charging tray with light indicator
|
|
Absolute Zero, Nitro
Yellow (premium color), Nocturnal, Renaissance Red, Stratosphere
Blue
|
Absolute Zero, Nitro
Yellow (premium color), Nocturnal, Renaissance Red, Stratosphere
Blue
|
Absolute Zero, Nitro
Yellow (premium color), Nocturnal, Renaissance Red, Stratosphere
Blue
|
Matte White, CU Later
Gray
|
Options and Packages Include
2.0 &
3.0
|
3.0 Premium &
A91-MT
|
Safety & Technology
Package AT— Includes Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (AT
only), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic
Alert (RCTA), Parking Sensors with Emergency Braking Function
(AT only)
Safety & Technology
Package MT— Includes High-Speed Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor
(BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Parking
Sensors
|
Drivers Assist
AT—Includes Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (AT
only), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic
Alert (RCTA), Parking Sensors with Emergency Braking Function
(AT only)
Drivers Assist
MT—Includes High-Speed Cruise
Control, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic
Alert (RCTA), Parking Sensors
|
1 Available on GR Supra 2.0 and 3.0 w/Safety and
Technology Package, 3.0 Premium and A91-MT Edition. Includes a
4-year trial period, except Enhanced Roadside Assistance, which is
a 2-year period. Enrollment in a paid subscription required upon
expiration of trial period. Services are dependent upon an
operative telematics device, a cellular connection, navigation map
data, GPS signal strength, and other factors, all of which can
limit system functionality or availability, including access to
response center and emergency support. Stolen vehicle police report
required for use of Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Apps and services
subject to change at any time without notice. Data charges may
apply. For service details and limitations, see your Owner's Manual
or supraconnect.com, and to learn about Supra Connect data
collection, use, sharing and retention practices, visit Supra
Connect Terms & Conditions.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the
U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing
sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who
have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly
32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By
2025, Toyota's 10th plant, in North
Carolina, will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for
electrified vehicles. With the more electrified vehicles on
the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company's 2021
U.S. sales were electrified.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based
fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education
hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and
chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing
facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based
lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips
and more. For more information about Toyota, visit
www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
Media Contacts:
Paul Hogard
469-292-6791
paul.hogard@toyota.com
For customer inquiries, please call: 800-331-4331
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SOURCE Toyota