After years of gossip and speculation, Toyota has confirmed that the GR Supra will no longer be an auto-only affair. Japan’s fifth-generation sports car will finally get a clutch pedal, awaited by those interested. The full release will take place in the coming weeks, so these teasers will suffice for now
If you haven’t already noticed, the retro-flavored “Supra” badge on the back ends in red. Toyota’s subtle way of letting everyone know that the car has a three-pedal configuration. Speaking of which, the other teaser shows the clutch paddle in all its glory. According to the company, the manual transmission is a completely new development and has been specially engineered for this car.
Reading in line, this statement strongly suggests that the gearbox was not taken from BMW. We will remind you that the Z4 G29 comes with a 6MT, but only for the four-cylinder model because the Beaver M40i is only automatic. It remains to be seen whether Toyota’s do-it-yourself transmission is somewhat related to the gearboxes installed on the GR Yaris and GR Corolla all-wheel-drive hot hatchbacks.
The GR Supra is expected to integrate a manual gearbox with a six-cylinder engine.
We’ve heard through the grapefruit that the GR Supra with a manual is going to come strictly as a six-cylinder model. Will the Z4 M40i get a clutch pedal? It’s BMW’s decision-maker, but with the Roadstar having a more comfortable Grand Tura character, the automatic makes more sense. ALPINA used the same logic for its stunning Roadstar Z8. BMW’s soft-top convertible is believed to have survived the borrowing, with production expected to end in 2025.
Meanwhile, sources close to Toyota have claimed that the much-anticipated GR Supra with manual will break the April 28 cover. The teaser must be sold in Europe considering it is shared by the UK division of the company. As manual sports cars become quite popular in the United States, the coupe is expected to join the BMW M135i-fighting GR Corolla.
Source: Toyota