Photos by LOW BOON TAT
A six-speed manual shifter in Toyota’s halo two-seater sports coupe, powered by a fiery 388PS/500Nm BMW-sourced B58 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine, is a dream come true for driving purists who crave a more engaging experience.
On open roads in the 2023 Toyota GR Supra, we loved the active engagement and hands-on shift action of the gear stick and clutch pedal, which let us fully enjoy the rip-roaring performance and the delightful engine soundtrack of the fifth-generation front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car.
The gear throws are smooth although slightly notchy, and needed a bit of effort to engage gears with precision.
Also, the clutch pedal has a long travel and required a heavy foot, which resulted in tiring experiences on congested roads, and stop-and-go traffic.
Engaging reverse gear was also sometimes tricky as first gear and reverse are positioned adjacent to each other, requiring a firm throw of the gear stick to the extreme left and upwards for reverse.
To make sure we didn’t mistakenly engage first gear, we would check the digital instrument display which shows the current selected gear.
The manual transmission was developed via a collaboration between Gazoo Racing (Toyota’s global racing division) engineers and German transmission supplier ZF.
Meanwhile, priced at RM645,000 on-the-road, the manual GR Supra is RM10,000 cheaper than the automatic transmission version.
Also, compared with the automatic transmission version, the manual GR Supra is lighter by 22kg at 1,578kg (kerb weight).
Its 0 to 100kph acceleration is just a tad slower at 4.4 seconds compared with that of the automatic at 4.1 seconds.
Here, unlike the automatic GR Supra, there’s no Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go functionality (can automatically adjust vehicle speed to maintain a preset following distance to a vehicle in front, and stop and follow a vehicle in front).
The manual variant just has the normal Cruise Control.
Other than the abovementioned, there are no notable differences between the GR Supra’s manual and automatic variants.
Designed for aerodynamic performance, the GR Supra’s sleek body and double-bubble roof is also a visual masterpiece that captures attention and turns heads wherever it goes.
A low, super-wide stance, combined with a relatively short wheelbase and an ideal 50:50 front-rear weight balance, 19-inch wheels and exceptionally grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres sized 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear), deliver high-speed stability and help to keep the car glued to the road during aggressive manoeuvres.
The GR Supra feels wonderfully balanced, with minimal body roll even during hard cornering.
Ride quality is on firm side, as expected from a sports car, but not too stiff, making it suitable for both spirited driving and daily commuting.
Speed bumps and road imperfections are soaked up without feeling overly harsh.
The cabin is surprisingly quiet at cruising speeds, and traffic and wind noise intrusion are well muffled.
The steering is precise, making it easy to place the GR Supra exactly where you want it.
Engaging Sport Mode results in a more thrilling drive as the throttle response is sharpened and transmission shifts are crisper.
The power delivery is exhilarating, and every step on the accelerator pedal translates into an immediate surge of speed, propelling the car with relentless force.
The GR Supra delivers a visceral motoring experience, and the roar of the engine heightens the driving thrills as you approach the redline on the digital tachometer.
The close-fitting cabin of the GR Supra is a driver-focused cockpit that channels the feel of a single-seater racing car.
Designed with driving focus and engagement in mind, the interior has powered adjustable, leather-wrapped, racing-inspired seats that we found to provide excellent support and comfort for our 1.7-metre bodies, even during long drives.
The absence of a dividing partition for the rear cargo area, means that items can be easily stowed into the empty space behind the seats, while a tonneau cover keeps belongings out of sight.
There are premium features like the superb 12-speaker JBL HiFi surround audio system which pumps out rich, immersive sound as well as a suite of safety and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) technology.
To charge mobile devices, there are a USB-A port and a wireless charger.
An 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system allows navigation and vehicle settings, as well as Apple CarPlay support (but not Android Auto).
The interior exudes a premium feel with high-quality fit and finish, while the frameless doors add a more sporty look.
The centre console is fitted with a rotary dial controller, and buttons and switches to access Sport mode, a seamless and fuel-saving Auto start/stop function, and the electric parking brake.
For those who relish the art of driving and appreciate the nuances of a manual transmission, this is a compelling choice that is best enjoyed on open roads.
However, in slow-moving traffic, the constant gear shift action and a clutch pedal that demands a bit of muscle makes the manual GR Supra a less than ideal choice for an outing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Toyota GR Supra manual
Engine: 2,998cc, twin-scroll turbocharged, inline six-cylinder, 24-valve DOHC, direct injection
Maximum power: 388PS from 5,800 to 6,500rpm
Maximum torque: 500Nm from 1,800 to 5,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Acceleration (0 to 100kph): 4.4 seconds
Top speed: 250kph (electronically limited)
Suspension: Front double jointed MacPherson struts with stabiliser bar; rear multi-link with stabiliser bar
Suspension type: Adaptive Variable Suspension
Rear differential: Electronically controlled limited slip differential
Wheels: 19-inch
Brakes: Front ventilated discs with four-piston fixed callipers; rear single-piston floating callipers
Kerb weight: 1,578kg
Fuel tank: 52 litres
Features: Adaptive LED headlamps, rain sensing wipers, dual tailpipes, auto retractable wing mirrors – electrocromic (reduce reflected glare for driver only) and reverse linked (auto tilt on passenger side), eight-way powered driver’s seat with memory, black leather seats, 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker JBL HiFi surround sound, dual-zone automatic climate control, heads-up display, 8.8-inch TFT colour display, one USB-A port, wireless charger, auto dimming rear view mirror, tilt and telescopic steering
Safety Features: Forward Collision Warning (with brake function), Lane Departure Warning (with steering assist), Cruise Control, Adaptive High Beam, Road Sign Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), electric parking brake, reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX, Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film
Price: RM645,000 on-the-road without insurance
Warranty: Five years, unlimited mileage, 24SEVEN Road Assist
