The Toyota GR Supra sports coupe, which introduced Gazoo Racing’s 2-letter prefix to the South African market in 2019, has been subtly updated and the consolidated (now 2-derivative) line-up includes the eagerly awaited 6-speed manual version.

Since its launch in 2019, the GR Supra – the 5th gen of Toyota’s rear-wheel-drive sportscar, which was famously developed in conjunction with BMW – has been offered with a 250 kW/500 Nm 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol engine mated with a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission. The outgoing range comprised the base Track, Standard and special Matte Grey derivatives.

For the updated Toyota GR Supra range, maximum power has been upped to 285 kW (at 5 800 to 6 500 rpm), while peak torque is unchanged at 500 Nm (from 1 800 rpm all the way to 5 000 rpm); while the 8-speed automatic version is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4.1 sec, the new 6-speed manual version is said to achieve the feat in about a third of a second slower: 4.4 sec.

For 2023, apart from white, red and black, the sportscar is also available in Sapphire Blue and Iridescent Metallic Grey. Ice Grey, Prime Silver, Grand Blue Metallic and Matte Storm Grey have been discontinued.

Apart from minor detail changes, the 2023 GR Supra (both manual and automatic versions) benefit from a retuned suspension. The updates 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.

Another addition is the new Hairpin+ function, which optimises the Toyota’s engine torque control to allow a greater difference in the degree of wheel spin on the left and right-side tyres when taking tight bends on an uphill gradient (more than 5%) on a grippy road surface.

Then, to help (perhaps less experienced) 2023 GR Supra drivers cope with onsets of sudden (snap) oversteer – when the car’s rear end steps out, which is hard to control with the car’s vehicle stability control (VSC) alone – an anti-roll programme will see the VSC intervene sooner to cover any sudden loss of grip when the car’s high-response suspension setting is active.

Also, the Track mode has been tuned to allow for easy drifting with freedom of throttle control. By virtue of specific engine torque control, there is now less risk of spinning, Toyota says.

Check the Manual

Meanwhile, the 6-speed manual gearbox in the 2023 GR Supra is said to have been engineered and tuned specifically for use with the 285 kW/500 Nm 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol engine.

The engineering team modified the transmission’s housing, driveshaft and gear set and deleted superfluous elements, such as the acoustic package, to further reduce weight. Fitting the manual ‘box (with a larger-diameter clutch and reinforced diaphragm spring), plus new 19-inch alloy wheels, enabled Toyota to save 21.8 kg over the outgoing automatic GR Supra.

To minimise wheel slip or rolling back when pulling away up an incline with a 6-speed GR Supra (when opposite wheels are on surfaces with different grip levels), Toyota has tuned the car’s traction control (TRC) “to achieve smooth operation like that… with an automatic” and optimised the TRC for the model’s high engine torque, wide tyres and rear-wheel drive.

For the manual version, TRC intervention has been calibrated to ensure an ideal balance of agility and stability when accelerating out of a corner, Toyota says; the TRC has been calibrated to maintain vehicle stability while allowing enough power delivery to instil a sporty feeling.

But the changes to accommodate the new manual ‘box in the GR Supra go beyond that: consideration had to be given to ensuring the gear knob was optimally placed as well.

Because the 2023 GR Supra’s previous centre console design didn’t allow sufficient clearance between the shift lever and climate control panel at the bottom of the fascia’s lower section, the console (including the drive mode selection) was redesigned, while Toyota further changed the lever ratio and adjusted the effort required to make shifts and engage reverse.

The revised layout provides 42 mm of clearance between the heavier gear knob (it weighs 200g, which is said to provide “a more pleasing inertia effect”) and the climate control panel.

What does the 2023 GR Supra cost in South Africa?

A 5-services/100 000km service plan is provided as well as a 3-year/100 000km Warranty. Customers can also purchase extended service plans via their Toyota dealer.

New Toyota GR Supra Specs & Prices in South Africa

Buy a used Toyota GR Supra on Cars.co.za

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