When Toyota introduced the new GR Supra with the option of a six-speed manual transmission, I almost fainted. How good? The very concept is just perfect; powerful inline-six, rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission.
In a market often favouring automatics, this latest GR Supra caters to purists. And the manual is available in both GT and GTS trim levels, allowing drivers to choose their preferred transmission without a financial or features penalty.
2024 Toyota GR Supra GT manual: Specifications
Engine: 3.0-litre turbo inline-six
Output: 285kW@5800-6500rpm / 500Nm@1800-5000rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
Wheels: F: 18×9.0, 255/40 R: 18×10.0, 275/40
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1503kg
Power-to-weight: 5.27:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.9L/100km
Our consumption: 13.2L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 52L/95 RONPower efficiency: 32.02kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.78 seconds*
0-100km/h: 4.70 seconds*
0-200km/h: 14.88 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.94 seconds*
1/4 mile: 12.98 seconds at 190.2km/h*
Max acceleration: 1.059g*
100-0km/h braking: 36.63m in 2.90 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.318g*
Decibel at idle: 55*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 92*
Starting price: $86,295
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Toyota GR Supra GT manual: How much does it cost?
Starting from $86,295 for the entry GT variant, the GR Supra is pretty expensive but it is a relatively high-end sports car. Keeping in mind it’s actually based on BMW’s CLAR platform and features a BMW engine – the ‘B58’. This engine is only available in top-spec BMW models as well, which kind of makes it more exclusive and expensive.
For those seeking a more premium experience, the range-topping GTS model is available from $96,295 for the manual, delivering extra features and luxuries. Going for the auto adds $1085 to the bill in the GTS, but is the same price in GT form. Let’s dive in and see what makes the GR Supra manual a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.
2024 Toyota GR Supra GT manual: Interior & packaging
It’s definitely a driver-focused cabin, with a cocooned seating position from a high centre console and raised dashboard. The seats provide both comfort and lateral bracing for spirited drives, while GTS models add a touch of exclusivity with red accents.
Most of the controls are laid out with everything an enthusiast would want within arm’s reach, with BMW’s iDrive controller for the 8.8-inch multimedia screen. You’ve got plenty of physical buttons around as well to make things easy while driving, but unfortunately the system only connects with Apple CarPlay, not Android Auto.
Following tradition, the manual shifter is positioned pretty high, but the short and stubby knob is quick to shift and the engagement is fluid yet with a quality mechanical slot into each gate. It’s lovely. The clutch pedal has a nice hydraulic movement, with plenty of feel so you know exactly where the grab point is.
In terms of storage, the GR Supra isn’t the most spacious. This is a strict two-seater and even around the console and door pockets, you don’t have much room. There is a wireless phone charging pocket at the front of the console, but there is no centre storage box despite being a chunky fixture; just two cup holders exist.
Behind the seats and you’re straight into the boot area. Here you’ll find a shallow but relatively long loading space, presenting 290L of volume. It’s just enough for some weekend luggage or maybe a golf bag. Two speakers sit on the bulkhead like Fast and Furious spec.
2024 Toyota GR Supra GT manual: Powertrain & handling
Under the bonnet, the BMW 3.0-litre turbo inline-six remains a centrepiece. Producing a punchy 285kW and 500Nm, this engine offers plenty of kick and a beautiful soundtrack. It’s not overly loud, just a refined yet bassy note that soon turns into a glorious sing when revving.
Going for the manual cuts around 22kg from the kerb weight in GT form, according to Redbook stats. Toyota says it is 18kg, but whatever, it is a bit lighter which only means benefits to everything from performance, braking, handling, and even efficiency. The GTS variant is the same weight according to Redbook.
Speaking of efficiency, the manual is rated at 8.9L/100km while the auto is stamped at 7.5L/100km. You could see similar results between the two in the real world, however, the auto, at 7.5L/100km, is super impressive considering the performance you get in return. We recorded an average of 13.2L/100km during our (mostly spirited) drive.
Across the 0-100km/h sprint Toyota claims the manual cuts it in 4.4 seconds, while the auto does it in 4.1 seconds. During our test on a private road, we clocked a best 0-100km/h result in 4.70 seconds – we have achieved 4.59 seconds during a previous test on the old PDriveTV channel. In the latest test it also did 0-200km/h in 14.88 seconds and crossed the quarter mile in 12.98 seconds at 190.2km/h.
It feels very quick on the road and all of that torque seems like it is ready whenever you are, with excellent low-end response from the twin-vein (TwinPower) turbo. In fact, peak torque is available from just 1800rpm and held until 5000rpm. That’s a huge window, with peak power taking over from 5800rpm to 6500rpm.
Out on a windy road the chassis is extremely flat and composed, even over mid-corner bumps. Grip levels are surprisingly high as well thanks to the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres (255/40, 275/40), even with all of that torque being so readily available, and sent to the rear wheels only. The limited-slip diff basically locks up under serious demands allowing you to drift and powerslide very easily, but you need to provoke it. Otherwise it’s a great grip driving sports car as well.
The Gear Shift Assistant provides rev-matching support for smoother downshifts, and you can turn it off, and there is a Sport mode that sharpens throttle response. It would be nice (nicer) if the Sport mode was connected to a proper bi-modal exhaust that really barked and sang. That way you’d have the best of both worlds; refinement and luxury when you want it, but a clear, crisp sing when you’re alone and having intimate moments with the car.
Toyota’s engineers recalibrated the electronic power steering and stability control in the latest update, aiming for better response. It is noticeable; initial inputs feel quicker and more connected, but there is more confidence for the driver as well.
Overall, this is an absolute pleasure to drive, in any condition. And rowing through the gears, even when you’re just cruising or galloping along a country road, tingles your spine. It is so good that Toyota offers this and I think, in the not-too-distant future, we’ll look back at this one as a true classic.
2024 Toyota GR Supra GT manual: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Purist appeal: The six-speed manual offers a highly engaging drive experience, and paired with a powerful BMW inline-six, what more could a driving enthusiast ask for?
- Refined suspension: With improved steering feel and stability adjustments, the latest Supra is more engaging and more controllable. The ride is taut but not bone-jarring.
- Silky smooth inline-six: Turbocharged 3.0L inline-six offers ample power and torque across a very wide rev band.
- Premium interior: High-quality materials and a comfortable cabin for extended driving comfort, with BMW’s convenient iDrive controller to reduce distraction.
2024 Toyota GR Supra GT manual: Key considerations before you buy
- Limited storage space: The coupe design offers limited cargo capacity and in-cabin storage, meaning this might not be right car for commuters.
- Slight acceleration difference: The manual is slightly slower in straight-line sprints compared with the automatic, but it feels every bit as punchy from behind the wheel once you’re off the line.
- Pricey: Starting from $86,295, it is steep compared with some rivals such as the Ford Mustang and Nissan Z, but according to VFACTS the rivals are the premium models such as Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes CLE. Against those it isn’t so expensive.
2024 Toyota GR Supra GT manual: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
With subtle, thoughtful updates in the last year or so, it’s a finely tuned machine that strikes a balance between performance and refinement. You also get BMW powertrain and handling but with Toyota warranty, which sounds like a big plus in our view.
