Toyota Supra A90 3.0 Manual

Toyota Supra A90 3.0 Manual

The Toyota GR Supra A90, first launched in 2019 and significantly enhanced with a manual gearbox option from 2023, marks the return of one of the most iconic nameplates in Japanese automotive history. After a 21-year hiatus since the fourth-generation A80 Supra ended production in 2002, Toyota partnered with BMW to create a new sports car that would share its platform with the BMW Z4 while developing its own distinct character.

The partnership with BMW was controversial among Toyota purists. The B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, ZF eight-speed automatic transmission (later supplemented by a six-speed manual), and much of the electrical architecture originate from BMW. However, Toyota's Gazoo Racing division — led by chief engineer Tetsuya Tada — invested significantly in tuning the chassis, suspension, and overall driving dynamics to create a car that felt distinctly different from its BMW sibling.

The Supra's proportions are striking: a very short 2,470mm wheelbase (shorter than a Mazda MX-5), a wide track, a long hood, and a compact cabin create an aggressive, planted stance. The double-bubble roof and muscular haunches reference the A80 Supra, while the overall silhouette suggests a purpose-built sports car rather than a grand tourer. Toyota's aerodynamicists shaped the body to generate downforce without a large rear wing, using underbody aerodynamics and a functional rear diffuser.

The B58 engine produces 382 hp at 5,800 rpm and 368 lb-ft of torque from just 1,800 rpm in its latest specification — up from the original 335 hp at launch, thanks to a 2021 update. The engine's character is smooth and linear, with a broad torque plateau that makes the Supra effortlessly fast in any gear. The twin-scroll turbocharger provides minimal lag, and the engine responds eagerly to the throttle.

The most significant update came in 2023 with the introduction of a six-speed manual gearbox — developed by Toyota specifically for the Supra (not sourced from BMW). The manual, designated iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission), features automatic rev-matching that can be disabled, a short-throw shifter, and was paired with chassis retuning to optimize the driving experience. For many enthusiasts, the manual gearbox transformed the Supra from a very good sports car into a truly great one.

The chassis is the Supra's secret weapon. The combination of a rigid structure, double-joint spring strut front suspension, multilink rear, and carefully calibrated adaptive dampers gives the Supra remarkable agility and cornering precision. The short wheelbase contributes to quick directional changes, while the 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive layout provide engaging handling balance. An active rear differential is available on the 3.0 model.

While the BMW partnership remains a point of debate, there is no denying that the GR Supra delivers exceptional sports car performance at a competitive price point. The addition of the manual gearbox addressed the enthusiast community's primary criticism, and the 3.0-litre six-cylinder's turbocharged performance provides a compelling argument for the new Supra on its own merits.