Road test | Toyota Supra: the lever of redemption

Is a sports car better with a manual transmission? The question, as fundamental as it is, fuels the debate at a time when modern automatic transmissions reign almost unchallenged thanks to their ease of use and their great efficiency. With its decision to equip its Supra with a clutch pedal for 2023, Toyota nevertheless seems to want to reassure purists of the matter. But is this approach useful for this model of misunderstood genius?

Design

If you are looking for novelty on this beautiful curved dress from the Supra vintage 2023, you will have to focus mainly on certain added colors, for freshness. The two-seater coupé thus retains its initial shape introduced in 2019, a design that has resisted the erosion of the years well, despite the initial controversy it aroused. It still remains as well proportioned, this Supra, with its imposing front hood and its elegant upper line, which however penalizes lateral visibility. Reduced in size, its length of 4.4 m makes it about forty centimeters shorter than a Ford Mustang. The swelling of the rear wings overflows on the trompe-l’œil doors, its tracks being of the same width. Beyond these observations, the sports car presents a multitude of captivating details enriched by headlights and taillights which marry its natural curvatures, without imposing.

On board

After taking care to lower your head well before entering to avoid an unfortunate bruise, the passenger compartment welcomes us in a familiar setting. This Supra incorporates many of the components that shaped the interiors of previous-generation BMWs, the project partner. Admittedly, we will go back to avant-garde or warm colors, but this posture has many advantages, starting with the remarkable ergonomics of the keys, which are largely palpable. The execution of the assembly is flawless and the flexible materials are legion. Toyota has also cleverly reorganized the center console to integrate the gear lever alongside the multimedia system control dial. Admittedly, the practical aspect of the whole remains reduced, with limited storage, and the very narrow trunk opening, but there are sports cars that are much less welcoming in this regard.

Under the hood

Combined only with the original BMW 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder, the new six-speed manual transmission of this Supra has been completely revised by Toyota engineers. Emphasis has been placed on interaction with the lever and synchronicity with the powerful mechanics it guides. We quickly notice its great refinement: its lever engages the gears with an engaging touch and just firm enough, and its pedal modulates the clutch well. The stroke isn’t the shortest, which isn’t too much of a problem in and of itself. The arrangement with the six-cylinder is almost perfect, allowing you to have an immersion in the action and to have fun with the beautiful baritone range. Its 382 hp, a cautious figure, will say the specialized “tuners”, are delivered with immense consistency to the switch.

Behind the wheel

Supported by remarkable ergonomics in the driving position, this Supra takes off with natural ease. When the rhythm is accentuated, one notes a captivating expressiveness, but which forces us to remain on our guard. The traction of the rear axle is abused by the six-cylinder gorged with torque, which can quickly cause oversteer when the direction is the least deflected. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport and the differential make the exercise nonetheless predictable. This sports car has a propensity to communicate a lot through its chassis. It is tuned for sporty on-road driving with active suspension elements that absorb bumps well. The car is lively and moves on its axes when abrupt, an endearing temperament. The direction, on the other hand, proves to be too isolated from the performance, but ensures magnificent precision.

Embedded technologies

There’s little to say in this department, with this Supra preferring to focus on its dynamic ways. A years-old BMW iDrive system is employed, encased in an 8.8-inch touchscreen atop the dashboard. It is a far cry from the madness of visual grandeur that is taking over the industry today, something that we greatly appreciate for a sports car. The responsiveness of the system itself is excellent, achieved both by touch and by means of a control wheel. A second digital screen broadcasts driving data. It could be more configurable, but remains readable and impervious to sunlight which could interfere with its reading. The JBL audio system offered on board the six-cylinder versions is rather lackluster, quickly showing its limits when the musical arrangements are more frequency-biased.

The verdict

So, does the Toyota Supra come out bigger with the addition of the manual transmission? There is no doubt. Allowing the driver to be even more involved in his driving with an additional sensory layer, this transmission is not just an afterthought. It blends harmoniously with the great flexibility of the straight-six, to the point where one wonders why Toyota didn’t offer it in its first year of production. The very playful aspect of the chassis makes this sports car a sparkling car that you never get tired of, even on long journeys, because of its very well-finished suspension. Without being able to characterize it as a bargain in the pure sense of the term at $70,000, its price-performance ratio is all in all very competitive. If you like driving, this manual Toyota Supra should definitely be on your list of contenders, because such cars will soon be a thing of the past.