Since launch, the GR Supra has been offered with a straight-six 340 DIN hp/250 kW 3.0-litre engine matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A year later, a new 258 DIN hp/190 kW 2.0-litre engine was added to the range, again with auto transmission as standard. While the car and its performance have received high praise worldwide from media and fans alike, perhaps inevitably the question of whether a manual gearbox would be available persisted. Toyota has listened to sports car fans and customers, and can confirm that a new GR Supra with six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) will be introduced in Europe, engineered to delight drivers who love the control and rewards offered by precisely timed manual shifts. Its addition to the line-up means Toyota will offer all three of its GR models available in Europe with manual transmission and three pedals either as standard (GR Yaris) or as an option (GR Supra, GR86). True to the GR Supra's thoroughbred engineering quality, this development has not been simply a matter of using an off-the-shelf solution. A new transmission, along with a new clutch has been engineered specifically to suit the power and torque characteristics of the GR Supra 3.0-litre engine. At the same time, the GR Supra's braking control systems and suspension have been retuned for even better performance - changes that are being introduced throughout the model range. The new-look range also features a special new 3.0-litre Lightweight model. In addition to the lighter weight of the manual transmission, this benefits from further specification changes to cut the car's kerb weight by almost 40 kg, adding to the car's handling agility.
NEW SIX-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The manual transmission installed in the GR Supra has been engineered and tuned specifically for use with the coupe's straight-six engine. The engineering team were able to modify existing transmission housing, driveshaft and gear set and remove elements that were not required, such as the acoustic package, which further reduced weight. At the heart of the transmission is a newly-engineered clutch with a larger diameter and reinforced diaphragm spring. With a larger friction area and a stronger spring, this new component has the high performance capability appropriate for use with the GR Supra's high-torque engine.
REVISED CENTRE CONSOLE AND GEAR SHIFT
The changes to accommodate the new manual transmission in the GR Supra were not confined to the powertrain. Close attention was also paid how the new system could be accommodated in the driver's cockpit. This was not simply a matter of changing one shift lever for another; consideration had to be given to ensuring the gear knob was optimally placed for precise, rapid and rewarding gear changes. The existing centre console design allowed insufficient clearance between the shift lever and the air conditioning control panel. To achieve the perfect ergonomics, the console unit and the control for drive mode selection have been redesigned. In addition the lever ratio has been changed and the effort required to make shifts and engage reverse gear has been adjusted. The revised layout provides a comfortable 42 mm clearance between the shift knob and air conditioning panel. The feel of the gear shift in the hand and the weight of operation are part of the human sensory connection with the car, so attention has been paid to the weight and shape of the gear knob and the quality of shift engagement. As a result, Toyota adjusted the effort level to engage reverse and opted for a heavier gear knob (200 g) for a more pleasing inertia effect when used.
NEW GR SUPRA LIVE LIGHTWEIGHT
Toyota has taken the opportunity of the weight saving achieved with the new manual transmission to add a new Lightweight model to the GR Supra line-up. The 3.0-litre GR Supra Lightweight benefits from further weight-saving measures to achieve a total reduction of 38.3 kg, compared to the kerb weight of the current 3.0-litre automatic model. Fitting the new manual gearbox and new 19-inch alloy wheels saves 21.8 kg; the Lightweight cuts a further 16.5 kg by replacing the audio system and deleting the seats' leather upholstery, power adjustment and lumbar support. This reduction enhances the car's handling agility.
REVISED MODEL RANGE
The new GR Supra range retains the 2.0-litre Live automatic as the entry model, available with Premium, Connect and Sport option packs, and the 3.0-litre Active automatic, with a Premium pack option. The 3.0-litre Live Lightweight manual is expected to be the most popular GR Supra version, with the 3.0-litre Premium manual positioned at the top of the line-up.
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