By: Krish Persaud
Photography By: Kayden Beatty
January 30, 2024
The Toyota Supra, celebrated among car enthusiasts, has made a lasting impact on the import scene since its 1978 inception. Undergoing various evolutionary changes, including memorable engines like the 7M-GTE in-line six-cylinder with a turbo setup in the third generation and the elusive fourth-generation 2JZ-GTE in-line six-cylinder twin-turbo motor, the fourth generation ceased production in 1998. This hiatus persisted until Toyota, in collaboration with BMW and Gazoo Racing, revived the Supra nameplate. Toyota Canada Inc. provided us with the eagerly awaited 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium A91-MT, which finally introduces the six-speed transmission—a significant milestone for enthusiasts.
A 3.0-litre turbocharged engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, powers this model, delivering 382 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 368 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 RPM to the rear wheels. This allows the GR Supra to accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in about 4.2 seconds, depending on how quickly you shift through the gears.
Enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the intuitive nature of the six-speed manual transmission. The shifts are very satisfying, and the pedal placement is close enough for seamless heel-toe maneuvers. Although the clutch grabs a bit high, it’s still a treat. The satisfying engagement with each gear caters to both spirited drives and daily commutes. Combined with the adaptive variable suspension and active rear sport differential, the GR Supra provides a dynamic driving experience that adapts to various conditions.
The GR Supra’s chassis features a double-joint-type MacPherson strut front suspension, a multi-link rear suspension, and recently fine-tuned adaptive variable dampers. In ‘Normal Mode,’ the GR Supra offers a refined and controlled ride, reminiscent of a leisurely weekend stroll. Switch to ‘Sport Mode,’ and not only does it enhance the driving experience with a more audible exhaust note, but it also activates an improved electronic rear differential, known as ‘Hairpin +.’ This sophisticated feature introduces greater variability in wheel spin between the left and right tires when navigating tight corners, elevating steering precision and responsiveness. Speaking of the exhaust note, the snaps, crackles, and pops emanating from this powerhouse are nothing short of exhilarating.
The infotainment system features an eight-inch touchscreen resembling BMW design, offering ease of use, a functional rotary dial, excellent screen resolution, and wireless/USB connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The twelve-speaker JBL audio system, coupled with the infotainment setup, delivers sound quality above the norm and impressively enhances your preferred playlists. Despite enjoying the audio system, our preference leaned heavily towards lowering the windows to appreciate the delightful exhaust note while navigating through the gears.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Supra manual transmission delivers commendable numbers if you exercise restraint and maintain lower revs. As per Natural Resources Canada, the fuel efficiency ratings are 12.7L/100km in the city, 8.8L/100km on the highway, and a combined 10.9L/100km. Throughout our testing, which included spirited driving and highway conditions, we achieved a fuel consumption of 9.7L/100km. It’s crucial to note the 53-litre fuel tank’s requirement for premium fuel.
The GR Supra is available in a few different configurations, including a 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder. The 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium A91-MT checks off all the boxes we would consider when configuring this for ourselves. With a price tag of $70,630, it competes quite nicely against its rivals.
The 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium A91-MT’s remarkable agility demands that its performance figures should not be underestimated. The collaboration between BMW and Gazoo Racing has led to a vehicle that excels in every aspect. From the purposefully designed suspension complementing the twin-scroll 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder to the manual transmission, each component works seamlessly together, creating a vehicle that proudly stands as a part of the Toyota family.
Drawing inspiration from BMW in its design, the 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium A91-MT remains committed to prioritizing the driver’s experience. For those in search of a blend of tradition and modernity, this Supra offers an exhilarating driving adventure that exceeds expectations. Positioned in the competitive landscape alongside counterparts like the Nissan Z and the BMW Z4, the Supra stands out. While the Z4 shares DNA, the Supra’s inclusion of a manual transmission distinguishes it, catering to enthusiasts seeking a hands-on driving experience. Despite these comparisons, the GR Supra sets itself apart through a commitment to a driver-centric design. Appreciating the competition, this Supra is undoubtedly worth considering if you are in search of something exceptional in the realm of high-performance sports cars.
