👣 Official: Toyota Announces Manual Transmission Supra!

[AsupramkvC]

With regards to the the Supra, I don’t just want a manual; I need it. It’s a driver’s car. I’m buying it for the feel and drive. Experience amazing when you drive a manual sports car. You have full control of the drive, where majority of the workload is on the driver. The automatic version lacks the punch; the exclamation point, of what an enthusiast’s car truly offers. Most reviewers said it’s better to leave it in “DRIVE” than to control it using the flappy paddle-shifters. So that’s it; the computer(transmission; shifting gears) does the work(better) instead of the driver. The paddle-shifters, there’s a bit lag, as expected. With this kind of car(automatic), the harmony between the human and machine isn’t that great. It sacrifices some performance bits for the sake of comfort and luxury. No doubt that it’s still sporty; but not to a level where driver engagement(involvement) is all out. The one and only solution is to bring out the manual transmission.

Sponsored

 

[BRX]

With regards to the the Supra, I don’t just want a manual; I need it. It’s a driver’s car. I’m buying it for the feel and drive. Experience amazing when you drive a manual sports car. You have full control of the drive, where majority of the workload is on the driver. The automatic version lacks the punch; the exclamation point, of what an enthusiast’s car truly offers. Most reviewers said it’s better to leave it in “DRIVE” than to control it using the flappy paddle-shifters. So that’s it; the computer(transmission; shifting gears) does the work(better) instead of the driver. The paddle-shifters, there’s a bit lag, as expected. With this kind of car(automatic), the harmony between the human and machine isn’t that great. It sacrifices some performance bits for the sake of comfort and luxury. No doubt that it’s still sporty; but not to a level where driver engagement(involvement) is all out. The one and only solution is to bring out the manual transmission.

 

[KahnBB6]

^^ I couldn't disagree more. AsupramkvC makes good points as to why this car really does need a manual transmission. If it were a $100k++ GTR R35 chaser out of the box with an automatic or DCT with AWD and 600hp++ stock then I'd understand there being no manual. But it isn't. It's set up to be an interactive RWD only driver's car that can be tuned up.

I will differ with him on the beauty of all the ZF8 automatic transmission can do. Next to well designed DCT's it's one of the best out there and since variants of it come in many other current high performance and luxury vehicles that only makes aftermarket support for it and general parts availability for the ZF8 even stronger.

Unlike the old A340E 4-speed overdrive automatics that could be optioned on the MKIV Supras and any other factory turbo JZ vehicle the ZF8 is light-years ahead. A340's can be built up to a point but finally a new Supra has a truly great automatic transmission. For all who do want an automatic that performs well it's here right now and that's a good thing.

However all that being said I wouldn't want a ZF8 myself. Manual only please

I also can't imagine leaving the ZF8 in the standard "Drive" mode either. What would be the point when I always want to dictate what gear I want to be in when I want to be in it? I would fully expect the transmission to be able to keep up.

I did this with the FR-S's 6-speed automatic (setting it in manual mode the whole time I drove it) and it did OK but still left a lot to be desired in terms of precision and perfectly working with my gear change decisions from the paddles. Switching to the FR-S 6-speed manual I had a completely enjoyable experience other than a high take-up point for the clutch and that minor quibble wasn't a big deal for me.

 

[BRX]

^^ I couldn't disagree more. AsupramkvC makes good points as to why this car really does need a manual transmission. If it were a $100k++ GTR R35 chaser out of the box with an automatic or DCT with AWD and 600hp++ stock then I'd understand there being no manual. But it isn't. It's set up to be an interactive RWD only driver's car that can be tuned up.

I don't disagree at all about the MKV needing a manual. The dude just needs to chill a bit. He has been beating this dead horse as if his life depended on it. If I didn't know any better I would have though he had a minimum word quota he needs to meet every day. I just skip his posts all together, they're basically paraphrases/summaries of each other.

 

[vb22]

https://www.carscoops.com/2019/05/t...anual-supra-but-doesnt-seem-sold-on-the-idea/

“We may have heard a time or two (or more) that there’s a desire for a manual transmission in the Supra,” a Toyota spokesperson said. “However, we’re confident in the performance of the current setup . . . We feel it’s the optimal combination for the U.S. market at this time and we’re anxious for customers to drive the new Supra and experience it for themselves. We’ll be sure to check back into the conversation at that time and see what people have to say.”

 

[Viselord]

https://www.carscoops.com/2019/05/t...anual-supra-but-doesnt-seem-sold-on-the-idea/

Literally every reviewer has stated that the car is great but a manual is needed. Next to the whole BMW-Toyota topic, getting a manual has been the next biggest thing that everyone has been talking about.

Toyota what more do you want? Please tell us.

 

[Novice_Mentality]

Literally every reviewer has stated that the car is great but a manual is needed. Next to the whole BMW-Toyota topic, getting a manual has been the next biggest thing that everyone has been talking about.

Toyota what more do you want? Please tell us.

Because this is from a car enthusiast perspective. The average buyer (The ones that will be mainly purchasing the car) will be ordering in Manual. Sad truth man. But a majority of the market buys auto, and Toyota knows this.

Just trying to save money wherever they can so that they can can sell this car to the appropriate market.

But I agree, I want a manual.....) :

 

[KahnBB6]

They have who knows how many years left while any manual can even technically be offered at all. People are clamoring for it on this infamous niche high performance tuneable car known all too well for carrying a strong manual transmission option throughout the range.

They just need to get the manual editions to market already in plenty of allocations and people will stop barking about it. Eventually it will be technically impossible to offer a manual Supra but right now there is a healthy window within which it can still be sold to a buying public that is actually asking for it.

This is a car that Toyota doesn't even NEED to have designed and put on sale. They just wanted to because it was that special to them.

It's not like we're clamoring for a manual Toyota Camry or manual Avalon.

I'm convinced that Toyota is all too aware of this and just didn't have a good enough manual ready for launch with the required emissions certification in all their key markets. Tada already said he wasn't satisfied with any of BMW's parts bin manuals for his 500ft-lb (crank) engine and that some alternative was being developed.

A70TTR at least mentioned that "something" is going on in development with further transmission and diff stuff and while that's no confirmation of anything at all to do with a manual Supra MKV I just take it that Toyota is actually making good on Tada's promise that this car is going to see different variants and updates over its production cycle.

Given the actual real world demand for a manual for this very niche $50k++ two seater tuner sports car I still would find it very hard to believe that Toyota will not deliver with a manual variant or three well before the MKV's final production year some time from now.

At the very least if Toyota fails to do this it will be a missed opportunity to not only sell significantly more Supras but it will be a missed opportunity to further cement the legacy of this car which is already being shrewdly compared to their benchmark A80.

And I just cannot see them ignoring the importance of that for this image-building car meant to disseminate the "fun to drive" ethos from the top of the Toyota range on down to the GT86 and Corolla.

 

[AsupramkvC]

They have who knows how many years left while any manual can even technically be offered at all. People are clamoring for it on this infamous niche high performance tuneable car known all too well for carrying a strong manual transmission option throughout the range.

They just need to get the manual editions to market already in plenty of allocations and people will stop barking about it. Eventually it will be technically impossible to offer a manual Supra but right now there is a healthy window within which it can still be sold to a buying public that is actually asking for it.

This is a car that Toyota doesn't even NEED to have designed and put on sale. They just wanted to because it was that special to them.

It's not like we're clamoring for a manual Toyota Camry or manual Avalon.

I'm convinced that Toyota is all too aware of this and just didn't have a good enough manual ready for launch with the required emissions certification in all their key markets. Tada already said he wasn't satisfied with any of BMW's parts bin manuals for his 500ft-lbs (crank) engine and that some alternative was being developed.

A70TTR at least mentioned that "something" is going on in development with further transmission and diff stuff and while that's no confirmation of anything at all to do with a manual Supra MKV I just take it that Toyota is actually making good on Tada's promise that this car is going to see different variants and updates over its production cycle.

Given the actual real world demand for a manual for this very niche $50k++ two seater tuner sports car I still would find it very hard to believe that Toyota will not deliver with a manual variant or three well before the MKV's final production year some time from now.

At the very least if Toyota fails to do this it will be a missed opportunity to not only sell significantly more Supras but it will be a missed opportunity to further cement the legacy of this car which is already being shrewdly compared to their benchmark A80.

And I just cannot see them ignoring the importance of that for this image-building car meant to disseminate the "fun to drive" ethos from the top of the Toyota range on down to the GT86 and Corolla.

If Toyota’s intention is to really hype up their brand, the GR brand beginning with the Supra, then the lack of a manual transmission is something that will surely put a HUGE hole in their resumé. Not only that, but they’ve also benchmarked it with the Porsché Cayman. For sure expectations are really high. The Porsché Cayman is still being offered with a manual; but the Supra isn’t, just yet. So if they really want to compete well in this segment, they have to step up and impress enthusiasts around the world. Now is the time that people have been clamoring for a manual Supra; and I really hope Toyota will deliver. Toyota knows what the people want. If they bring it in after a few years from now, when the conversation regarding the manual is no longer the hot topic, then I don’t think it will be a huge success. Look at what they did with the 86. People have been clamoring for a turbocharged engine; but Toyota did nothing about it. Now, the image of the 86, when you ask a lot of people about it, they would say that the 86 is slow, and lacks a turbo engine. I don’t want that to happen to the Supra. If Toyota fails to deliver now(regarding the manual), it will affect its heritage as well. All previous Supras, from A40 up to A80, were offered with inline-6 engines mater to a manual transmission. This is a very BIG opportunity for Toyota to bring back its sporty image.

At this point in time where the automotive scene has been shifting towards autonomy and electrification, it’s best to bring in a manual sports car for Toyota since they said that they’re passionate about building cars that will have connection between the car and the driver; and they want the Supra to be the best true driver’s car. For sure enthusiasts around the world know what a true driver’s car means; which for me is enjoyment behind the wheel worth going the extra mile, a car that could bring exceptional level of fun and excitement by just driving it.

Personally, I think Toyota is doing some R&D now with regards to the manual. They’re just not yet ready to mass produce it. They want to make sure that it’ll be reliable enough, pass Toyota’s quality & standards before it hits the market. Just my two cents here.

Toyota said that the Supra is their gift to the enthusiasts. Really? If that’s the case, then they should give what the enthusiasts really want. Isn’t it?

 

[Turbro]

I’m on board when they release a manual, I probably won’t consider an auto on the mkv Supra ever. I know it’s good, it’s one of the best autos ever made, but a car like this in this price range needs a manual for me to be entertained. I’m not look for track times or perfect 0-60 all day long. I want that weekend cruise that I can enjoy rowing gears. It might even be the last Supra ever to even have a possibility of manual. And I want to get one if it’s released. I’ll wait... and hope it comes. If it does, Toyota has a sale to me

 

[mkivalex]

I’m on board when they release a manual, I probably won’t consider an auto on the mkv Supra ever. I know it’s good, it’s one of the best autos ever made, but a car like this in this price range needs a manual for me to be entertained. I’m not look for track times or perfect 0-60 all day long. I want that weekend cruise that I can enjoy rowing gears. It might even be the last Supra ever to even have a possibility of manual. And I want to get one if it’s released. I’ll wait... and hope it comes. If it does, Toyota has a sale to me

+1

Give me a manual and I'll be at the dealership the next day. Until then I will be on the sidelines.

 

[tedan628]

After watching a lot of supra videos and toyota engineer interview, i am under the impression if the community is strong enough to request for MT supra, they might be able to make MT version for us.

What is the chance this will happen down the road?

Should we invest money for the AT or should we wait?

COnfused..

Alternatively, i can always trade back in to get the MT in the future but that would depreciate the car value a lot.

Update:

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/08/09/toyota-supra-tada-interview/

Tada also told us what not to expect: There will be no manual transmission, despite an outcry in parts of the enthusiast community over the lack of a row-it-yourself shifter. His advice: "Customers who want a manual should choose the Toyota 86."

 

[Turbro]

I’m 100% waiting, and if they offer it, I’ll buy one.

 

[Goose]

If you really want a manual, then wait. I'm no Toyota employee, but I'm 100% positive there will be one offered in under 18 months.

I personally want an auto, but I'm getting older and my knees suck.

 

[XtremeMaC]

If you really want a manual, then wait. I'm no Toyota employee, but I'm 100% positive there will be one offered in under 18 months.

Despite loving MT, time is right for me to get a new vehicle and hence if all goes well I'm hopefully getting a LE in July.
If, with absolutely no official announcements so far, Toyota goes and releases an MT under 18mo, I'll be extremely furious and will expect backwards compatibility and minimal price changes from AT to MT!!! @Toyota!!
I do hope LE ≠ sucker...!

Sponsored