2023 Toyota Supra Manual Transmission Option Details Leaked, but Will It Come Overseas?
Car enthusiasts undoubtedly met the return of the iconic Toyota Supra with some backlash. There were all kinds of complaints about its BMW involvement, styling, and engine choice. However, the criticism that consistently stands out is its lack of availability with a manual transmission. However, recent rumors have us believing a manual option may soon be available. Furthermore, the evidence keeps getting more and more convincing.
Will the 2023 Supra have a manual transmission?
Recently, Road and Track addressed some leaked images that seem to show details of the new manual transmission Supra. They even went as far as to say it’s “almost definitely” happening. According to the post, a Toyota insider hinted that the manual allegations have merit. So, at this point, the odds of seeing a manual transmission offering for 2023 Supra models are looking pretty dang good!
Toyota has not officially confirmed or declined this information. However, the leaked images show a rollout timeline. Apparently, a press release will come out on April 28th, 2022, announcing the six-speed manual transmission offering. Furthermore, the leak also shows a proposed production start in July 2022, with cars shipping to dealerships and customers in October. Once again, none of this information is official. Right now, all we can do is hope that it is accurate!
Additionally, the leak seems to show no signs of a four-cylinder manual transmission offering. This, unfortunately, would mean that there’s no manual transmission 2023 Toyota Supra in a similar price range to that of the 2023 Nissan Z. The Z is confirmed to have a manual transmission and a starting price of around $40,000. However, Nissan has yet to release any specific details on trim levels and what models will and will not have a manual transmission available. Needless to say, between the Supra, Nissan Z, and Acura Integra, Japanese manufacturers have us all anxiously waiting for details.
A new Special Edition Supra with a manual also appears in the leak
Alongside the manual transmission release, the leak also details a special edition Supra for the 2023 model year. The 2023 Toyota Supra RZ Matte White Edition, according to the leak, will have a host of features specific to this special edition. This includes a matte avalanche white metallic paint job and an exclusive tan leather interior. Additionally, it’s said to feature a wireless charging system, a USB charging terminal, and an “ornament for special-purpose vehicles” on the passenger side instrument panel. Whatever that means!
This, however, is where concerns come into play with this leak. The final note on the specs for the Matte White Edition is an increased price of 550,000 yen (about $4,700 USD) compared to a standard Supra RZ, the alleged trim with a manual transmission. The additional cost for the special edition isn’t the concern, but the pricing displayed in yen is.
This likely means that if this is a genuine leak from Toyota’s systems, it’s from a Japanese employee. So, if this info checks out, it doesn’t necessarily mean the manual transmission will be a worldwide option.
Will a manual 2023 Supra come to the US?
Ultimately, as with any leak, there’s no way to be certain of these types of things. However, it certainly wouldn’t be the first time that the U.S. gets left out of a cool Japanese vehicle offering. Sometimes, that’s just the way it is.
All the world can do now is watch and hope that these leaks are true. If they are, it might be time for all those folks who claimed they’d buy a manual version to put their money where their mouth is!