Toyota GR Supra GTS 2023 Review

Pricing for the 2023 Toyota GR Supra starts at $87,380 plus on-road costs for the GT, with the GTS adding an extra $10,000. But gone are the days when opting for the manual means a discount – you’ll pay the same regardless of whether you choose the six-speed manual or eight-speed auto.

The gearbox is attached to a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six and produces 285kW and 500Nm, figures that are probably conservative given 0-100km/h is claimed to take 4.1sec for the auto and 4.4sec for the manual, with top speed limited to 250km/h in both instances.

Other mechanical changes for MY23 Supra include revised steering and stability control systems, suspension bush tweaks and new 19-inch alloys for the GTS that save 1.2kg per wheel, while cosmetically buyers can choose from three different colours – Copper Grey, Azure Blue and the pictured Matte White – and a tan interior option replaces the previous red.

All Supra models include adaptive LED lights, adaptive dampers, heated leather seats, dual-zone air-con, keyless entry/start, auto lights/wipers, wireless phone charging, an 8.8-inch touch-screen with digital radio, sat-nav and wireless Apple CarPlay, and plenty of active safety equipment.

For the extra $10,000, the GTS adds a head-up display, 19-inch wheels instead of 18s and a 12-speaker JBL stereo. Red is the only standard colour, with black, blue, yellow and grey adding $575 and the two matte colours – white and grey – an extra $2500. Alcantara seats are also $2500.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the 2023 Toyota GR Supra GTS experience is the stonking engine. The BMW-sourced B58 straight-six has always been super-strong and only became more so when it received the boost from 250kW to 285kW. It sounds great and is massively powerful with only around 1500kg to move.

The manual is a great partner. It’s supposedly based on the manual in the four-cylinder Z4 but it feels better than any BMW manual I’ve tried. I jumped into the Supra from the new BMW M2 manual and the Toyota’s ’box is slicker and more accurate.

There’s a rev-match function if you need it – that happily works way better than the system in the GR Yaris – but it’s also no problem to heel-toe.

A close second is the Supra’s handling. This is a fantastic sports car. There’s great grip and traction, the latter enhanced by the longer ratios of the manual ’box, strong brakes and it’s terrifically agile, responding briskly to steering inputs.

The downside of this keen handling is the 2023 Toyota Supra GTS can be slightly feisty at the limit if you’re not careful with it. Treat it roughly with the steering or the brakes and it can step out of line very quickly, particularly at the rear.

Used to your advantage this can be a lot of fun, but a bit spooky if you aren’t expecting it.

By far the biggest problem with Toyota’s sports car, however, is actually fitting in it. It’ll be touch and go whether those of larger stature can actually fit in the Supra and virtually everyone will feel very cosy once inside. Except for any claustrophobes.

The Supra also isn’t the latest and greatest in terms of in-car technology, but it now has Apple CarPlay (though not Android Auto) so the basics are at least covered.

The 2023 Toyota GR Supra GTS is everything you’d hope a Japanese sports car would be. It’s fast, fun and terrifically capable on road or track and the addition of the manual gearbox doesn’t hurt one bit.

Not every car is improved by a manual but those who like to shift their own gears will definitely enjoy the Supra’s six-speed.

It also sits in a sweet spot in terms of price and performance between the Nissan Z and the BMW M2.

If you want a turbocharged, six-cylinder, rear-wheel drive sports car with a manual gearbox, then currently you’re spoiled for choice!

2023 Toyota GR Supra GTS at a glance:
Price: $97,380 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 285kW/500Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 8.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 202g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested