And I didn't think the Toyota GR Supra could get any better looking than the '22 Black Metallic model I reviewed last year. Turns out, I was so very, very wrong. Enter new for 2023 Stratosphere Blue. It's out of this world GORGEOUS. But the color isn't the only thing that's extra special about my latest Supra review vehicle. It also marks the highly-anticipated return of the manual to the Supra lineup.
Exterior
The Supra just gets better looking every time I see it. Last year, I reviewed the 2022 Supra in both a gorgeous red and a black metallic. But my latest Supra outshines them all in a new-for-2023 gorgeous Stratosphere Blue.
As I've said before, the Supra's proportions bumper to bumper - from its long hood, sculpted profile and distinctive tail end with built-in rear spoiler - are perfect. Its aerodynamic double-bubble roof harkens back to the 2000 GT.
New for 2023, the 3.0 Premium rides on new 19-inch forged aluminum Gunmetal wheels along with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires which provide great grip on the road. There are great-performing Brembo brakes up front, with red calipers both in the front and rear. It's also equipped with an aerodynamic underbody panel.
The Supra lineup features LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail lights. The 3.0 Premium also sports matte black auto-folding, heated outside mirrors with memory and dual exhaust tips with brushed stainless steel tips.
Performance
The rear-wheel drive Supra 3.0 Premium is equipped to perform with its 3.0’s inline-six turbocharged engine that delivers a terrific 382-horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque.
And manual gearbox fans, rejoice! The 2023 Supra lineup now offers a new 6-speed manual (optional for the 3.0, 3.0 Premium and A-91 special edition). It's programmed with new software that prioritizes sporty performance. Toyota says it also tweaked the GR Supra’s traction and braking to optimize their operation with a manual transmission.
Note, the MT-equipped model isn't as fast as the automatic: Toyota cites a zero to 60 time of 4.2 seconds compare to the automatic variant's 3.9 seconds.
New for 2023, Toyota's added a Hairpin+ function on 3.0/A91 models All 3.0 models are also equipped with Active Rear Sport Differential.
An Active Exhaust system is music to my ears especially in Sport mode.
Interior
You open the Supra door to a BMW-influenced cabin thanks to Toyota-BMW partnership which brought the Supra back to life in 2019. Inside you find heated, power adjustable black leather-trimmed Sport seats with superb side bolsters that keep you snugly in place.
Carbon fiber trim on the center console gives the cabin an upscale, sporty look. Other features include sport pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone climate.
Above the leather-wrapped steering wheel you find an 8.8” fully digital driver display. Extending from the center dash, the 3.0 Premium's 8.8-inch touchscreen runs Toyota Supra Connect with the available wireless Apple CarPlay.
The screen hosts nice, large graphics along with navigation and a back up camera.
On the center console you'll spot the big news for 2023: a 6-speed manual gear shifter. A lot of thought went into how to integrate it, according to Toyota. Everything was considered, from the lever ratio, set to minimized the effort required to make shifts or put it in reverse, to the weight and shape of the shift knob, to the quality of shift engagement.
Personally, I didn't love the location of Reverse. I prefer it be located to the far lower right of 6th gear, instead of near the 1st gear on the upper left side.
On the center console, along with the gear shift knob, you'll also find wireless charging, a large multimedia dial, and buttons for various functions including sport mode and an electronic parking brake.
New for 2023, a premium 12-speaker JBL sound system is now standard on 3.0 Premium models.
I was actually impressed by the cargo space and found it more than adequately fit my needs during my week behind the wheel. Why it even fit a small cat tree back there!
Ride and Drive
There's nothing like being behind the wheel of the Supra - a sports car that's such an engaging and fun car to drive thanks to its sporty handling, low center of gravity and adaptive variable suspension. It feels like a true sports car should - I do love Sport mode - with a comfort level that also lends itself to being a great daily driver.
For 2023, Toyota says it's refined the handling with a re-tuned suspension, updating the shock absorbers for improved roll balance and ride comfort. It's also retuned the electric power steering. Manual models also get tweaked traction and braking to optimize MT operation.
Safety
Standard Supra driver assistance features include Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, Speed Limit Info, Rearview Camera, Traction Mode and Automatic High Beams.
My test model adds an optional Driver Assist package ($1,195) which gives you Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Parking Sensors with Emergency Braking Function. The 3.0 Premium also features a standard color Head-Up Display.
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Note, premium fuel is recommended and you'll get 21 MPG combined.
What You'll Pay
The Drivers Assistance Package ($1,195) is the only option on my test model bringing the total MSRP as equipped to just shy of $58,000.
Verdict
The GR Supra is hands-down one of my favorite sport cars on the road today. It's incredibly fun to drive, track capable and just an absolute stunner. The new manual transmission, complete with all the engineering tweaks to optimize MT performance, is sure to be a hit with driving enthusiasts.
- What I liked most: Gorgeous color and design. Engaging ride and driving dynamics.
- What I would change: Can't think of a thing.
- MSRP: $55,650 base price; $57,940 as equipped with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 19 city/27 highway/21 combined. (Premium Fuel required.)
- Odometer reading when tested: 355 miles.
- Weight: 3,389 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Puncture Repair Kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 172.5” long/ 73” wide/ 50.9” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.7 gallons w/filler on the passenger’s side.
- Official Color: Stratosphere.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
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2023 Supra 3.0 Premium MT in a few words: Everything you want from a manual sports car and more.
- Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles basic warranty; 60 months/60,000 miles powertrain.
- Final Assembly Location: Graz, Austria.
- Manufacturer's Website: Toyota
