2022 Toyota GR Supra manual review

The problem with the Toyota Supra is not that it is now, or ever has been, a poor car, it’s just that it’s up against the very best in the business. How in a test of three cars could it ever hope to come anywhere other than third against the Porsche Cayman and Alpine A110?

In an attempt to close the gap to two of the most lauded cars on sale, Toyota has revisited the Supra to see what can be done. It’s come up with two ideas: a manual gearbox (available in a Cayman, but not the Alpine) and a raft of chassis revisions to sharpen up the show.

And it all works very well. The manual isn’t some clunky afterthought like that once found in the F-type Jaguar, it’s quick, precise, well weighted and has a pleasing action. The mods to the roll-bars, damping and steering work too, making the car feel a touch more agile while retaining at least acceptable ride quality.

So job done, then? Well not quite. For while the Supra is now the only front-engine, manual, two-seat, six-cylinder sporting coupé on sale, and there’s an undoubted appeal right there, it still doesn’t feel as involving or intimate as either the Porsche or the Alpine. Not even close, to be honest. More telling still is the fact it’s nothing like as much fun to drive as the 20 grand cheaper and quite superb GR86. So while the manual Supra is a good and worthwhile addition to the range, a transformative offer it is not. AF

Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Manual

• Price £53,495
• Engine 3 litres, six cylinders, petrol, turbocharged
• Power 335bhp
• Torque 369lb ft
• Weight 1457kg (DIN)
• Power to weight 230bhp per tonne
• Transmission Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
• 0-60mph 4.6sec
• Top speed 155mph
• Economy 32.1mpg
• CO2 198g/km
• Verdict Lags behind the field.