Depending on who you talk to, the A91 Supra is either a proper revival of an icon or an unworthy abomination spawned from Toyota’s joint venture with BMW. But regardless of which stance you took when it debuted for the 2020 model year, we basically all agreed that it should have a manual transmission. And 3 years into its return, the GR Supra finally gets its stick.

For 2023, a manual transmission will be an option over the standard 8-speed automatic on Supra 3.0 models only. Meaning if you want to row your own gears, you’ll have to opt for the 382-horsepower turbocharged inline-6 over the 255-horsepower 2-liter turbo 4. And with a base GR Supra 3.0 starting at over 53-thousand dollars, that’s a nearly ten thousand dollar decision. Fortunately, the manual is a no-cost option.

You can also get it in the 3.0 Premium model. But, if you want to go all out, Toyota is dangling an A91 MT Edition in front of our faces. Limited to just 500-units in the U.S., this special edition Supra comes in two exclusive colors: Burnout and CU Later. In case the question comes up in your trivia league, that’s CU as in the letters C and U. Just FYI, LOL.

In addition to cleverly named colors, the A91 MT sports a variety of unique exterior touches including forged 19-inch Frozen Gunmetal Gray wheels, while the interior boasts Hazelnut leather-trimmed seats, GR logoed shift knob and a 12-speaker JBL sound system.
According to Toyota, the 6-speed ZF transmission was adapted from an existing unit.

"Now putting a manual transmission in the Supra wasn't as easy as just plucking it from another car and throwing it in this one. Actual thought goes into it and they had to adjust for what they call a high torque or high output engine so they beefed up the clutch, springs and the results is actually a really nice feeling setup. It feel sporty, clutch has a good weight to it. I like the engagement point, fairly low. the shifter itself I think looks classically nice. real simple. Shifter position is ideal, right where my hand fits."

The gearbox also includes Toyota’s Intelligent Manual Transmission or iMT software, which claims to optimize engine torque for upshifts and more noticeably, automatically blips the throttle for seamless downshifts.

Even further, to prevent a number of unenviable and unproductive wheel-spinning events associated with the manual transmission, the Supra receives updates to its traction and stability systems.

"The Active Rev Matching feature...I know some people are probably pulling their hair out, thinking that it defeats the purpose of a manual transmission in the first place...but it does work really well. It's consistent, every time being able to hit that right RPM on that downshift. It is very helpful on the track, there's no denying that, but I tend to agree. It takes away some of that engagement you're looking for with a manual transmission. Luckily you can turn that off so if you really want to do...hit those heel toe downshifts on your own, you're more than welcome to turn off Active Rev Matching."

The 2023 Toyota GR Supra hits dealer lots soon and if your hand is raised for the A91 MT edition, be prepared to shell out just under 60-grand after destination charges.

And we’ll have plenty more coming up soon on MotorWeek.