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Will Toyota ever again provide a manual transmission?
Since the Toyota GR Supra’s 2019 introduction without a manual transmission, people have been discussing the possibility of one. One was reportedly apparently on the way early this year, and Toyota has now formally confirmed it. For the 2023 model year, the GR Supra will certainly be offered with a manual transmission option.
The actual transmission has a six-speed manual ratio. It has rev-matching on downshifts, which is what Toyota means when it refers to it as a “intelligent manual transmission.” Although it may be turned off in Sport Mode, that function is enabled by default. We assume that when Toyota refers to the transmission as “newly developed,” they are referring to a previously used gearbox that has been tweaked and altered for the Supra.
All Supras with the 3.0-liter inline-six engine will have the new manual transmission option available from Toyota. That includes the Supra 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and a brand-new A91-MT Special Edition model for 2023. The A91-MT, which is limited to 500 vehicles, will have red accents, forged 19-inch Frozen Gunmetal Gray alloys, Alcantara shift knobs, and Cognac leather-trimmed seats.
At least for the time being, the four-cylinder Supra 2.0 won’t have a manual transmission option. If we were to speculate as to why, we might say that Toyota does not sell enough of them in comparison to the 3.0 to justify the effort of introducing one.
It makes perfect sense to offer a manual transmission option for the Supra. It probably ought to have had one from the beginning. The Supra is not a useful vehicle. It lacks aesthetic appeal. It’s not a vehicle for seeking out absolute lap records. The Supra is designed to captivate the driver, and manual transmissions typically do this significantly better. GR86 comes with a handbook. The GR Corolla hot hatch has a manual transmission. The Porsche 718 Cayman, the Supra’s primary adversary, has a stick shift. And the emerging Nissan Z agrees.
According to Toyota, the Supras with manual transmissions will be offered later in 2022. The cost will be made public this summer.
Toyota still produces stick shifts?
As you’re probably aware, the number of cars with manual transmissions on the market is decreasing rapidly. But that does not imply that none remain. While automatic vehicles are typically more efficient today, manual vehicles can no longer be relied upon to save money at the gas pump. A vehicle with three pedals is unmatched for a specific segment of the population, including many of us at MotorTrend.
The only Lotus entry has left the field, and Nissan’s updated sports vehicle joins the analog team as some of the changes to this roster for 2022. We also bid the famous VW Golf farewell in 2021, at least in America. Aston Martin has decided to eliminate the manual from its forthcoming lineup, and the everyday Hyundai Veloster was killed off and is now only available in N form. Finally, for the 2022 model year, the manual transmission has been eliminated from the Genesis G70, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Soul. Thankfully, there are still holdouts left; continue reading to see where you can still work out your left foot.
BMW M3 and M4
Even though the new kidney grilles on these cars have generated controversy, the 2022 BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe at least come standard with six-speed manual transmissions. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine producing 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque is the source of both drivers’ sticks.
Chevrolet Spark
Given the current obsession with SUVs, it’s a surprise that this tiny car is still in production, but what’s even stranger is that it has a manual transmission. A stick shift is a standard feature on the Spark LS base model and is an option on all other models. This includes the top-of-the-line 2LT, crossover-like Activ, and better-equipped 1LT. The 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the hatchback has a meager 98 horsepower, which won’t motivate you to conquer a backroad.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Before switching to electric vehicles, Cadillac released two incredible vehicles, one of which being the CT4-V Blackwing. This performance sedan has a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine with 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque under the hood. It uses a six-speed manual transmission that is fighting the good fight to transfer that power to the rear wheels. In terms of acceleration, Caddy claims that this little powerhouse can reach 60 mph in a respectable 4.1 seconds.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
One of the best sports sedans on the market and one of the best we’ve ever driven is Cadillac’s CT5-V Blackwing. And even better, a six-speed manual transmission is included as standard. Wonderful CT5-V Blackwing The CT4-V and CT5-V also come in less powerful, non-Blackwing versions. These vehicles are powered by 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V-8 engines that produce an astounding 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac boasts that it can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds. The CT5-V is a threatened species in a world where SUVs and automatic gearboxes are the norm.
Chevrolet Camaro
No matter which Camaro engine you choose, or whether you choose a coupe or a convertible, Chevy offers a manual transmission. That implies a Camaro with a manual transmission could be powered by a 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 455 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V-8 with 455 horsepower, a 3.6-liter V-6 with 335 horsepower, or a 6.2-liter V-8 with 650 horsepower.
Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger still offers a six-speed manual transmission with all of its available powertrains, including the 717-hp SRT Hellcat, 485-hp Challenger R/T Scat Pack, and 372-hp Challenger R/T.
Ford Bronco
Ford is one of the few automakers that still offers a manual option on a variety of vehicles, such as the 2022 Ford Bronco, which is available in four trim levels, including the base model, Big Bend, Black Diamond, and Badlands, and comes standard with a seven-speed manual (really a six-speed unit with an extremely low crawl ratio marked “C”). Currently, there is only one option with a manual and a 2.3-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. However, you can select a body design with two or four doors.
Ford Mustang
It is reasonable to say that the manual transmission in the Mustang will endure. On EcoBoost and GT versions, a 10-speed automatic is an available, but a six-speed manual transmission is the standard. The Mustang Mach 1 has replaced the GT350 and, of course, gives customers the opportunity to row their own.
Honda Civic
Stick-shifters will need to seek to the Sport and Sport Touring hatchback for their fill among the normal Civic selection because the coupe variant has been removed for the 11th generation Honda Civic. However, this selection also includes the brand-new Civic Si sedan, which pairs a six-speed with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four to produce 200 horsepower. The Civic Type R is now undergoing a facelift for 2023, and there is no question that it will offer a manual transmission as well.
Hyundai Elantra
With the Elantra N Line, Hyundai sharpens its competitive edge while staring the Volkswagen Jetta GLI square in the face. The 276-hp Elantra N, which comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission and a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, might persuade some GLI customers to visit a Hyundai dealership.
Hyundai Veloster N
The choices available to you if you’re looking for a tiny hatchback are constrained. Fortunately, the Veloster N is still in production despite the Veloster 2.0, 2.0 Premium, R-Spec, Turbo, and Ultimate models being formally discontinued. The super-fun hatchback has a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine that produces 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The stock transmission is a six-speed manual.
Jeep Gladiator
The Toyota Tacoma and the Jeep Gladiator are the final two midsize pickup trucks with manual transmissions that are fighting for their lives. The Jeep’s 3.6-liter V-6 engine, which produces 285 horsepower, is connected to a six-speed gearbox.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler’s 285-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, just like the Gladiator. The same holds true for vehicles with two and four doors. You’re limited to an automatic transmission if the Wrangler’s 270-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, 260-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6, 375-hp gasoline-electric hybrid, or brutal 392 V-8 are on your radar.
Kia Forte
The Kia Forte, one of the few remaining compact cars on the market with a manual option, received minor changes for 2022. The GT Manual, as its name suggests, is the only trim featuring a six-speed manual transmission. It has a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine as standard, which produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Mazda 3
You’ll need to get into the driver’s seat of a front-wheel-drive hatchback with the luxurious Premium package if you want a 2022 Mazda 3. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine’s 186 horsepower is just enough to make the six-speed manual transmission it is equipped with extra entertaining.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Since its 1989 introduction, the Miata has grown to be the best-selling sports car marque in history. While there are convertible soft-top and retractable hardtop options, the 2.0-liter I-4 powering all Miata variants produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. When a six-speed is so much fun, why would anyone choose the automatic?
Mini Hardtop and Convertible
The Mini has experienced its fair share of special editions throughout the years and has developed to encompass a range of body types. The Mini is a fun little driver’s car, whether it has two or four doors, a Hardtop, or a drop-top Convertible. The Cooper trim’s 134-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine or the Cooper S model’s 189-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine are both paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission. The 228-hp John Cooper Works trim, available in two-door Hardtop form with a stick gearbox, is an option for those seeking extra power.
Mini Clubman
If a four-door Mini Hardtop isn’t big enough for your needs, the roomier Clubman might be the better option. Alternatively, there is the comparably sized Countryman, but Mini’s crossover lacks an available manual transmission. The front-drive Cooper S Clubman, which has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 189 horsepower, is the only Mini with a six-speed transmission.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The subcompact hatchback Mitsubishi Mirage, a largely unnoticed model among new cars, is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. It is unusual but not really good.
Nissan Versa
One of the most affordable vehicles on the market right now comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission: the Nissan Versa S. Although the majority of the lineup has a continuously variable automatic transmission, the base Versa’s 122 horsepower is best utilized with a manual transmission.
Nissan Z
The 2023 Nissan Z debuts a seventh generation and adopts a fresh look for the modern day, dropping the numeral component of its emblem to be known simply as “Z.” A six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching is standard, as we would anticipate from a svelte sports car. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with a gearbox attached produces an astonishing 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman
There are unquestionably very few, if any, better automatic transmissions than Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch system. We adore the fact that Porsche continues to offer its two mid-engine sports cars with the brand’s equally superb manual transmission. All 718 Boxster and Cayman models, including the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder, come standard with a six-speed stick.
Porsche 911
The most recent 911 nevertheless provides lots of options for stick shift enthusiasts, even though it may not be as strong a supporter of manual transmissions as 911s from the past. On versions like the Targa 4S, which features standard all-wheel drive and 443 horsepower from its 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, Porsche provides a seven-speed transmission as an option. The Carrera S and Carrera GTS are further grades that come with manuals.
Subaru BRZ
For the 2022 model year, both the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86’s near relative have undergone extensive redesigns. The adorable little BRZ rear-drive sports car continues to come with a six-speed manual transmission that is mated to a new 2.4-liter flat-four engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, up 23 horsepower and 28 lb-ft from the previous generation. In addition, it receives various internal and aesthetic improvements and a stiffer chassis.
Subaru Crosstrek
It’s understandable why some editors actually purchased one for regular use because this subcompact SUV walks the line between a tall hatchback and a small SUV quite effectively. Subaru offers a six-speed manual transmission for the Crosstrek with the 152 horsepower 2.0 liter flat-four engine as standard.
Subaru Impreza
As you might expect, the majority of Subarus come with a continuously variable automatic transmission, but if changing gears is more your thing, an Impreza sedan or hatchback with a five-speed manual transmission could help you make the most of the 2.0-liter flat-modest four’s power.
Subaru WRX and WRX STI
For the 2022 model year, the venerable Subaru WRX has undergone a thorough redesign that includes a divisive exterior makeover and an updated interior with a more premium aesthetic. The new 2022 Subaru WRX and WRX STI are powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four. With 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in WRX form, the engine has comparable specs to the outgoing model. Despite not seeming noticeably faster during our initial drive, the new WRX performed admirably all around. The upcoming WRX STI ought to have at least 310 horsepower, but there are rumors that it might have much more. The WRX and WRX STI will still be available with standard all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, however that is one element that hasn’t altered.
Toyota GR86
The fundamental issue we had with the first-generation modelnamely, its lack of power and, more importantly, torquewas resolved by the Toyota GR86. A substantial improvement over the 2.0-liter flat-four engine it replaces, the new 2.4-liter flat-four engine from Subaru delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Of course, a six-speed manual transmission is an option for driving the rear wheels. Similar to its Subaru BRZ brother, the GR86 received a number of other upgrades, such as increased structural strength, aesthetic appeal, and interior usefulness.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota offers a row-it-yourself gearbox in the Corolla sedan and hatchback to gratify stick-shift enthusiasts. The Toyota Corolla, the all-time best-selling auto brand, is available with a six-speed manual transmission on a number of variants, including the sporty Apex Edition powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower.
Toyota Tacoma
The more potent 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that comes with the 2022 Toyota Tacoma’s manual transmission makes it an appealing choice. But if you want a six-speed manual Tacoma pickup, you’ll have to choose one with four-wheel drive, such as the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, or TRD Pro.
Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R
The standard VW Golf in America will be discontinued in 2021, although the Golf GTI and Golf R have already debuted. The 2.0-liter turbo-four used in the eighth-generation GTI is now rated at 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 21 horsepower and 15 lb-ft from the previous model year. Although us cool kids would choose the manual, buyers can choose between a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a manual transmission. Step into the R’s 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque for the most potent Golf ever made.
Volkswagen Jetta
The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine used in the Volkswagen Taos has been transferred to the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta. The result is that the sporty sedan now has 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque and comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The 228-hp Jetta GLI, which has a stick shift as the standard gearbox, would be of interest to those seeking more power.