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An up-and-coming Toyota Supra GRMN prototype was caught undergoing testing at the Nürburgring, and it appears to be equipped with a manual transmission. The highly anticipated high-performance GRMN variation seems to be materializing, and although specific details are sparse at the moment, there are signs pointing to the inclusion of a manual gearbox akin to what the Nissan Z Nismo omitted.
In footage shared by CarSpyMedia on YouTube, a camouflaged Toyota Supra can be seen navigating around the Nürburgring and completing a few laps on the Nordschleife. Upon attentive listening to the Supra in full throttle, two distinct indicators suggest that this may indeed be a manual Supra: The gear shifts and the gear ratios.
Enthusiasts familiar with the manual Supra will recognize its elongated gear ratios, with the prototype in the video shifting only once, even on extended straights. That solitary shift is sufficient to capture the audible uptick in revs upon clutch engagement, the subsequent drop in revs, and the re-engagement of the clutch. Absent are the distinctive ZF eight-speed ignition-cut sounds often associated with upshifts. There’s no mistaking it—this Supra is equipped with a manual transmission.
Speculation abounds regarding the Supra GRMN, particularly concerning its powertrain. At present, the Supra offers two powertrain choices: The 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four B48 engine and the 382-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six known as the B58. Rumors suggest the Supra GRMN may feature the S58 engine sourced from the BMW M3, delivering 473 hp (or 503 hp in M3 Competition guise). Additionally, the prototype in the video attempts to conceal a new rear decklid, wing, and front bumper with integrated canards.
The Supra has established itself as a dominant force in U.S. track days and amateur time trials. Already impressively quick with basic modifications, adding 100 horsepower to the Supra would make it virtually unbeatable. Toyota, the time has come; unleash the GRMN.
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