The ultimate JDM sports car! 2022 Toyota Supra coming with a manual gearbox to stick it to Nissan Z

Toyota has confirmed a long-rumoured manual gearbox for its popular Supra sports car, which will give the model more enthusiast appeal.

Until now, the Supra has been available exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission as it shares its engine, gearbox and underpinnings with the BMW Z4.

However, the three-pedal Supra will feature a manual that is “newly developed” and will “offer a unique dynamic experience while meeting the demand of driving purists”, according to Toyota.

No further specifics have been revealed on the new model, but Toyota says “detailed information will be provided in the coming weeks”.

Curiously, the Z4 was available with a six-speed manual gearbox in base 2.0-litre four-cylinder form (now discontinued), but it appears the Supra will pair the do-it-yourself shifter with a six-cylinder petrol engine.

For reference, the current automatic-only Supra punches out 285kW/500Nm to the rear wheels thanks to a BMW-sourced 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, good for a 0-100km/h acceleration time in 4.1 seconds.

Recent rumours have also indicated a new flagship Supra variant is in the works and will be badged as a full-fat GRMN.

This mooted version could borrow the BMW M3’s potent 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and produce as much as 375kW to blow away competition from the V8-powered Ford Mustang and upcoming Nissan Z.

Drive is also said to be sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while reworked aero and carbon-fibre components are likely to enhance its handling characteristics.

Of note, the Supra isn’t the only Japanese-branded sports coupe with a manual gearbox, as the Nissan Z will be offered with three pedals in base form, and features a 285kW/475Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.

Subaru’s BRZ, Mazda’s MX-5 and the Toyota GR86 are all also available with a manual, though they feature less power at a more affordable price point.