Toyota’s decision to reintroduce a manual transmission for its GR Supra has paid off in 2024, with the clutch-pedal version of the iconic sports car experiencing a significant rise in sales. The manual variant now accounts for 65% of total Supra sales in the U.S., marking a notable increase from 43% in 2023. However, while the numbers are impressive, the overall Supra sales remain modest when compared to Toyota’s broader product lineup.
A Shift Toward Manual
The 2024 GR Supra saw a surge in manual transmission models, with 65% of the 2,615 Supras sold in the U.S. featuring a six-speed gearbox. That translates to approximately 1,700 manual Supras hitting the road, compared to 1,140 units sold in 2023. This uptick reflects a growing enthusiasm for driving engagement, especially as enthusiasts increasingly seek out more traditional sports car experiences in a world dominated by automatic gearboxes.
Interestingly, Toyota’s decision to end production of the four-cylinder, automatic-only base model partway through 2024 may have also influenced the shift toward manuals. The discontinuation of the four-cylinder variant allowed the brand to focus on more performance-oriented models with the manual option, likely boosting overall demand for the clutch-pedal Supra.
Though Toyota’s Supra sales remain relatively small in the context of its entire U.S. portfolio—especially when compared to the 6,391 vehicles Toyota sells per day—it’s clear that enthusiasts still have a strong affinity for manual transmissions. Given that many modern sports cars have abandoned the manual gearbox entirely, the Supra’s decision to maintain this option serves as a nod to purists who value driving in its most raw form.
GR86 and Tacoma Also Embrace Manuals
While the GR Supra’s manual transmission success is noteworthy, it’s not the only Toyota model where stick-shift cars are gaining traction. The GR86, Toyota’s lightweight sports coupe, experienced a similar wave of manual demand in 2024. A remarkable 53% of the 11,426 GR86s sold were equipped with the manual transmission, amounting to 6,056 units. This high take rate demonstrates that driving enthusiasts continue to prioritize the tactile feedback and control provided by a manual gearbox, particularly in smaller, performance-oriented cars.
The manual transmission also made a modest showing in Toyota’s truck lineup, with the Tacoma offering a manual option that accounted for 2% of its sales. Despite this being a small percentage of the total 192,813 Tacoma units sold, the 3,856 manual Tacomas reflect a dedicated fan base among truck buyers who appreciate the connection and control offered by a stick-shift.
What’s Next for the Supra?
Despite the success of the manual Supra in 2024, questions remain about the future of the model. Toyota recently announced the “Final Edition” Supra for Japan and Europe, which features more power, upgraded suspension, and the six-speed manual as the only transmission option. While Toyota hasn’t provided specifics about what’s next for the Supra in the U.S., the conclusion of the Supra’s mechanical twin, the BMW Z4, raises speculation that the current-generation Supra could be nearing the end of its lifecycle.
Hints about a potential Mk6 Supra have been circulating, with enthusiasts hoping that Toyota will continue to offer a pure, driver-focused sports car for the future. As the manual transmission continues to find favor among sports car buyers, it’s likely that Toyota will continue to offer the manual option as a staple of the Supra lineup, keeping the flame of driving enthusiasts alive.
For now, 2024 has proven that, at least for some buyers, the Supra is far more than just a high-performance machine—it’s a tribute to the lost art of driving.
