Toyota GRMN Supra spotted at Nurburgring: Possibly a manual transmission

Hopped-up Supra prototype testing at Nurburgring makes people wonder about its transmission.

An alleged Toyota GRMN Supra has been spotted testing at the Nurburgring, and it’s generating excitement among sports car enthusiasts. While it’s challenging to discern all the changes from a distance, onlookers at the trackside have captured footage suggesting the presence of a manual gearbox.

The transmission in question appears to be a six-speed manual, an option available in the current Supra range alongside the eight-speed automatic. The driver was seen maneuvering through the Nurburgring with apparent precision, which raised the possibility of a manual transmission. However, some shifts appeared less aggressive than the typical eight-speed automatic shifts. It’s important to consider that Nurburgring testing covers various aspects of vehicle performance and dynamics, so the mode in which the car was being driven could affect shift behavior.

While Toyota hasn’t officially confirmed this as a GRMN (Gazoo Racing Masters of the Nürburgring) variant, certain cues, such as the wing and front canards, suggest an upgraded version. Notably, Toyota’s special editions with such enhancements were not typically spotted during Nurburgring testing ahead of their official unveiling.

The prototype in the video is fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on 19-inch alloy wheels. The front wheels feature larger, cross-drilled brake discs and sizeable calipers reminiscent of those used on the BMW X3 M. Such high-performance brakes would align with expectations for a GRMN Supra.

Under the hood, it’s anticipated that the Toyota GRMN Supra will house the BMW M-tuned S58 engine, also found in models like the M2, M3, and M4. The exact state of tune for this engine remains undisclosed. Some observers claim to hear the B58 engine, while others suggest the more potent M4 engine. Confirmation of the powertrain will have to wait until Toyota officially unveils the vehicle. However, visual cues, such as the front splitter, side-mounted canards reminiscent of the GT4 Evo racecar, and an adjustable wing, indicate a performance-oriented model is in development.