Hold the front page! A manual Toyota Supra is coming

Rejoice! Toyota has confirmed that a six-speed manual version of the Supra will land in European markets very soon, paired with the car’s 335bhp 3.0-litre engine.

It’s no bodge job either: rather than simply slot in an existing transmission, Toyota’s engineers have gone to great lengths to tailor the manual box to the Supra’s straight six.

The clutch has been re-engineered with a larger diameter and stronger spring to cope with the 369lb ft of torque, while the existing housing and driveshaft have been modified.

And thanks to the removal of various gubbins, a different audio system and new 19-inch alloys, you’re looking at a weight saving of almost 38.3kg against the automatic version. Not bad.

Even the interior has needed attention, with the centre console reconfigured to give enough clearance between the gear lever and the aircon controls.

Toyota says the transmission itself is of the ‘intelligent’ iMT variety, which “prioritises sporty performance” by optimising engine torque when the clutch is engaged and released during upshifts.

Other additions include a retuned suspension, a refettled Track mode “to allow for easy drifting”, and a temptingly named ‘Hairpin+’ function. Consider us intrigued.

You can still have the eight-speed auto if you prefer, in both standard and Pro guise as well as on the entry level 2.0-litre four-cylinder variant. Prices will be confirmed later this year, so stay tuned for more info when we get it.

TEXT Joe Holding