It's safe to say that the Toyota Supra has been a success for the Japanese marque in North America, and with Toyota expanding the range for the 2021 model year, the sports car's popularity is set to grow. The big news is that Toyota now offers a new 2.0-liter turbo four-pot while the 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder has been upped to 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. If that's still not enough, aftermarket tuner Manhart will be happy to oblige with a newly announced upgrade for the Supra.
Manhart is known for tuning BMWs, and its latest package takes outputs for the Supra - which shares an engine with the BMW Z4 - all the way up to 450 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, increases of 34 and 31 percent, respectively, over the 2020 Toyota GR Supra. Those are seriously healthy outputs for the Supra, which is around 60 lbs lighter than the Z4.
The increased outputs are thanks to a Manhart MHtronik Powerbox and ECU remapping and, although no performance figures are claimed, we've already seen the standard Supra do 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. So, it's entirely plausible that the Manhart Supra GR 450 can do the same run in around 3.5 seconds, if not quicker. In the video below, Manhart takes a 482-hp version of its Supra for a test drive, enough to hear the sweet inline-six sing.
Speaking of exhaust notes, the Manhart upgrade also adds a stainless steel exhaust system with valve control. For owners wanting to remove the catalytic converter, Manhart offers its Emulator Control Module (ECM) Deleter, too. The underpinnings also get an upgrade, with either a KW variant 3 suspension or lowering springs by H&R. As with the stock model, the eight-speed automatic gearbox remains in place.
Outside, there is no mistaking the Manhart Supra GR 450 for the factory model. It looks much more aggressive with additions like 20-inch Concave One wheels with a diamond polish finish, although they can be had in a silk matte black finish. The red/grey decals look fantastic against the black paint, with a red stripe running around the lower body completing the look.
The cabin has been left stock, although customers can request an individually configurable interior. We wouldn't change too much in there, although a sportier steering wheel that looks like it wasn't lifted from a Corolla would be nice. Otherwise, this is a fantastic upgrade on one of our favorite sports coupes, and further distances the Supra from the BMW Z4 for Toyota enthusiasts who find the collaboration a bit too cozy. Manhart's brochure indicates that the power upgrade alone will go for around $2,650, while the complete Supra GR 450 is listed for sale on the website at $68,460 (around $74,500).