I was discussing the GRC with my local salesman and he also thought it should be launched by the end of 2022. An automatic option will definitely widen the appeal as many folk have come to accept cars of the like of Golf R, RS3, A45 are auto(DCT) only but a ZF 8 speed is a great option.Heard another whisper the GRC will have an 8AT available in the future but not initially
I have been a manual only guy forever, Holden & RX7 V8's, GT86, Hiluxs etc, but I have to say the ZF in the Supra has changed my mind it is glorious & I seriously doubt the 6MT will bring anything to the Supra partybut a ZF 8 speed is a great option.
The joy of fluffing a gear change when you really need to get it right
the ability to shift from 5th to second and get the engine to throw its guts up The opportunity to chat to fellow owners about how the box mis shifts and it’s definitely not how you are using it The need to get the gbox oil up to temperature before it will change smoothly Etc and those are just a few that have read on here and the other place about the benefits of a manual box 
Not sure what make of automatic Mini and BMW use on the FWD vehicles but I’m pretty sure they are 8AT , possibly ZF
www.motoringfile.com
Most likely candidateExclusive: MINI’s New 8 Speed Automatic Transmission Revealed - MotoringFile
According to sources BMW had considered several options for MINI including the new ZF 9 speed and a dual clutch transmission. It would seem that the existing technical relationship between BMW/MINI and...
Aisin, Japanese so could very well end up in the GRC
I had a test drive in a Mini JCW 8AT and the box was fine , shifts very quickly, smooth and seemed well sorted in that applicationExclusive: MINI’s New 8 Speed Automatic Transmission Revealed - MotoringFile
According to sources BMW had considered several options for MINI including the new ZF 9 speed and a dual clutch transmission. It would seem that the existing technical relationship between BMW/MINI and...
Aisin, Japanese so could very well end up in the GRC
A manual may tempt some enthusiasts but I’m thinking that globally they would sell more autos than manuals
I’m guessing the ”On Sale” maybe means order books open with demo/showroom cars for dealers
Either way it’s getting closer to seeing what Toyota have come up with 
Toyota do seem to have perfected the art of “teasing” with its GR product launches
I’m sure it will be a cracking car if it does get the GRY drivetrain and make a proper alternative to a Golf R, AMG A35 etc. 
I’ve not heard anything that the GRC is not coming , local dealer was expecting to hear something by the year end , but with all the global supply chain issues dates are likely to drift. Toyota has a lot of more mainstream models coming through in 2022 which will be much bigger sales volumes and are likely to take priority.
