Toyota produced and sold the MR2 line of two-seat, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports vehicles across three generations, from 1984 to 2007: W10 (19841989), W20 (19891999), and W30 (20002007). It is the first rear mid-engined production vehicle from Japan.
The MR2’s fundamental design features, which included fully independent MacPherson strut front and rear suspensions, four-wheel disc brakes, and an inline-four engine positioned transversely, were used to create a tiny, affordable, and sporty vehicle.
Either “mid-ship run-about 2-seater” or “mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater” are the meanings of the moniker MR2.
[2] Because “MR2” sounds like the expletive “Merde” when spoken in French, the car was renamed Toyota MR in French-speaking markets. [3]
In This Article...
What powerplant does the Toyota MR2 have?
At the 1983 Tokyo auto show, Toyota unveiled a brand-new mid-engine concept in response to the popularity of compact, reasonably priced mid-engine sports cars like the Porsche 914, Fiat X1/9, Lancia Scorpion, and even the Pontiac Fiero. The prototype, known as SV-3, was so carefully planned that hardly many revisions were needed before the Toyota MR2 (MR2 = Midship Rear-drive 2-seater) made its debut a year later. The engine, certain MacPherson strut suspension elements, and a lot of the switchgear in “Mister Two” were from Corolla models, yet despite being somewhat of a parts bin special, it was still a great driver’s car from the beginning. According to numerous reports, Lotus had finished fine-tuning their suspension, and none other than American Formula 1 and sports car racer and manufacturer Dan Gurney put prototypes through their paces.
The MR2 was essentially a low-cost exotic automobile with a 1.6-liter inline-four engine that produced 112 horsepower, 16 valves, dual cams, disc brakes all around, a five-speed manual transmission (a four-speed automatic was offered), and an optional but functional rear spoiler. In fact, the Ferrari 308 and the little Japanese sports vehicle were the subject of the cover story of Automobile magazine’s very first issue (which we later updated for the publication’s 30th anniversary). The curb weight was nearly 2,300 pounds, and the time from 0 to 60 mph was 8.4 seconds, almost on par with the Porsche 944 of the time. A well-driven MR2 could keep up with far more powerful and expensive cars down twisting backroads thanks to the little Toyota’s good handling characteristics and strong skid pad results.
Larger improvements were in store for 1987, although removable T-top glass roof panels were made optional for 1986. All MR2s got bigger brakes, new taillights, a new passenger-side vent, a renovated interior and new seats for that model year, and a new supercharged MR2 was made available. With a stronger version of the 4AGE engine block and transmission (which would also be utilized by naturally aspirated vehicles starting in 1987), this new intercooled, Roots-type supercharged model produced 145 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, supercharged vehicles also frequently had to have T-tops and other accessories that were mandated, adding an additional 2,500 lbs to the weight. Nevertheless, the speeds from 0 to 60 mph decreased to about 7.0 seconds. The larger engine lid vents and “Supercharged” badging on the rear and sides set these Supercharged MR2s apart from ordinary variants. With 96,666 sales in the United States and Canada, the Mk1 MR2’s production came to an end following the 1989 model year.
A Toyota MR2 is quick.
The Toyota Camry’s 2.2-liter inline-four engine produced 130 horsepower in the base Mk2. According to MotorTrend, customers might choose a 2.0-liter turbo engine, which is significantly more potent.
The Mk2 Turbo had a turbocharged engine authorized for racing instead of the Camry’s motor. Its 200 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque made it the quickest MR2 model that was offered. The Mk2 Turbo could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds when fitted with its engine. Comparatively, the standard 2.2-liter engine could reach 60 mph from 0 in 8.0 seconds.
The max speed of the Mk2 Turbo was likewise higher than that of previous MR2s. While other MR2 variants could reach speeds of 120 to 130 mph, it could reach 142 mph. Models with above 240 hp that were sold in Japan were unable to pass U.S. emissions tests, hence they were never driven on American soil.
How come Toyota stopped producing the MR2?
Due to waning sales, Toyota discontinued the MR2 in 2007. There just wasn’t enough demand to support continuing manufacture because consumer preferences had shifted, particularly among the younger group where the MR2 had historically been successful in obtaining sales.
The MR2’s death coincided with Toyota beginning to reduce production of the majority of its sports and performance cars in favor of more cost-effective models like the Prius and the rising popularity of crossovers like the RAV4. Think of the Toyota lineup from the 1990s (during the “peak era of the SW20 MR2). Toyota produced a number of high-performance vehicles, including the classic Supra MK4 and the crazy Celica GT-4.
Most of Toyota’s performance models had vanished by the time the final MR2 left the assembly line due to stricter environmental regulations as well as changing market preferences that were moving toward more economical and environmentally friendly vehicles like the Prius or SUVs/crossovers.
With the MK5 Supra, Yaris GR, and upcoming Corolla GR, Toyota has just recently begun to make a significant stride back toward performance driving (the Toyota 86 being the primary exception in the interim period).
Will Toyota bring the MR2 back now that they are producing performance vehicles once more? Possibly, rumors have been circulating for a while. You might have to wait a while for a new MR2, so for the time being you’ll have to buy one of the original models to sate your needs.
The MR2 has a buyer’s guide for each iteration, as luck would have it. To find out more, click on the links below.
What makes the MR2 so unique?
9 The MR2 Features a Classic Design The MR2 MK I won Japan’s Car of the Year awards in 1984 and 1985 in large part due to its striking styling. That classic style still today echoes the angular shapes, T-roofs, and best of all, pop-up headlights, which were so popular in the 1980s.
Do MR2s work well for drifting?
Active Member of MJG. While sideways in their limited angle with foot to floor, mr2s are very fast, which is great, but there isn’t much angle to be obtained before spinnage so they won’t be competitive at a high level.
How many more mr2s are there?
21) Less than 11,000 MR2 models (including legally provided and imports) are currently officially registered in the UK, according to the website How Many Left. 22) According to Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, “Three Brothers should be part of Toyota’s sports vehicle lineup.
Is driving the MR2 challenging?
The Toyota MR2 is so risky that it serves as an example of why sports car manufacturers should be cautious while creating their automobiles. The MR2 was adored by its fans for its performance, but its increased speed and power increased its risk. For inexperienced drivers, the MR2 proved challenging to operate due to its speed and power.
The MR2 was designed by Toyota to be a cost-effective sports car. Young drivers favored it because of its lower cost. Even the most basic safety features were missing from the MR2.
Are MR2 stylish?
The Toyota MR2 is a stylish and reasonably priced mid-engined sports car that was sold in three distinctly different incarnations.
Toyota has a lot of experience building quality sports cars. They are responsible for creating quite a few vintage and well-known sports vehicles over the years, a lot of them have left quite a mark on history. Some of those are now worth absurd sums of money as well.
But what happens when the head of Toyota gets a brilliant idea to build a mid-engine, reasonably priced sports car that handles as well as the best supercars and costs a fraction of the price, both to buy and to maintain? The MR2. The MR2 is an interesting sports car that is underappreciated.
Are MR2 trustworthy?
I’ve had five Toyota MR2s in the past ten years, all with different levels of upkeep and customization. All five of them were second-generation models with turbocharged engines and a handful with naturally aspirated engines (19911995 in the United States). All repairs and maintenance, with the exception of the times one of them needed bodywork, have been completed by me.
If you live in an area where the climate permits it, the Toyota MR2 is unquestionably capable of being a very enjoyable, dependable daily driver. Considering its age, it’s safe, cozy, and dependable (after all, it’s a Toyota). Compared to current autos, maintenance costs are also rather low.
You might want to give it more thought if you live somewhere that receives a lot of snow, like I do in Central New York. Any sports car should never be driven in the snow, let alone one that appears to be increasing in value. But aside from that, it’s a terrific idea to drive an MR2 every day.
Permit me to expand on a few of these ideas now:
Will the MR2 ever be reintroduced?
According to Spyder7, the revamped MR2 might make its appearance as early as 2024. However, to meet that deadline, the project would need to be in the planning stages already.
Matt Harrison, Executive Vice President of Sales at Toyota Motor Europe, stated in 2020 that the MR2’s revival was “not a priority” at the moment. While it puts a damper on this story, it has been proven that car executives in one region may not always be aware of what product planners in another are up to.
Does the MR2’s value increase?
The Toyota MR2 has always had more of a cult following and less of an all-encompassing fame than the legendary Japanese sports cars of the 1990s like the Nissan Skyline and Toyota Supra.
The second-generation MR2 (chassis code SW20), a bit more of a JDM dark horse from the 1990s, has remained a relative value despite its unconventional mid-engine layout, agile handling, and distinctive style influenced by Ferrari, all of which were constructed with Toyota’s exceptional quality.
Has the ideal time to purchase a SW20 passed due to the recent explosion in the price of 90s JDM vehicles, or will this special car continue to be a JDM bargain?
The value of Toyota MR2s will probably continue to rise in the future, but not as much as that of more well-known Japanese automobiles like the Supra, NSX, and RX7. The SW20 MR2 is a great deal in the collector car market thanks to its reasonable price, distinctive appearance, and performance numbers.
The MR2 is it a JDM?
The MR2’s journey begins with the quest to redefine what a decent car is, defying the established quo, just like many JDM legends.
Akio Yoshida, Toyota’s chief designer, was searching for the ideal compromise between fuel efficiency and unhindered driving enjoyment in 1979. He tested a number of ideas before settling on the first-generation MR2, which was Japan’s first mid-engine, tiny sports car.
For less money and with greater dependability than the exotics of the day, the 4A-GE engine-powered MR2 competed with them. The Celica, Supra, and MR2 together made up a powerful trio for Toyota that won over the hearts of car lovers all around the world.
Toyota produced the second-generation MR2, probably the most iconic model, in 1989, building on the success of the first-generation MR2.
With his beautiful MR2, Choo, the owner of this specimen, combines the cultures of two very distinct automotive worlds.