Toyota MR2

Toyota MR2
Overview
Manufacturer	Central Motors (part of the Toyota Motor Corporation)
Production	1984–2007
Assembly	Sagamihara, Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Layout	Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive

The Toyota MR2 is a two-seat, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car manufactured in Japan and marketed globally by Toyota from 1984-2007 over three generations: W10 (1984–1989), W20 (1990–1999) and W30 (2000–2007).

Conceived as a small, economical and sporty car, the MR2 employed straight-forward design elements, including MacPherson strut front and rear suspensions and transverse-mounted inline-four engines.

The name MR2 stands for either "mid-ship, run-about, 2-seater" or "mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater.

Origins

The MR2 derived from a 1976 Toyota design project with the goal of a car which would be enjoyable to drive, yet still provide good fuel economy — not necessarily a sports car. Design work began in 1979 when Akio Yoshida from Toyota's testing department started to evaluate alternatives for engine placement and drive method, finalizing a mid-transverse engine placement. Toyota called the 1981 prototype SA-X.

From its original design, the car evolved into a sports car, and further prototypes were tested both in Japan and in California. Significant testing was performed on race circuits including Willow Springs, where former Formula One driver Dan Gurney tested the car.

All three generations were in compliance with Japanese Government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement. The MR2 appeared around the same time as the Honda CR-X, the Mazda Miata, the Nissan EXA, the VW Scirocco and Fiat X1/9 from Europe, and the Pontiac Fiero and Ford EXP from North America.

Toyota debuted its SV-3 concept car in October 1983 at the Tokyo Motor Show, gathering press and the audience publicity. The car, scheduled for a Japanese launch in the second quarter of 1984 under the name MR2, was to become the first mass-produced mid-engined car from a Japanese manufacturer.

In France the MR2 name was shortened to MR to avoid the similarity in pronunciation of MR2 with the French words est merdeux, meaning "(it) is shitty".

First generation (W10; 1984–1989)

W10
Overview
Production	June 1984–1989
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L 3A-LU I4 (AW10) 1.6 L 4A-GE DOHC I4 (AW11) 1.6 L 4A-GZE supercharged I4 (AW11)
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,319 mm (91.3 in)
Length	3,950 mm (155.5 in)
Width	1,666 mm (65.6 in)
Height	1,234 mm (48.6 in)
Curb weight	1,066 kg (2,350 lb) (1988 NA) 1,131 kg (2,493 lb) (1988 SC)

1986 MR2 AW11 in Light Blue Metallic

Toyota introduced the first-generation MR2 in 1984, designating it the model code "W10". When fitted with the 1.5-liter 3A engine, it was known as the "AW10". Likewise, the 1.6-liter 4A version is identified by the "AW11" code.

In Japan, the MR2 was marketed exclusively via Toyota's Vista Stores, rebranded in 1998 as Toyota Netz Store). At its introduction in 1984, the MR2 won the Car of the Year Japan.

As Toyota engineered the MR2 to accommodate a 2-liter engine, its primary features included its light body (as low as 2,095 lb (950 kg) in Japan and 2,350 lb (1066 kg) in the US), strong handling and lightly powered, small-displacement engine. The car is often referred to as the AW11, referring to the chassis code of the most common 1.6-litre, A-engined versions.

The MR2's suspension and handling were designed by Toyota with the help of Lotus engineer Roger Becker. Toyota's cooperation with Lotus during the prototype phase can be seen in the AW11, and it owes much to Lotus's sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s. Toyota's active suspension technology called TEMS was not installed. With five structural bulkheads, the MR2 was quite heavy for a two-seater of its size.

Toyota employed the naturally aspirated 4A-GE 1,587 cc inline-four engine, a dual overhead-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder motor, borrowed from the E80 series Corolla. This engine was also equipped with DENSO electronic port fuel injection and a variable intake geometry ("T-VIS"), giving the engine a maximum power output of 112 hp (84 kW) in the US, 128 hp (95 kW) in the UK, 116 or 124 PS (85 or 91 kW; 114 or 122 hp) in Europe (with or without catalytic converter), 118 hp (88 kW) in Australia and 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) in Japan. Japanese models were later downrated to 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp). The engine had already been introduced earlier on the AE86 Corolla, gathering a lot of positive publicity. A five-speed manual transmission was standard and a four-speed automatic was optional.

Road tests delivered 0-60 mph times in the mid- to high-8 second range, and 1/4 mile times in the mid- to high-16 second range, significantly faster than the four-cylinder Pontiac Fiero or Fiat X1/9. In the home market, the AW10 base model was offered, which used the more economical 1452 cc 3A-U engine rated at .

In 1986 (1988 for the US market), Toyota introduced a supercharged engine for the MR2. Based on the same block and head, the 4A-GZE was equipped with a small Roots-type supercharger and a Denso intercooler. T-VIS was eliminated and the compression ratio was lowered to 8:1. It produced and and accelerated the small car from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 6.5 to 7.0s. The supercharger was belt-driven but actuated by an electromagnetic clutch, so that it would not be driven except when needed, increasing fuel economy. Curb weight increased to as much as for supercharged models, due to the weight of the supercharger equipment and a new, stronger transmission. A fuel selector switch was also added in some markets, to allow the car to run on regular unleaded if required to. In addition to the new engine, the MR2 SC was also equipped with stiffer springs, and received special "tear-drop" aluminium wheels. The engine cover had two raised vents (only one of which was functional) that visually distinguished it from the naturally aspirated models. It was also labeled "Supercharged" on the rear trunk and body mouldings behind both doors. This model was never offered in European or Australian markets, although some cars were privately imported.

Changes by year

1986

• Supercharged model introduced in Japan, offered with four-speed A/T or five-speed M/T
• T-bar roof option available in Japan
• Revised transmission
• Color-keyed bumpers, side stripes, side skirts available
• Leather interior becomes an option outside of Japan
• Rear anti-roll bar discontinued on North American models
• Slight unibody changes in Japan
• Revised rear suspension and larger brake rotors in Japan
• New front lip and front bumper for Japanese models
• New tail lights for Japanese models
• Air filter relocated to the trunk
• New center console, door panels, steering wheel, gauge cluster markings, and seat colors

1987

1987 or 1988 W10 with T-bar roof

• All 1986 model year changes now available outside of Japan
• T-bar roof available in North America and Europe
• New tail lights for North America
• Naturally aspirated 4A-GE rated at in America

1988

• Supercharged model available in North America

A 1986 model Toyota MR2 (AW11)

Cockpit in 1985 model MR2

1989

• T-bar glass panels changed from smoked (clear) to mirrored (opaque)
• Incandescent third brake lamp replaced by LED strip integrated into the rear spoiler
• More aerodynamic wing mirrors introduced, with optional power retract mechanism
• North American supercharged models equipped with rear anti-roll bar

Reception

American car magazines Road & Track and Car and Driver both chose the MR2 on their lists of ten best cars. The Australian Wheels magazine chose the 1988 MR2 as its favourite sports car. The MR2 was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1985. The MR2 was also on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1986 and 1987. In 2004, Sports Car International ranked the MR2 number eight on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.

In January 1989 Toyota produced a final run of fully optioned "Super Edition" MR2s. The 'Super Edition' included all the extras of the G-Limited models along with extra features such as a MOMO-commissioned steering wheel and gear knob, Recaro "Milano" seats with matching door panels, and "SUPER EDITION" decals on the rear visor and side stripes). Super Edition cars were sold in special Midnight Blue or white/gold two-tone paint; 270 were produced in each color.

Toyota 222D rally car

A black Toyota 222D rally car

While Toyota's front-engine, rear-drive Celica rally cars proved dominant in the African Group B rallies of the 1980s, they were at a disadvantage on the twistier European stages. Thus, in 1985 Toyota Team Europe started a rally project codenamed "222D" based on the MR2, for competition in Group S and potentially Group B as well. Though somewhat similar on the outside, it's clear that it shared very little with the production car. Little is known about this project because it never competed. With Group B cancelled in 1986, the proposed Group S regulations suffered the same fate, and the car was reduced to a museum piece.

During a surprise appearance at the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Toyota drove and displayed a black 222D. The race-ready car weighed around and its transverse-mounted, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine (what appears to be a 503E race engine, though other prototypes may have used the 4T-GTE) was reported to produce as much as . A V6-powered prototype was also rumored to exist, but has never been seen in public.

Second generation (W20; 1989–1999)

W20
Overview
Production	1989–August 1999
Designer	Kazutoshi Arima Tadashi Nakagawa (roadster)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé or T-top
Layout	Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L 5S-FE I4 (SW21) 2.0 L 3S-GE I4 (SW20) 2.0 L 3S-GTE turbo I4 (SW20)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length	4,171 mm (164.2 in)
Width	1,699 mm (66.9 in)
Height	1,234 mm (48.6 in)
Curb weight	2,782lbs (1,262 kg) (1991T T-top); 2,599lbs (1,179 kg) (1991NA)

The MR2 went through a redesign in 1989 (though North America did not receive them until late 1990 as 1991 models). The new car was larger, weighed 350 to 400 pounds (160 to 180 kg) more than its predecessor and received more rounded, streamlined styling.

• Japanese market trim levels:

1. G with an NA 2.0L 3S-GE engine producing 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp); with an A/T standard and an optional M/T. The G was the base model of the SW20 line-up. Standard features included: climate control, electric mirrors, and fabric door/seat trim.
2. G-Limited with the NA 2.0L 3S-GE engine; an A/T was standard or an M/T was optional. The G-Limited was the higher-specification naturally aspirated SW20. Additional standard features: electric folding mirrors, steering fog lamps, and rear spoiler.
3. GT-S with a turbocharged 2.0L 3S-GTE engine producing 221 PS (163 kW; 218 hp); an M/T was the only choice. The GT-S had the same standard features as the G-Limited.
4. GT with the turbocharged 2.0L 3S-GTE engine and manual transmission. The GT was considered as the luxury specification in the SW20 line-up and had alcantera/leather door and seat trim in addition to G-Limited standard features. All Japanese market cars came equipped with electronic climate control featuring 2 stage air conditioning.

• European market trim levels:

1. Coupe with the NA 2.0L 3S-FE engine producing 138 hp (103 kW) (not available with T-bar roof). This model had no rear spoiler or front fog lights
2. GT Coupe with the NA 2.0L 3S-GE engine producing .
3. GT T-Bar with the NA 2.0L 3S-GE engine. Options included as standard were full leather seats/door cards and the premium 8 speaker audio system.

There were no turbo models officially offered to the European market; however, many Japanese models were sold via the grey market.

• US market trim levels:

1. MR2 with a NA 2.2L 5S-FE engine producing 130 hp (97 kW) and offered with a four-speed A/T or five-speed M/T.
2. MR2 Turbo with a turbocharged 2.0L 3S-GTE engine producing 200 hp (149 kW), offered only with a 5-speed M/T (offered solely with the T-bar roof after early 1993).

Differences between the normally aspirated and turbocharged models include the "turbo" emblem (US) on the rear trunk, 'TWIN CAM 16 TURBO' decal above the side intake (Japanese market), a fiberglass engine lid with raised vents, fog lights, and an added interior center storage compartment located between the two seats. All SW20 MR2s came with a staggered wheel setup, with wider wheels and tires in the rear than in the front.

Mechanical differences on the Turbo models include:

• 3S-GTE engine with associated air-to-air intercooler and different exhaust configuration;
• Stronger and heavier E153 gearbox with different ratios and stronger axles;
• Larger fuel pump and radiator.
• Models with 3S-GE and 3S-GTE engines had twin-piston front brake calipers. Models with the 5S-FE engine had only single-piston calipers.

The US market MR2 Turbo model was able to accelerate from 0–60 in 6.1 seconds and finish the 1/4 mile in 14.7 seconds.

A Japanese market 1995 rev3 GT turbo was timed by Best Motoring at 14.227 seconds in the 1/4 mile.

Toyota MR2 (US)

1992 MK-II REV2 Toyota MR2 SW20

1994 MK-II Toyota MR2 SW20

Revisions and model year changes

The second-generation MR2 underwent a variety of changes during its 10 years of production, grouped in four different periods:

Jan-1992 (as the 1993 model year) to Oct-1993 (Revision 2):

• Fitment of a catalytic converter, lowering the power to 156 Bhp
• Revised rear suspension with longer toe links
• Revised front suspension which removed castor angle adjustment
• Larger front lip
• 15-inch wheels and wider tires on all models (Front: 195/55/15, Rear: 225/50/15)
• Larger brakes (turbo only in US market, All cars for Japanese and European markets)
• Shorter shift lever and smaller knob
• Viscous LSD option (turbo only)
• Upgraded transmission synchronizers
• US turbo models now only sold with T-bar roof (except for a few sold in early 1993)
• EBFD and TC added as options on Japanese market models

Nov-1993 and later (as 1994 & 1995 model year) (Japanese market Revision 3):

• European & Japanese market 3S-GE now rated at 173 Bhp
• American market 5S-FE now rated at 135 hp (101 kW)
• Japanese market 3S-GTE now rated at 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp)
• Round tail lights
• Prior 3-piece rear wing replaced with revised one-piece
• Color-coded center panel, front lip and side skirts.
• Passenger airbag (not available for the Japanese market)
• Viscous LSD added as standard in Japanese market Turbo models
• Japanese market E153 gearbox revised with upgraded synchros
• Cruise control no longer an option on Japanese market models
• Upgrades made to ABS system, which now induced an acceleration sensor located behind the gear stick
• Upgrades to electronic power steering system (EHPS) to boost assist at low speeds and reduce assist at high speeds
• Strengthening pieces added to rear strut towers
• American sales cease in 1995; turbo models are not offered in California-emission states after 1994

1996 (Revision 4):

• Fender mounted turn signals on all models
• 5 spoke alloys featured diamond cut faces
• Passenger airbag added as an option in Japanese market
• Revisions to ABS system
• European 3S-GE down-rated to 168 Bhp due to the introduction of EGR.
• Unavailable in North America

1998 (Revision 5):

• Clear fender mounted turn signals
• New 15-inch wheels featuring narrower spokes
• Adjustable rear spoiler, revised from the earlier versions
• Red rings around gauges, red stitching on leather shift knob (and on leather seats on turbos)
• Japan receives the new BEAMS 3S-GE rated at 200 PS (150 kW; 200 hp)

Changes to the suspension geometry, tire sizes and power steering in Jan of 1992 (as the 93 model year) were made in response to journalist reports that the MR2 was prone to "snap-oversteer". As a counterpoint to the snap-oversteer phenomenon of the MR2, other journalists point out that most mid-engine and rear engine sports and super cars exhibit similar behaviour, and that a change to the driver's response to oversteer is really the solution. In any car, braking shifts the weight forward, and acceleration to the rear. When drivers enter a corner with too much speed, and lift the throttle mid-corner, the weight transfers forward causing the rear tires to lose traction (called lift-off oversteer), which can result in a spin. When improper steering inputs were made attempting to correct this non-power-on oversteer, the rear of the MR2 would swing one way, then wildly (and quickly) the other—thus the term "snap" oversteer. Toyota elected to change the MR2 suspension and tires to reduce the likelihood that this would occur, though many drivers would lament the change and claim that it "neutered" the sharp edge the MR2 was known for. Toyota claimed that the changes were made "for drivers whose reflexes were not those of Formula One drivers."

TRD2000GT

TRD2000GT. Note the wider, more aggressive stance.

In 1998, Toyota Racing Development offered an official kit body conversion and tuning program for MR2 owners to transform their existing SW20 MR2 into a wide-body TRD2000GT replica car. This was to pay homage to the TRD2000GT wins in the GT-C Japanese racing series, since the TRD2000GT racing series cars were based on the SW20 floor pan. The TRD2000GT body kit widened the MR2 by a total of 102 mm (4 in). Prior to MR2s being fitted with the TRD2000GT body kit, TRD had its customers select which additional engine, suspension, wheel, and interior upgrades they wanted. For these reason, no two TRD2000GT MR2s are alike. It is rumored that at least one was built to produce up to whereas some others had few modifications to their engines. Surprisingly, not all TRD2000GT MR2s were turbocharged. For example, TRD2000GT #001 came with a naturally aspirated 2.2L engine.

In order to ensure exclusivity, a high price tag was charged and total of just 35 factory car conversions were completed by Toyota Technocraft Ltd. Each official Technocraft-converted car was made using lightweight fiberglass components (front fenders, trunk lid extension, rear quarter panels, gas door, front and rear bumpers, 3-piece wing) and re-classified as completely new cars (with their own specially numbered TRD VIN plate riveted to the body to indicate their authenticity and rarity).

The Toyota Technocraft Ltd. TRD2000GT had a 60 mm (2.4 in) wider front and rear track (due to the addition of wider wheels and tires). Virtually every car converted also had other TRD parts fitted too, including extensive changes to both the suspension and engine. Most cars left the factory making more power due to TRD bolt-ons, some cars even left the factory boasting up to and less than 1100 kg (2425 lb) for a very impressive power-to-weight ratio. While TRD Japan only offered a small number of kits with all body parts required for third-party conversion, Toyota Technocraft Ltd. offered complete car conversions.

Apart from the cars listed on the TRD2000GT register it is unknown how many original Toyota Technocraft Ltd. cars still exist today, but it is rumored that approximately 10 conversion kits were imported from TRD Japan into the US for conversions. In many respects, the extended body can be compared to that of a Porsche Turbo wide body. The car's width is extended and body dimensions dramatically changing the car's overall visuals. Very little is known about these cars outside of Japan.

SW20 Spider

Between 1996 and 1999, Toyota TechnoCraft (TTC) produced 91 MKII SW20 MR2 Spiders. These cars featured a retractable, cloth softtop roof, wingless trunk lid, and an engine lid that was unique to the SW20 spider. Most of these cars were automatics and nearly all of them sported a naturally aspirated engine. Interestingly, Toyota decided against putting its name or logo on these cars as a result of its desire to distance itself from cars that featured leaky roofs. Most of the Spiders came in Lucerne Silver with a blue side moulding and featured black and blue accented cloth seats.

Several of these cars have been imported into the UK.

Motorsport

Le Mans: SARD MC8-R

A SARD MC8 road car built for homologation

The Sard MC8-R was a modified and lengthened version of the SW20 built for GT racing by Toyota's works team SARD (Sigma Advanced Research Development). The MC8-R housed a twin-turbo version of the 4.0-liter Toyota 1UZ-FE V8 producing 600 bhp (450 kW). Eligible for the GT1 category, the MC8-R lacked pace against the new generation sports cars and homologation specials such as Porsche 911 GT1, but did compete alongside a similarly modified Toyota Supra.

One MC8 road car was built in order to meet homologation requirements. The car disappeared from public eye within a year of its construction, but surfaced again on the Japanese collector car website SEiyaa in 2015, two decades after its disappearance. The car is assumed to be in the possession of a private collector, as the vehicle's sales listing has since been removed from SEiyaa.

1995 and 1996

• The MC8-R made its first outing in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans piloted by Alain Ferté, Kenny Acheson, and Tomiko Yoshikawa. It retired after 14 laps. Later that year the car attempted the 1000km Suzuka, this time managing to finish 26th overall.

• One MC8-R was entered in the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans, piloted by Masanori Sekiya, Hidetoshi Mitsusada, and Masami Kageyama. The team qualified 37th and finished 24th, second-to-last of finishers.

1997

• The team also entered the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans, but driver Olivier Grouillard failed to make it past pre-qualifying. Two cars were also entered in the FIA GT Championship round at the 1997 Suzuka 1000km (one by Team Menicon SARD and one entered by IDC Ootsukakagu SARD), but neither car managed to finish. It was replaced for the following year with the Toyota GT-One.

Japanese Grand Touring Championship (now Super GT)

1998

• Team Taisan Jr. with Tsuchiya campaigned a Toyota MR2 powered by the factory 3S-GTE powerplant in the 1998 JGTC season. Keiichi Suzuki and Shingo Tachi drove five class victories in seven races, winning the teams' championship and tying for the drivers' championship.

1999

• For following year, Team Taisan Jr. moved to a Porsche chassis in GT300, while Momocorse Racing Team with Tsuchiya campaigned another Toyota MR2 and won both championships. Morio Nitta and Shin'ichi Takagi drove to one victory, two 2nd places, and one third place to secure the teams' championship, with Nitta winning the drivers' championship by just one point over the Nismo Silvia that was driven by Takeshi Tsuchiya and Yuji Ide. Momocorse Racing would move to the MR-S chassis for the 2000 season, marking the end of the SW20's participation in JGTC.

Land speed record

In 1992, Dennis Aase, a member of Toyota's American factory team, became the first driver to achieve over in the car's class as he took his SW20 to a 339.686 km/h (211.071 mph) average. The car posted 326.697 and 352.068 km/h (203 and 218.765 mph) on the two opposing runs required for the record.

The car, that previously saw action at the Firestone Firehawk Endurance Championship by P. J. Jones, ran with a boost of 110.0 kPa (1.1 bar) with changes to the intake and exhaust systems and the cam timing, output a maximum of 363 kW (487 hp). The car ran with its stock body apart minus wing mirrors and wiper blades. His attempt at improving his record the following year was thwarted by poor weather.

As of July 2015, the G/BGT record (Class G, Blown Grand Touring Sports or 2 Liter production turbo-charged GT) still stands.

Third generation (W30; 1999–2007)

W30
Overview
Also called	Toyota MR-S (Japan) MR2 Spyder (North America) MR2 Roadster (Europe)
Production	October 1999 – July 2007
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible
Layout	Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L 1ZZ-FED I4 (ZZW30)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual (Europe) 6-speed Sequential Manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,451 mm (96.5 in)
Length	3,886 mm (153 in)
Width	1,694 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,240 mm (48.8 in)
Curb weight	996 kg (2,195 lb)

The third-generation MR2 was marketed as the Toyota MR-S in Japan, Toyota MR2 Spyder in the US, and the Toyota MR2 Roadster in Europe.

The newest MR2 took a different approach than its predesssor, most obviously becoming a convertible and receiving the 'Spyder' marketing nomenclature.

The first prototype of MR-S appeared in 1997 at the Tokyo Motor Show. The MR2 Spyder chief engineer Harunori Shiratori said, "First, we wanted true driver enjoyment, blending good movement, low inertia and light weight. Then, a long wheelbase to achieve high stability and fresh new styling; a mid-engine design to create excellent handling and steering without the weight of the engine up front; a body structure as simple as possible to allow for easy customizing, and low cost to the consumer."

The only engine available for the ZZW30 was the all-aluminium 1ZZ-FED, a 1794 cc inline-four. Like its predecessors, the engine used dual overhead camshafts and 16 valves. The intake camshaft timing was adjustable via the VVT-i system, which was introduced earlier on the 1998 MR2 in some markets. Unlike its predecessors, however, the engine was placed onto the car the other way round, with the exhaust manifold towards the rear of the car instead of towards the front. The 138 hp (104 kW) maximum power was quite a drop from the previous generation, but thanks to the lightness of the car it could still move quite quickly, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 to 8.7 s depending on the transmission option, the Sequential Manual being unable to launch and shift as quickly as the clutch operated manual. Curb weight was for manual transmission models.

In addition to the 5-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed manual or 5-speed Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT) was also available starting in 2002. SMT is standard feature in Australian market; however, air conditioning was optional. After 2003, a 6-speed SMT was an option. The SMT had no conventional H-pattern shift lever or clutch pedal. The driver could shift gears by tapping the shift lever forward or backward or by pressing steering-wheel mounted buttons. Clutch engagement is automatic, and the car will automatically shift to second and then first gear when stopping. Cruise control was never offered with the manual transmission, but was standard for SMT cars.

The MR2 Spyder featured a heated glass rear window. A hard top was also available from Toyota in Japan and Europe.

Introduction configuration and changes by year

The MR-S was introduced in October 1999 to the Japanese market in three trim levels: the "B", the "Standard", and the "S". The "S" trim level included power windows, locks, mirrors, AM/FM/CD radio, cloth seats, tilt steering wheel, and alloy wheels.

In March 2000, the car was introduced into the US and Europe as a "monospec" level, which included the same features as Japan's "S" trim level. In October 2000 the car was introduced in Australia as 5 speed SMT only.

2003–2005 Toyota MR2 (US)

Toyota MR2 with the rare hardtop fitted.

2002

• 5-speed Sequential Manual Transmission introduced in USA.

2003

• New paint colors
• New front and rear fascias, standard fog lights, power antennae, and color-matched side air intakes
• 16-inch rear wheels with larger tires
• New seats, slight changes to the gauge cluster and interior
• Sequential Manual Transmission now has six forward gears and faster shifting
• New springs, dampers, and a new underbody brace

2004

• Torsen (helical) limited-slip differential available as an option (C65-01B transmission)
• Strengthened unibody for crash intrusion protection (resulting in 10 kg (22 lb) greater curb weight)
• Ride height increased approximately 1" in all markets

2005

• 6-disc in-dash CD player standard
• Last year of sales in North America

2007

• Last year of sales
• Special "V-Edition" and "TF300" editions sold only in the United Kingdom.

Performance and handling

The feedback for the new model was somewhat mixed. Some liked its all new design concept, while the fans of the SW20 would've liked it to continue along the path of the previous model. All agreed, however, that the ZZW30 had nearly perfect handling. The ZZW30 is considered to be the best-handling MR2 in both overall limit and controllability. For example, Tiff Needell, a very experienced race driver and the former host of the BBC TV show Top Gear, praised the handling of the ZZW30. Although some complained of the relative lack of power, many owners have opted to switch out the 1ZZ-FE engine in exchange for the 192 PS (141 kW) 2ZZ-GE found in the US-market Celica GTS, US-market Corolla XRS, US-market Matrix XRS, Pontiac Vibe GT, Australian-market Celica SX and ZR, Australian-market Corolla Sportivo, European-market Corolla RunX and Lotus Elise.

Motorsport (Super GT)

Disney Japan and Toyota backed up racing team, Cars Racing introduced the "Lightning McQueen apr MR-S" in the 2008 Super GT season.

Between 2000 to 2008, several teams campaigned the MR-S in Super GT (known as JGTC prior to 2004 season).

• In 2002, Morio Nitta and Shinichi Takagi shared the GT300 drivers' championship in the ARTA MR-S.
• Team Reckless' MR-S won both drivers' and teams' championships in 2005, driven by Kota Sasaki and Tetsuya Yamano.
• For 2007, Kazuya Oshima and Hiroaki Ishiura shared the drivers' championship in the Toy Story APR MR-S, with wins at Okayama and Sepang, but lost the teams' championship by six points to the Mooncraft Shiden prototype racer of team Privée Kenzo Asset Shiden.

The end of the Spyder

In July 2004, Toyota announced that sales of the MR2 (as well as the Celica) would be discontinued in the US at the end of the 2005 model year because of increasing competition and lack of sales. The ZZW30 sold 7,233 units in its debut year, falling to just 901 for the 2005 model, for a total of 27,941 through its six years of production in the US. The 2005 model year was the last for the MR2 in the US. While the MR2 Spyder was not sold after 2005 in the US, it was offered in Japan, Mexico, and Europe until 2007. Production of the car ceased permanently in July 2007.

Special editions

As a farewell to the MR2, Toyota produced 1000 limited-production V-Edition cars for Japan and the UK. They are distinguished by different color wheels, titanium interior accents, minor body changes, a helical limited slip differential, and different steering wheel trim.

Also for model year 2007, the United Kingdom received 300 models in a special numbered TF300 series. A special 182 bhp (136 kW) turbocharged variant called the TTE Turbo (TTE standing for Toyota Team Europe) was available as a dealer-installed package. This package was also available for fitting to customer MR2s.

VM180 Zagato

The Toyota VM180 Zagato was designed by Zagato, based on the MR-S, and built at Toyota Modelista International for sale in Japan only through the Toyota Vista dealer network. It was first shown on 10 January 2001 in Tokyo and then at the February 2001 Geneva Motor Show. The body panels are attached to the original MR-S chassis, as can be seen by the recess around the door handles. The stock engine was tuned to produce 155 bhp (116 kW).

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Legend/Notes

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