However, the model earned itself a pretty nasty reputation and eventually became a sales nightmare. What makes it so?Ĭall it a teen’s Ferrari or an affordable alternative of Lotus Elise, the Toyota MR2 Spyder was a whole mood in itself. The MR2 Spyder is one of the most dangerous cars in the world. Toyota MR2 Spyder is lighter, faster, and more performance-oriented in comparison with the other mass-produced sports cars. This model was manufactured between 2000 to 2007 as per Toyota Pressroom. The MR2 Spyder was designed to provide performance filled fun rides without compromising on fuel economy. Fun fact: MR2 stood for the mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, and two-seater. In general, the whole MR range is referred to as MR2 in America. The third generation of these sports cars called MR-S in Japan was known as MR2 Spyder in the US, MR Roadster in France and Belgium, and MR2 Roadster in the rest of Europe. It was manufactured in Japan between 1984 to 2007 and was sold across the globe in different names. The Spyder remains near unflappable at moderate speeds and very predictable at the limit.Toyota MR was the first mid-engine performance car from Japan. The same mid-engine chassis that makes for such agile in-town maneuvering continues to deliver the goods as speeds climb. No longer content to just zip in and out of traffic, it anxiously scampers from corner to corner. Outside of town, the MR2 exhibits another, more interesting side of its personality. The car hits 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds, only one-half second slower than the 180-bhp Celica GT-S. Driving around town can actually be accomplished without continuous downshifts, though should you choose to drop a gear the engine response proves rewarding. Acceleration from the 1.8-liter, 16-valve engine is strong without being peaky and the car’s low curb weight makes its 125lb.-ft. With 138 bhp powering just 2250 lb., the MR2 is an enthusiastic performer. Just as the original car benefited from an excellent power-to-weight ratio, so does the new one. What Do You Buy If You Don’t Want a Miata? they take a straighter, edgier, form-over-function path all their own. That said, its lines don't follow the same fluid Porsche curves. Sharing the same mid-engine configuration as the popular German roadster, the MR2 also shares a similar headlight and side intake treatment. Where the Miata is derived from, say, the Lotus Elan, the MR2 Spyder has a more Porsche Boxster-like slant to it. Styling, however, couldn’t be more disparate. So yes it’s small, but not abnormally so. Dimensionally, it's almost exactly the same size as a Mazda Miata, albeit marginally shorter and slightly wider. ![]() ![]() Short overhangs and a long wheelbase reinforce the impression that this car is quite diminutive. Offered only as a convertible (unlike previous fixed/targa top MR2s), the Spyder comes across as very compact at first glance. Adopting the same simple back-to-basics approach of its predecessor, this modem iteration cleverly blends low weight and compact dimensions to produce a lively performer worthy of the MR2 name. SIGN UP FOR THE TRACK CLUB BY R&T FOR MORE EXCLUSIVE STORIESįast forward to 2000 when the spirit of the original MR2 returns in the fresh form of the new MR2 Spyder. This story originally appeared in the 2001 Sports and GT Cars issue of Road & Track. were discontinued following the 1995 model year. Even so, wavering interest in the early 1990s proved its undoing and sales of the MR2 in the U.S. With 0-60-mph times in the mid-sixes, the MR2 was no longer just a “cute little car.” It had become a real sports car contender. The addition of a 200-bhp turbocharged model suddenly moved the car from a strong performer to a genuine screamer. Better still, thanks to its mid-engine layout and excellent power-to-weight ratio, it delivered the performance to back up its racy looks.Ī 1991 redesign introduced a sleeker, sportier MR2 that grew both in size and power. Initially intended to offer exotic car looks at an everyday price, the original MR2 made it easy to feel like a racer for a fraction of the cost. Since its introduction in 1985, the Toyota MR2 has been about low-cost, big-thrills driving fun.
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