The MR2 Journey - Tracking A Classic From Yesterday To Today

From Toyota Today - August 1995

In 1985, the MR2 was a classic example of Toyota's leading edge technology. Now, after 10 years of road-gripping fun, the MR2 has reached the finish line, driving itself into the status of legendary sports car classics. Mister Two, as it's fondly dubbed by enthusiasts, bids its final farewell in 1995, with U.S. sales ceasing by the end of the year.

Ingenious Engineering

Named Motor Trend "Import Car Of The Year" in 1985, the MR2 stood as a sign of Toyota's innovative engineering. The car's Toyota TC-16 engine, otherwise known as "Sweet Sixteen," was considered a revolutionary design in its day. The MR2's 1.6-liter electronically fuel-injected twin cam with 16 valves was touted as one of the first of its kind in the automotive world to "reconcile high performance and high effciency." Part of the reason for its acclaim was that the engine featured a design once reserved for exotic sports machines - four valves per cylinder instead of two.

Makings of a True Sports Car

The MR2, the first mid-engine-style sports car to be mass-produced in Japan, was named for its Mid-engine, Rear-drive, 2-seat configuration. Placing the engine behind the occupants, but in front of the rear wheels, provided the car with near perfect weight distribution and gave it race-car like handling. For a high level of stability, The MR2 was designed short, wide and low to the ground.

Three years after its introduction, the MR2 offered more power, with a belt driven Roots type supercharger added to the engine. As a result, the MR2's horsepower was boosted by 30 percent to 145. The supercharged engine thrusted the MR2 from zero to 60 in about 7 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. 1991 was the dawn of the second generation MR2. It featured a completely new engine and an exterior that evovled from a wedge shaped style to a wider, sleeker bullet. Racing legend Dan Gurney had a hand in the '91 MR2 suspension design, assisting engineers with fine tuning.

Along with a innovative apperance and tighter suspension came impeccable power. The new generation sported a 2.2 liter engine, and a turbocharger replaced the supercharger. Horsepower was boosted to 200, with a top speed increasing to 150 mph. This new creation was praised by the media, alongside such new rockets as Ferraris. In fact, the 1993 MR2 Turbo beat out the Ferrari Mondialin a zero-to-60 test, with the Toyota clocking in at 6.2 seconds. A 1993 ad boasting the MR2's prowess read: "The 1993 Toyota MR2. If It Were Any Slower, It Would Be A Ferrari." From 1991 to 1995 the MR2 didn't change much - and rightly so. It was a tough act to beat. Subtle styling and suspension refinements, including larger 15-inch wheels and lower profile tires for better cornering and handling, enhanced the MR2.

Following A Passion

Sports car enthusiasts had a passion for this wind-cutting, road grinding wonder. So much so, they formed thier own national organization: the MR2 Owners Club. Members enjoyed discussions with Toyota representatives at seminars, raced around on track days and participated in Show and Shine contests. At its peak, the club was about 700 members strong.

"Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) established the club to create a chain of communication among MR2 drivers," says Jay Spencer, the original club coordinator and currently TMS National manager, Pickups and Sport Utility Vehicles Team. "It generated a lot of die-hard enthusiasts for the car, giving owners a direct connection with Toyota." Key supporters of the club included Toyota Racing Development and Yokohama Tires.

Changing Market Demands

Despite all the glory and praise of yesterday, the MR2 has come to the end of its U.S. journey. In its first year, it sold more than 32,000 units. But today, the high performance segment overall appears to be declining. Recent studies show a dynamic market and new trends have contributed to consumers' dwindling appetite for sports cars. Robert Maling, TMS vice president of Series Sales Team-Small Cars, says: "Function and comfort these days are high on buyers' priority lists. Sport utilities are the new trend because they offer a sporty image with a lot more practicality."

Another reason the MR2 is leaving U.S. dealerships is stringent emissions laws. Three years after it was introduced, the MR2 Turbo was restricted from California. "If we're going to continue selling the same volume of MR2's as we have in recent years, the cost to recertify the car for the Enviromental Protection Agency doesn't justify reimporting and distributing the product," Maling explains. "The MR2 will be discontinued this year, but there are a lot of new things in store for the future. Toyota prides itself on its ability to meet the needs of our customers, and our product lineup will continue to do just that."

The MR2 may be on its way out, but it's far from being forgotten. Enthusiasts say it's destined to become a clasic. Many believe it already is. 

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Submitted by Jack Wheeler (Jackman962@alo.com)