Naturally-aspirated Mk2 MR2s stuck with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, while all Turbo models came with the five-speed manual. Its powertrains increased in power to cope, with the standard car making 130 hp from a 2.2-liter, 16-valve inline-four borrowed from the Camry, while the MR2 Turbo made 200 hp with its 2.0-liter turbocharged 3S-GTE engine, as used in the rally-homologated Celica All-Trac Turbo. The Mk2 MR2 was larger, heavier (ranging from roughly 2,600 to 3,000 lb) and more curvaceous than its predecessor, looking nearly as exotic as Ferrari's then-new 348. in 1990 for the '91 model year, and like many Japanese sports cars of the decade, such as the Toyota Supra and Mazda RX-7, the MR2 moved significantly upscale, becoming more expensive in the process. The Mk1 MR2 ended production after the 1989 model year, with 96,666 sold in the U.S. These Supercharged MR2s are distinguished from standard variants by their raised engine lid vents and 'Supercharged' badging on the rear and sides. Nevertheless, 0 to 60 mph times fell to roughly 7.0-seconds. Unfortunately, supercharged models also tended to be fully-optioned with mandatory T-tops and other extras, increasing weight to 2,500 lbs. This new intercooled, Roots-type supercharged model used a stronger version of the 4AGE engine block and transmission (which would also be adopted by 1987 and onward naturally-aspirated models) and developed 145 hp and 140-lb-ft of torque. That model year, all MR2s received larger brakes, new taillights, a revised passenger-side vent, refreshed interior and seats, and a new supercharged MR2 became available. Removable T-top glass roof panels were made optional for 1986, but larger changes were in store for 1987. Handling was the little Toyota's strong suit, posting strong skid pad figures and benign handling traits that could keep a well-driven MR2 on the heels of far more powerful and expensive cars down winding backroads. Curb weight was approximately 2,300 lb and 0 to 60 mph came about in 8.4 seconds, roughly on-par with the contemporary Porsche 944. In fact, in the very first issue of Automobilemagazine, the cover story pitted the mini Japanese sports car against the Ferrari 308 ( we later reprised the story forAutomobile's30th anniversary). With a 112-hp, 16-valve, twin-cam 1.6-liter inline-four mounted ahead of the rear axle, disc brakes all around, a five-speed manual gearbox (a four-speed automatic was optional) and an optional (yet functional) rear spoiler, the MR2 was essentially a budget exotic car. Suspension tuning was widely reported to have been finalized at Lotus and prototypes were shaken down by none other than American Formula 1 and sports car racer and manufacturer, Dan Gurney. Though 'Mister Two' was a bit of a parts bin special, with the engine, some MacPherson strut suspension components and plenty of switchgear coming from Corolla models, it was also an excellent driver's car right from the start. Dubbed SV-3, the prototype was well enough thought-out that very few changes were made before the production Toyota MR2 (MR2 = Midship Rear-drive 2-seater) debuted a year later. See All 12 Photos Toyota MR2 Essential History MR2 Mark Iįollowing the success of small, relatively affordable mid-engine sports cars such as the Porsche 914, Fiat X1/9, Lancia Scorpion,a and even the Pontiac Fiero, Toyota presented a new mid-engine concept of its own at the 1983 Tokyo auto show.

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