温馨提示：本站仅提供公开网络链接索引服务，不存储、不篡改任何第三方内容，所有内容版权归原作者所有
AI智能索引来源：http://www.mr2.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-2664.html
点击访问原文链接

Official MR2 History. [Archive] - Toyota MR2 Message Board

进入原网站 导航首页
Official MR2 History. [Archive] - Toyota MR2 Message Board Toyota MR2 Message Board > General and Racing Discussions > General MR2 Discussion > Official MR2 History. PDA

View Full Version : Official MR2 History.


canadam12-05-2005, 02:28 AMHere's an official release by Toyota of the history of the Toyota MR2. Argue what you want, but this is what the big boys say about the car we love so much :)



Toyota MR2 SPYDER Product History
09/15/2001

MR2 SPYDER

Series Chronology
1985 - MR2 introduced to U.S. with 1.6L DOHC.
1985 - CY 1985 - Earns Motor Trend "Import Car of the Year".
1988 - Supercharged engine introduced.
1991 - 2nd generation introduced.
1991 - CY 1991 - Wins Motor Trend's "Bang for the Buck" test.
1995 - CY 1995 - Production ceases in June.
2000 - All-new MR2 Spyder introduced
2002 - MR2 Spyder is the first U.S.-market Toyota model to feature a new clutchless sequential manual transmission.

The MR2 was introduced to America in 1985 and was intended to offer Americans exotic-car looks and excitement without the exotic-car price. With it, Toyota proved they knew how to build sports cars. With its mid-engine/rear-wheel drive and two seats, there was no doubt this was a true sports car.

Powered by Toyota's wonderful "Sweet Sixteen" engine, the MR2 was as much fun to drive as it was to look at. It displaced just 1.6 liters, but the 16-valve DOHC electronically fuel-injected engine produced 112 horsepower, and was enough to propel the MR2 to 60 mph in a little over eight seconds, and on to a top speed of over 120 mph. The original MR2 featured four wheel independent suspension (of course) and disc brakes all around, the fronts being vented.

The motoring press was so taken with Toyota's MR2 that year that it was given the honor of "Import Car of the Year" in 1985 by the editors of Motor Trend.

1986 saw few changes, save the addition of body-colored bumpers (rather than black) and the removal of the rear anti-roll bar. MR2 was also available with an automatic transmission for 1986.

1988 was the next milestone for MR2, seeing the introduction of a new supercharged engine. The belt-driven Roots-type supercharger added 30 percent more horsepower to MR2, boosting the raw number to 145, and lowering 0-60 mph times by over a second. All models of the MR2 were available with either a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission. There was officially no 1990 MR2, but in Spring of 1990, the 1991s made their appearance. The second generation MR2 was an all new car. It retained the mid-engine, two-seat layout, but it was longer, wider, heavier, and more powerful. Now powered by a 2.2 liter four-cylinder engine, it retained its 16-valves, but produced 135 horsepower. Also brought to market in 1991 was a turbocharged version of the MR2. With 200 horsepower available from its 2.0 liter intercooled engine, it was capable of 0-60 mph times in the mid-six-second range.

Car and Driver proclaimed the 1991 MR2 Turbo as "an exotic for the rest of us." In testing by Motor Trend, MR2 Turbo won the "Bang for the Buck" award in 1991, and finished a close second in 1992.

The 1993 MR2, as introduced in Spring 1992, received minor front and rear suspension upgrades for superior handling, 15 inch wheels, and a minor face-lift resulting in new front and rear fascias.

For 1994, MR2 was again updated with revised rear styling and further refinements to the suspension. CFC-free air-conditioning and dual airbags round out the changes.

Setting out to build the ultimate affordable sports car, Toyota engineers obviously succeeded with the MR2. While it has always sold in quite small numbers due to its niche status, it has always had a strong and loyal following.

After a number of years of lackluster sales, though, Toyota finally decided to end U.S. sales of the MR2 after the 1995 model year. Sales were to continue in Japan and other markets for at least one further year.

The all-new 2000 MR2 Spyder two-seat roadster was capable of delivering a level of acceleration, braking and maneuverability that came very close to vehicles pegged at nearly twice its price. Weighing in at approximately 2,200 pounds, the MR2 Spyder rode on a wide, low-slung platform, supported by MacPherson struts at all four corners. It had a wheelbase of 96.5 inches and an overall length of 153 inches. The Spyder was powered by a 1.8-liter twin-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine which featured VVT-i cylinder head technology. Rated at 138-hp at 6,400 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, the Spyder's favorable power-to-weight ratio contributed to a zero-to-60 acceleration time of 6.95 seconds. Power was applied to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

The Spyder's coachwork features steel panels that are bolted onto a high-rigidity unit-body, making repairs and customization easier and less expensive. There were storage compartments under the front hood and behind the seatbacks. The center cluster console was designed to accommodate audio equipment, or could be removed completely. The manually operated convertible soft-top folded completely out of sight.

The MR2 offered six exterior color choices and three interior color combinations. The list of standard features was extensive and the only options were dealer-installed accessories.

For 2001, the MR2 Spyder carried over with no new changes.

The 2002 MR2 Spyder is available with a clutchless sequential manual transmission (SMT). The MR2 Spyder is the first U.S.-market Toyota model to feature this new, sophisticated transmission. The clutch pedal and gear selector have been replaced with a single shifter. The SMT clutch and gear selector operations are performed by ECU computer controlled actuators and the engine is also equipped with electronic throttle control to allow the ECU to reduce torque during shifts. Spyders equipped with this new transmission also come with cruise control.

What does it mean?
MR2: Mid-engined, Rear-drive, 2 seats.

Where is it built?
MR2 Spyder is constructed at the Central Motor Plant in Tokyo, Japan.

**NOTE: All chronology dates are model year, unless noted otherwise. CY refers to "Calendar Year."** mymr2turbo12-05-2005, 02:32 AMvery nice;) Tuna12-05-2005, 02:43 AMWhat does it mean?
MR2: Mid-engined, Rear-drive, 2 seats.

odd...wonder why they put "Midship Runabout" on the emblem canadam12-05-2005, 03:17 AMI wonder too ! Weasy2k12-05-2005, 03:34 AMmid engine rear drive = mid ship runabout and 2 for the 2 seater...i can see it there :P turbomr212-05-2005, 08:48 AMcool little timeline none the less Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.

智能索引记录