MR2OCNZ

The Birth of Brilliance

The project started in 1976 and had many hold-ups to contend with, not the least of which was the fuel crisis (a lot of folk will be too young to remember that one).  By 1979 things were on the go with three main stages of design: research, development, and production considerations. Along the way it changed to a front- engined, front-wheel-drive car, but that thankfully was dumped. One challenge was to produce a sporty machine that would appeal to a wide range of people, and yet be reasonably priced. It also had to be a practical car, with a big enough boot and easy entry and exit from the cabin.

Mk2 MR2 - SW20 1989-2000

Toyota modernised the MR2 with a completely new model released in 1989. The new frame, designated the SW20, was longer and wider than the AW11 and lacked the distinctive angular styling. A softer more curvaceous style was employed to cover the larger, more luxurious car. Twin side air intakes, longer lower buttresses and a curved rear window all suggest an influence from the Pinninfarina styling of european marques (particularly Ferarri's F355), though comfort levels, ergonomics, reliability and price remained distinctly Japanese. The cars were available with cloth, leather or Recaro/Momo interiors, and the targa roof option was available. Luggage space was no bigger than the AW11 though arranged slightly differently with a larger rear boot, but interior cabin volume was larger in the new model.

Mk 3 Mr2 Spyder Prototypes

Since the announcement in 1995 that the MKII MR2 was to cease production, prototypes for the new MR2 had been popping up at regular intervals at various Motorshows. The first of these was the MRJ. It appeared at several motorshows around the world and while no official word was given by Toyota, many assumed it was the replacement for the MR2. It featured a VVT engine, electric hardtop, four-wheel steering, superstrut suspension, and many other new technology features.

The MRX was the next car on the scene, having been unveiled at the Japan Motor Show in 1997 and predicted by many motoring magazines as the replacement for the MR2 ... with no news of the future of the MRJ. The MRX was a lightweight car with many of the fancy features of the MRJ having been removed.  This latest prototype saw a few changes over the next couple of years, with slight modifications to bonnet, lights, side intakes, etc.