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.
The 4AGE/4AGZE engine used in the MKI MR2 was replaced by the 165 hp normally aspirated 2 litre 3SGE powerplant. This engine was released in Japan and into many export car markets (NZ being one) and uprated in 1993 to 185 hp, although the USA saw the normally aspirated 130 hp 2.2 litre 5SFE powerplant. Forced induction became available in the form of the turbo-charged 2 litre 3SGTE engine which carried a factory rating of 225 hp (200 hp in the USA). This engine was uprated in 1993 to 245 hp. Turbo-charged cars were only available with a manual transmission, though normally aspirated cars were available as manual or automatic.
The MKII, unlike the MKI which had only one, had many facelifts. In 1992 the suspension was upgraded and the red colour paint changed to avoid the "white spot" problems observed in this colour. A lower front air dam and 15" wheels were introduced. In October 1993 all new engines were used (as mentioned above) and new suspension, traction control, brakes, rear tail lights and spoiler were the obvious changes, along with numberous minor upgrades. In 1995 further changes were made, although they're not obvious, and it's suspected they were minor cosmetic changes. At the beginning of 1998 the reportedly 'final' and fifth facelift MKII MR2 was released. The only changes noted were a 3 position adjustable larger and more 'race-car-like' rear wing. The engine is still listed at being the same as released in the October 1993 upgrade.
| Series | Year | New Features |
| Series I | 12/1989 - 12/1991 | First of the MKIIs |
| Series II | 12/1991 - 10/1993 | Red paint changed Upgraded rear suspension Front air dam lower and further forward 15" wheels |
| Series III | 10-1993 - ?/1995 | New engines for NA producing 185 hp and for Turbo producing 245 hp Bilstein shocks all round Single piece rear wing Round tail lights Improved brakes (although may have been in Series II) |
| Series IV | 1995 - 1998 | Black roof paint scheme and different paint options available |
| Series V | 1998 - 1999 |
More aggressive adjustable rear wing |
A special model of the SW20 was released for the Australian market to celebrate the MR2's achievements in motorsport in that country. The MR2 Bathurst was released as a lighter, cheaper car facelifted with the 129 KW (173 hp) 3SGE, increased high range torque, revised valve timing and exhaust system, increased compression ratio and carried the name of the great Aussie race track. These cars were campaigned in the 12 hour race at Mt Panorama, Bathurst and completed the entire race without changing brake pads... the only cars to do so! Like all MR2s sold new in Australia and New Zealand, the Bathurst model was only available in normally aspirated form.
