The Toyota MR2 is based on a mid-engined layout, which means the engine is located behind the seats but ahead of the rear axle. This layout allows for better weight distribution and handling characteristics. The concept of a small, mass-produced sports car with a mid-engined layout had been explored by European automakers since the late 1960s, but Toyota’s MR2 made a significant impact in terms of sales when it was launched in 1983.
The development of the Toyota MR2 began in 1976, but it was delayed due to the worldwide oil crisis. The project was revived in 1980 with a new sense of direction, and Toyota aimed to produce an affordable sports car similar to its Sports 800 from the 1960s. The MR2 was designed to cater to the rapidly-expanding market in North America.
It’s worth noting that there have been rumors and speculations about the future of the Toyota MR2, including the possibility of a new model coming out in 2024 or 2025. However, there is no official confirmation or detailed information available at the moment.
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Is the MR2 a lotus?
It is a common misconception that the MR2 was Lotus designed, but assembled and distributed by Toyota. Actually, the Lotus M90 (a.k.a. the X100) project was scrapped and Lotus was later bought out by GM. The MR2 was eventually designed by Toyota with Lotus engineer Roger Becker involved in its suspension and handling.
Is the MR2 JDM?
What started as a design experiment gave rise to a JDM classic – the Toyota MR2. As with many JDM legends, the MR2’s story starts with the pursuit of redefining what a good car is, challenging the status quo.
Is the Toyota MR2 rare?
Though the number of completed models is fuzzy, it’s somewhere in the range of 90 vehicles—and as you might expect, they don’t appear very often.
Did Toyota ever own Lotus?
1986 – General Motors and Toyota buy a combined majority share in Group Lotus as co-owners. Toyota sells out to General Motors four months later. 1993 – General Motors sells Lotus to A.C.B.N Holdings S.A. of Luxembourg. 1996- Proton, a Malaysian car company, buys a majority share in the company.
What cars class as a JDM?
JDM, short for Japanese Domestic Market, refers to vehicles that are originally designed and sold in Japan but are also popular among car enthusiasts worldwide.
Which year MR2 is the best?
However, many enthusiasts consider the second-generation MR2, produced from 1989 to 1999, to be the best overall. This generation featured a mid-engine layout, sleek styling, and impressive performance, particularly in the turbocharged versions.
Why is the MR2 so popular?
The MR2 made its debut for the 1985 model year to widespread acclaim. Toyota’s mid-engine sports car, which was agile, light, relatively quick, and communicative, was a smash hit, with dealers selling them for more than the list price all day.
What does the MR2 stand for in Toyota?
3) The name MR2 stands for Midship Runabout 2-seater, though it should be noted that the initials MR also refer to the vehicle’s layout – mid-engine, rear-wheel drive.
Why did Lotus use Toyota engines?
These cars are produced by hand in small numbers for driving enthusiasts. The use of Toyota engines and the minimal interiors enables them to be inexpensive. If Lotus had to develop their own engines their cars would have to be at the Ferrari / Lamborghini end of the scale as opposed to where they are today.
What Toyota engine did Lotus use?
The US Lotus Elise and Exige models used the 1.8L VVTL-i I4 from Toyota’s late Celica GT-S and the Matrix XRS both of which are no longer available new. The new Exige has the same V6 engine as its bigger counterpart the Evora and is not available in the US as a road-legal vehicle.
