Toyota MR2 Designer
The Toyota MR2 was designed by Chief Designer Kunihiro Uchida, who also worked on the Lexus LS400. The second-generation MR2 was developed under the leadership of Chief Engineer Kazutoshi Arima, who was second-in-command on the original MR2. He aimed to take the model further upmarket, and the design briefs were given to studios and teams within the Toyota organization, with Uchida refining the chosen design into a car that bore more than a passing resemblance to scaled-down Italian sports car exotica.
It is a common misconception that the MR2 was designed by Lotus and assembled by Toyota. Roger Becker of Lotus assisted in the development of the suspension design, but the car itself was completely designed and manufactured by Toyota. It did, however, borrow some design aspects from earlier Lotus sports cars.
Conclusion
The Toyota MR2 was designed by Chief Designer Kunihiro Uchida, under the leadership of Chief Engineer Kazutoshi Arima, and was completely designed and manufactured by Toyota, with some assistance from Roger Becker of Lotus in the development of the suspension design .
Contents
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.
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.
How many MR2 are left on the road?
There are 9,879 TOYOTA MR2 left in the UK with an MOT. 0.0293% of all UK vehicles are TOYOTA MR2. Vehicle data is updated in near real-time as they pass & fail MOT tests.
What does Mr in MR2 stand for?
Midship Runabout 2-seater
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. 4) The first-generation MR2 was initially offered in the UK in a single, well-equipped grade (roughly equivalent to Japan’s G-Limited grade).
Is the MR2 unreliable?
Reliable: Toyota is known for producing reliable cars, and the MR2 is no exception. With proper maintenance, it can last for many years. Fuel efficient: The MR2’s small size and efficient engine make it a fuel-efficient car.
Are Toyota MR2 reliable cars?
Toyota’s hard-earned reputation for reliability is evident in the MR2 and there’s little to be worried about when buying this mid-engined roadster. However, it’s worth checking for any signs of crash damage, or track day use such as excessively worn tyre edges.
What is the Toyota MR2 based on?
The MR2 of 1984 was actually derived from a 1976 design project that had the goal of building an enjoyable, yet fuel efficient car – much like the earlier Sports 800.
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 did Toyota stop making the MR2?
The MR2 was later discontinued by Toyota as more competitors arose, which lead to poor sales. Clocking in just under 2,200 lbs, the MR2 proves to be one of the preferred model for performance and enthusiast purposes. With excellent power to weight ratio, the MR2 had everything it needed to succeed.
Who designed the MR2?
engineer Roger Becker
The MR2’s suspension and handling were designed by Toyota with the help of Lotus engineer Roger Becker. Toyota’s cooperation with Lotus during the prototype phase can be seen in the AW11, and it owes much to Lotus’s sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s.
