Why Toyota Stopped the MR2
The Toyota MR2 was discontinued due to a combination of factors, including increasing competition and a lack of sales. The third and final generation of the MR2 faced tough competition, particularly from the Mazda Miata, which outsold the MR2 in five consecutive months in 2005. This intense competition in the affordable sports car category, along with changing consumer preferences for newer models, contributed to the demise of the MR2 .
Additionally, during the early 2000s, Toyota faced challenges related to engine capabilities and the economic climate. The company’s leadership changed, and there was a lack of a suitable lightweight and powerful 4-cylinder engine for the performance needed in sports cars. This led to a shift in focus, with Toyota deciding to discontinue the MR2 and the Celica, and also announcing the end of any revival plans for a new Toyota Supra at the same time.
The combination of these factors ultimately led to the discontinuation of the MR2, marking the end of an era for this iconic sports car .
It’s worth noting that there have been rumors about the potential resurrection of the MR2, but as of now, there is nothing formal or set in stone regarding its return.
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What is the best engine for the MR2?
For all those reasons, one of the best engines for an MR2 swap is the 2GR-FE. This naturally aspirated 3.5-liter aluminum V6 is lightweight and will more than double the base MR2’s power output. While not as legendary as the 2JZ inline-6, the 2GR is a popular swap.
Will the Toyota MR2 come back?
The iconic Toyota MR2 is gearing up for a comeback, slated for a 2026 release. This legendary model follows the lineage of the 2012 Toyota 86 and the 2019 Mk5 Supra, marking Toyota’s return to the pure petrol sports car arena.
How much will the 2025 MR2 cost?
between $16,000 and $26,000
The new MR2 may feature a mid-mounted turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, offering modest power but a user-friendly driving experience. Pricing for the 2025 Toyota MR2 is estimated to start between $16,000 and $26,000, making it an affordable option for car enthusiasts.
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.
Is the MR2 fast?
It was also on this bid where the MR2 did a zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) of just 2.56 seconds. That’s even quicker than most supercars out there. Then again, the final shot was the best run, clocking in 8.785 seconds for the quarter-mile with a blistering speed of 180.60 mph (290.6 km/h) at the line.
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.
Was the Toyota MR2 a good car?
The MR2 earned rave reviews from the press for its finely balanced handling, its superb five-speed gearbox, and its jewel-like twin-cam, sixteen-valve, four-cylinder engine.
What does Mr stand for in Toyota MR2?
The name MR2 stands for either “mid-ship run-about 2-seater” or “mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater”. In French-speaking markets, the vehicle was renamed Toyota MR because the abbreviation “MR2” sounds like the profanity “merde” when spoken in French.
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.
Is Toyota building a new MR2?
Future. So what do we know it’s possibly probably the spiritual successor to the MR2. And competition for an electric Porsche Cayman. It’s about the same size as something like a gr Supra.
