Sometimes nicknamed a “junior supercar,” the Toyota MR2 was far ahead of its time when it launched over four decades ago. It was a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive (also, “runabout”) two-seater — thus the “MR2” name — and when it debuted, it was Japan’s first production mid-engined vehicle. It went on to be produced for three generations until 2007. Let’s look at the car that started it all.
The first-generation MR2 (W10 platform) was manufactured for model years 1985-1989 and embodied many of the engineering elements that made the 1980s era so iconic: a distinctive wedge-shaped design, pop-up headlights, and available removable T-tops. The Kyusha Club, an Arizona-based car community with an emphasis on 2005-and-older European and Japanese vehicles, hosted an event in mid-February where an MR2 from each generation was on display. The 1986 model pictured herein caught my eye as an exceptionally well-kept, unmodified survivor.
One of Toyota’s 1985 magazine ads said, “Slide in and prepare to blast off. Punch the accelerator and the tach snaps to the 7,500-rpm redline while the twin-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder, TC-16 electronically fuel-injected engine builds a sweet resonance behind you.” Motor Trend magazine named it the “Import Car of the Year” for a number of reasons. The car had a 45/55 front/rear weight distribution that was said to give it superior balance and road-holding ability. Handling was a strong suit, too, thanks to a four-wheel independent suspension with dual stabilizer bars, gas shock absorbers, and rack-and-pinion steering.
Power came from a 1.6-liter, 16-valve, DOHC inline-four that could propel the small compact (weighing in at only about 2,200 pounds) to 60 miles per hour in about 8.5 seconds. For 1986, the 4A-GE engine was rated at 112 horsepower and 97 lb-ft of torque. A subsequent supercharged variant, the 4A-GZE, would elevate the output to 145 horsepower and make its way to the United States in 1988.
Later MR2 generations, known by the W20 and the W30 chassis codes, implemented several controversial changes to the car that we’ll discuss in a future story. Luckily for us, the Kyusha Club offers us a visual representation of how the MR2 evolved.
By the way, there are rumors starting to circulate about a future Toyota MR2, although, based on the timeline discussed by Gazoo Racing president Tomoya Takahashi during an interview with industry paper Automotive News, the final product is likely still several years away.
We’re eager to see if Toyota can pull it off! And as always, we look forward to seeing what other classic cars the Kyusha Club brings out of the woodwork. You can stay informed about its future events by clicking here.
