Toyota MR2 Facts for Kids

Last generation Toyota MR2

The Toyota MR2 was a cool sports car made by the Japanese company Toyota. It was sold for many years, from 1984 all the way until 2007. The MR2 is special because it's a mid-engine sports car, which means its engine is placed in the middle of the car, behind the driver but in front of the rear wheels. This design is often seen in very expensive cars like those made by Ferrari and Porsche. The name MR2 is actually a short way of saying "Midship, Rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater." This tells you a lot about the car: it has its engine in the middle, power goes to the back wheels, and it only has two seats.

What Makes the MR2 Special?
- Mid-Engine Design Explained
- Rear-Wheel Drive Fun
Generations of the Toyota MR2
MR2 in Racing and Special Editions
- MR2 in Motorsports
- Unique MR2 Prototypes
See also

What Makes the MR2 Special?

The Toyota MR2 stands out because it offered a fun, sporty driving experience at a price that many people could afford. It was designed to be light and agile, making it exciting to drive on winding roads.

Mid-Engine Design Explained

When a car has a mid-engine design, it means the engine is placed between the front and rear axles. This helps balance the car's weight very well. A balanced car handles better, especially when turning corners, because the weight is spread out evenly. This is why many high-performance race cars and supercars use this layout.

Rear-Wheel Drive Fun

The MR2 is also a rear-wheel-drive car. This means the engine sends its power to the back wheels, pushing the car forward. Many sports cars use rear-wheel drive because it can offer a more engaging driving feel and better acceleration. It also allows the front wheels to focus only on steering, which can make the car feel more responsive.

Generations of the Toyota MR2

Toyota made three main versions, or "generations," of the MR2. Each one had its own unique look and feel.

First Generation (1984-1989): The "AW11"

The very first MR2, known as the AW11, was introduced in 1984. It was a small, lightweight car that was very fun to drive. People often called it the "Japanese Ferrari" because of its mid-engine layout, even though it was much more affordable. It had pop-up headlights, which were very popular on sports cars at the time.

It was known for being very nimble and easy to handle.
Some versions even came with a "supercharger" which gave the engine extra power!

1986 MR2 in Light Blue Metallic

MK1A AW11 Leather Interior

1989 Toyota MR2 Supercharged (North American Model)

Second Generation (1990-1999): The "SW20"

The second generation, called the SW20, came out in 1990. This version was bigger and more powerful than the first. It had a more rounded, sleek design that many people thought looked like a Ferrari from the same era. This generation was very popular and offered different engine options, including powerful turbocharged versions.

It was available as a coupe or with removable "T-top" roof panels, letting you feel the open air.
The turbocharged models were very fast and exciting to drive.
Over its lifespan, the SW20 received several updates, making it even better.

A 2nd generation 3S-GTE engine

A 2nd generation 3S-GTE (left) and a 4th generation 3S-GTE (right). Note the side feed intake on the 4th generation.

1993 USDM Turbo Interior

MR2 SW20 Revision 2

3S-GE equipped SW20

An older revision SW20 T-Top equipped with aftermarket parts. Note the 3-piece spoiler that integrates with the body.

The 1998+ year model SW20s were equipped with a large, adjustable "combat" spoiler and had clear corner front lenses.

TRD2000GT, the bodykit gives a wider, more aggressive stance.

TOM'S interior accessories were plentiful during the 90's, one of which were shift knobs.

The TOM'S authenticity logo embedded in most of their body kits, including those of the T020's.

Third Generation (1999-2007): The "ZZW30" or "MR2 Spyder"

The third and final generation, known as the ZZW30, arrived in 1999. This version was quite different from its predecessors. It was designed primarily as a convertible, often called the "MR2 Spyder" in some markets. It was lighter and focused more on nimble handling and a fun open-top driving experience rather than raw power.

It was smaller and lighter than the second generation.
It was only sold as a convertible, perfect for sunny drives.
This generation was praised for its excellent handling and direct steering.

An MR Spider with the unique engine lid.

Rear

2003–2005 MR2 (US)

MR2 with the rare hardtop fitted

MR2 Roadsters (EU)

MR2 in Racing and Special Editions

The MR2's sporty design and mid-engine layout made it a popular choice for racing and special projects.

MR2 in Motorsports

The MR2 has been used in various racing series around the world. Its balanced chassis and reliable Toyota engines made it a good platform for competition. For example, there's even an "MR2 Championship" series in the UK where both second and third-generation cars compete. These cars are kept mostly stock, with safety equipment added.

The MR2 Championship, a series in the UK that makes use of both the SW20 and ZZW30 models. Both cars are kept relatively stock except for the addition of safety equipment.

Disney Japan and Toyota supported racing team, Cars Racing introduced the "Lightning McQueen apr MR-S" in the 2008 Super GT season.

Unique MR2 Prototypes

Toyota also created some very special MR2 prototypes that were never sold to the public. One interesting example is the "222D" rally car prototype, which was designed for a special racing category called Group S. These cars were incredibly powerful and looked very aggressive.