|
Toyota MR2 Spyder
|
2000 - |
Country: |
|
Engine: |
4 cyl. DOHC 16 valve VVT-i |
Capacity: |
1794 cc |
Power: |
138 kw |
Transmission: |
5 spd. man |
Top Speed: |
129 mph |
Number Built: |
n/a |
Collectability: |
n/a |
|
The MR2 Spyder is Toyota's attempt to return to the
lightweight, reasonably priced roots of the original sports
car market. The styling is a current interpretation of
the classic mid-engined proportions with a very short
hood and a stretched tail.
The MR2 rides on a wheelbase that is 7 inches longer than
the Mazda MX5/Miata wheelbase. It is even an inch or so
longer than the Porsche Boxster and Honda S2000 wheelbase.
Despite the obviously different nose, the MR2 Spyder looks
a little like a Boxster, especially in black, because
the dark color camouflages the surface differences. The
manual convertible top works easily, and can be lowered
from the driver's seat.
A nice detail is that the roof collapses into the boot
as a parallelogram, instead of the usual flip-over and
collapse setup. That means that, like the Boxster, the
roof settles into place exposing only the top section,
which rests flush with the body so no boot is needed to
cover it.
Unlike the Boxster and the S2000, the MR2 features a glass
rear window with an embedded defroster, so the car should
be easier to live with in the winter.
An unusual aspect
of the MR2 Spyder is Toyota's use of a space frame with
bolt-on fenders.
The MR2 Spyder has the same engine as the Toyota Corolla
and Celica GT. The engine is rated at 138 kw, but the
engine's performance doesn't quite live up to the car's
appearance.
Toyota's VVT-i engine uses variable valve timing, but
it doesn't generate a big surge of power when it switches
to the high-power cam profile. And it doesn't feel as
quick as a Mazda MX5.
Toyota claims a 0 - 100 km/h time of just under 7 seconds.
Helping re-sale values and almost certainly ensuring
this car quickly becomes a classic is the fact that
Toyota only plans to sell just 5,000 MR2 Spyders a
year. |