Toyota MR2
| Toyota MR2 | |
|---|---|
Second generation MR2 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Central Motors (part of the Toyota Motor Corporation) |
| Also called | Toyota MR (France and Belgium) |
| Production | 1984–2007 |
| Model years | 1985–2007 |
| Assembly | Japan: Sagamihara, Kanagawa (Central Motors) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Layout | Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
The Toyota MR2 is a two-seater sports car which was manufactured and marketed by Toyota from 1984 until 2007 over three generations. It was the first Japanese rear-mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive production car and was sold around the world. The first generation (W10) was produced from 1984 to 1989, the second generation (W20) from 1989 to 1999, and the third generation (W30) from 1999 to 2007.
Conceived as a small, economical and sporty car, the MR2 features a straight-four engine, transversely mounted in front of the rear axle, four-wheel disc brakes, and fully independent coilover suspension with MacPherson struts on each wheel.
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.