Minneapolis Street Sighting: Toyota MR-2

As readers of this blog know, I am fascinated with Toyota as a whole-- no, not Corolla, and not the modern day Camry either--and it sure as hell isn't the Prius. The Toyota I'm referencing mad light, sporty vehicles. Vehicles built not only for the driver, but vehicles that evoke emotion to passers-by as well. Cars like the original Celica, the Supra, and the much-fabled earlier efforts such as the legendary 2000GT. In the 1980s, Toyots slowly began to drift away from what made them so special, not only to driving enthusiasts, but to little kids who loved cars alike--and that would be me. As the 1990s wore on, and into the 2000s, it seems the Toyota have lost their way. And clearly, with the introduction of more Hybrids than actual driver's cars, they have.
Remembering what made Toyota great, and recognizing it go hand in hand. For me, the MR2 represents the pinnacle of post-modern Toyota design. Light, relatively quick on its feet, and able to withstand a bevy of aftermarket modifications, this is what a true sports car should be. And it was so successful that Pontiac tried to emulate it with the Fiero GT--and they couldn't. As a child, I quite loved both cars, and as a grown man, I still do. But the MR2 holds a place in my heart like no other Toyota does--well, except for the 2000GT, and early 1990s Celica All Trac.













In the 1980s, Japan knew what sports-oriented drivers wanted; fast cars, but at affordable prices; Decent gas mileage, but fun to drive; ability to slalom as quick as a Ferrari 308 while having the capacity and front seat space as a Corolla. Yep-- the MR2 was the little Toyota that definitely could. Before the SW20 came out in 1991, there was this-- the AW11. Produced from 1985 to 1989, this little car had either the legendary 4AGE or the supercharged version, the 4AGZE, pushing 112 (?) horses and 145 respectfully. With the supercharged engine, this 2300ish lb car accelerated to 60 MPH in roughly 7 seconds; unfortunately, with the non-supercharged 112 horse engine, 60 MPH came in a rather poor 8.7 seconds. A straight-line screamer the MR2 was not. What it excelled at was corners, and boy did it handle. Experts say that, at the time, the MR2 was one of the best handling cars on the market for purchase. No doubt that it still plays out today.
With the arrival of the SW20's mini Ferrari looks, and finally an all-new roadster form--the MR-S/MR-2 Spyder coming for 2003, and not to be replaced, it seems as if Toyota's fine mastery of sports cars is done for good. But wait-- don't they supply engines for Lotus? Yes--and no. The Lotus Elise, Exige, and Evora all use Toyota powerplants, so I guess one could say that Toyota does still care about its sporting nature; it just does so for a lot more money--and with a more prestige nameplate adorning the cars. So does the legacy of the MR-2 live on? Every time an Elise or Exige passes by, there's the answer. It does--and it does it more expensively than the original.