Life is like a roll of toilet paper,the closer it gets to the end,the faster it goes. I have learned...The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step and you cannot tell how deep a puddle is until you step in it.
In 1985, the MR2 was a classic example of Toyota's leading edge technology.
Now, after 10 years of road-gripping fun, the MR2 has reached the finish
line, driving itself into the status of legendary sports car classics. Mister
Two, as it's fondly dubbed by enthusiasts, bids its final farewell in 1995,
with U.S. sales ceasing by the end of the year.
Three years after its introduction, the MR2 offered more power, with a belt
driven Roots type supercharger added to the engine. As a result, the MR2's
horsepower was boosted by 30 percent to 145. The supercharged engine thrusted
the MR2 from zero to 60 in about 7 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph.
1991 was the dawn of the second generation MR2. It featured a completely new
engine and an exterior that evovled from a wedge shaped style to a wider,
sleeker bullet. Racing legend Dan Gurney had a hand in the '91 MR2 suspension
design, assisting engineers with fine tuning.
Along with a innovative apperance and tighter suspension came impeccable
power. The new generation sported a 2.2 liter engine, and a turbocharger
replaced the supercharger. Horsepower was boosted to 200, with a top speed
increasing to 150 mph. This new creation was praised by the media, alongside
such new rockets as Ferraris. In fact, the 1993 MR2 Turbo beat out the
Ferrari Mondialin a zero-to-60 test, with the Toyota clocking in at 6.2
seconds. A 1993 ad boasting the MR2's prowess read: "The 1993 Toyota MR2. If
It Were Any Slower, It Would Be A Ferrari."
From 1991 to 1995 the MR2 didn't change much - and rightly so. It was a tough
act to beat. Subtle styling and suspension refinements, including larger
15-inch wheels and lower profile tires for better cornering and handling,
enhanced the MR2.
My 1991 Toyota second generation MarkII MR2 and 2000 Honda CBR929 superbike I must say is two of the most awesome machines I have ever owned and driven along with Toyota and Honda's Reputation for reliability.
The only thing I regret is not purchasing the 3SGTE 2.0 ltr Turbo Mark II MR2 when given the opportunity instead of my normally aspirated 5SFE 2.2LTR engine,but at the time I was also working on a high performance L-82(corvette engine) Camaro so I just chose to go with the more conservative chioce,yes I'm still kicking myself for it.But the normally aspirated MR2 is still awesome to drive with the well balanced mid engine configuration,smooth handling,4 speed auto, excellent suspension and four wheel disc brakes. I have had thoughts of possibly a Turbo conversion in the future with the 3SGTE Toyota engine,but For now,the 5SFE will do just fine. Much more additional MR2 information can be found with the Links on this page.The MR2 Journey - Tracking A Classic From Yesterday To Today
Ingenious Engineering
Named Motor Trend "Import Car Of The Year" in 1985, the MR2 stood as a sign
of Toyota's innovative engineering. The car's Toyota TC-16 engine, otherwise
known as "Sweet Sixteen," was considered a revolutionary design in its day.
The MR2's 1.6-liter electronically fuel-injected twin cam with 16 valves was
touted as one of the first of its kind in the automotive world to "reconcile
high performance and high effciency." Part of the reason for its acclaim was
that the engine featured a design once reserved for exotic sports machines -
four valves per cylinder instead of two.
Makings of a True Sports Car
The MR2, the first mid-engine-style sports car to be mass-produced in Japan,
was named for its Mid-engine, Rear-drive, 2-seat configuration. Placing the
engine behind the occupants, but in front of the rear wheels, provided the
car with near perfect weight distribution and gave it race-car like handling.
For a high level of stability, The MR2 was designed short, wide and low to
the ground.
A little Tribute for my MR2 and CBR929
As For my 929RR...Along with a Leo Vinci slip on exhaust and frame sliders,I just recently installed EBC double HH sintered Racing brake pads,brand new DID 530 X-ring racing chain w/new sprockets,Metzler Sportec M1 Tires
120/70 front,190/50 rear.awesome tires in wet with the silica compound or dry conditions and felt very stable at high speeds up to approx.160mph>. Even though I've had great performance with using Dunlop and Michelin tires,the Metzlers seem to give me more feel and confidence in the turns as far as my personal experiences.The fuel injection system is truly awesome on the 929,it has performed flawless for me,and it really kicks it up a notch when using 110 octane race fuel.
