These camshafts allowed the use of 16 valves for better gas flow through the combustion chamber.
Much of Lotus' legendary design technique can be seen in the AW11 during this prototype phase.įor the first generation of the MR2 Toyota used the 4A-GE 1587 cc I4 engine as a powerplant with two overhead camshafts. The codename AW11 featured a light body with a small displacement engine that was lightly powered and exemplified superior handling. With a design criteria different from that of most previous vehicles, the two-seat MR2 was not considered to be practical as a family car.
The Japanese have always been known for their practical economical vehicles, which is why the small and lightweight MR2 of '86 was such a surprise to consumers. The MR2's claim to fame is in becoming the first mass-produced mid-engined vehicle to arrive from a Japanese manufacturer. The designation MR2 was originally meant to stand for 'Midship Rear-drive, 2-seater' was originally scheduled to be released in the spring of 1984 into the Japanese market. In 1983 at the Tokyo Motor Show Toyota introduced in SV-3 concept car which resulted in a large amount of publicity. Other models were severely tested on tracks in both Japan and California. The SA-X was the first prototype in 1981 and was the first inclination that the vehicle would be an actual sports car. The MR2 Spyder will be offered in one grade level and will be very well equipped. The manually operated convertible soft-top folds completely out of sight. The center cluster console is designed to accommodate audio equipment, or can be removed completely, for additional weight savings. There are storage compartments under the front hood and behind the seatbacks. The Spyder's coachwork features steel panels that are bolted onto a high-rigidity unit-body, making repairs easier and less expensive. (posted on ) The Spyder's steering system is a newly developed electric hydraulic power unit designed to save weight, while providing exceptional responsiveness and road feedback.
2001 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER MANUAL
Power is applied to the rear wheels of the MR2 Spyder through a five-speed manual transmission. The engine also powers the all-new Celica GT. Rated at 138-hp at 6,400 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4,400, the Spyder's favorable power-to-weight ratio will help provide plenty of pop off the starting line. The engine features VVT-i cylinder head technology, a variable-valve timing system similar to the design currently used in Lexus engines. It has a wheelbase of 96.5 inches and an overall length of 153 inches.Īn all-new 1.8-liter twin cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine powers the Spyder. Weighing in at approximately 2,200 pounds, the MR2 Spyder rides on a wide, low-slung platform, supported by MacPherson struts at all four corners. A separate marketing group, genesis, is responsible for the development for the sub-brand's marketing strategy. The Celica sport coupe and ECHO compact sedan have been on sale since October.Īll three new vehicles are marketed as a youth-oriented sub-brand within the Toyota Division. The MR2 Spyder will arrive at dealerships in April, with an annual sales target of approximately 5,000 units. Most important, it will be surprisingly affordable.' A two-seat, mid-engine, soft-top roadster distilled to its most basic nature, it is simple and functional and a blast to drive. 'The MR2 Spyder is true to these essential elements. 'The world fell in love with the sports cars of the 50s, because they were light in weight, light on the road and light on the wallet,' said Don Esmond, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), Ú.S.A., Inc. These three vehicles were developed specifically to appeal to younger new-car buyers on a budget. The arrival of the all-new Toyota MR2 Spyder two-seat roadster will join ECHO compact sedan and seventh-generation Celica to complete a trifecta of all-new models Toyota is roll-out during model-year 2000. Toyota's All-New Mid-Engine/Rear-Drive MR2 Spyder Is Set To Launch In Spring 2000
0 kommentar(er)
