2002 Toyota MR2

Like all the best roadsters, the new Toyota MR2 combines traditional sports car characteristics with modern engineering. Returning to concept basics, Toyota drew upon their roots for lightweight sports cars and the two previous generations of the MR2 to create a new spyder for the 21st century.

The Toyota MR2 is mid-engined, rear wheel drive for precise handling. Toyota engineers have used the very latest technology to cut weight and boost performance. But it is in the area of agility that the mid engine and lightweight design really shines. The mid-engine design, combined with an ideal ‘wheelbase to overall length’ ratio, makes this one of the most nimble of vehicles on the road. Quick and accurate driver response is the name of thegame for the new MR2 roadster.

Power is applied to the rear wheels of the MR2 Spyder through a standard five-speed manual transmission or a new-for-2002 sequential manual transmission (SMT). The MR2 Spyder is the first U.S.-market Toyota model to feature this new, sophisticated transmission. The clutch pedal and gear selector have been replaced with a single shifter. The SMT clutch and gear selector operations are performed by ECU computer controlled actuators and the engine is also equipped with electronic throttle control to allow the ECU to reduce torque during shifts.

Upshifts or downshifts are achieved by moving the selector to the + or – positions. SMT includes standard steering wheel mounted shift buttons and cruise control. The lack of a clutch pedal provides the convenience of an automatic transmission with the interaction of a manual transmission.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
engine	Inline-4
position	Mid Engine
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl w/VVT-i
displacement	1794 cc / 109.5 in³
bore	79 mm / 3.11 in
stroke	91.5 mm / 3.6 in
power	102.9 kw / 138.0 bhp @ 6400 rpm
specific output	76.92 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	bhp per tonne
torque	169.48 nm / 125.0 ft lbs @ 4400 rpm
driven wheels	RWD
front tires	P185/55R15
rear tires	P205/50R15
front brakes	Vented Discs w/ABS & Power Assist
f brake size	x 254 mm / x 10.0 in
rear brakes	Vented Discs w/ABS & Power Assist
r brake size	x 262 mm / x 10.3 in
front wheels	F 38.1 x 15.2 cm / 15.0 x 6.0 in
rear wheels	R 38.1 x 16.5 cm / 15.0 x 6.5 in
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspension	MacPherson Struts w/Lower L Arm, Long Ciol Springs, Anti-Roll Ba
r suspension	MacPherson Struts w/Dual Links, Long Coil Arm, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight	996 kg / 2196 lbs
wheelbase	2451 mm / 96.5 in
front track	1476 mm / 58.1 in
rear track	1461 mm / 57.5 in
length	3886 mm / 153.0 in
width	1694 mm / 66.7 in
height	1138 mm / 44.8 in
transmission	5-Speed Manual
gear ratios	3.166:1, 1.904:1, 1.392:1, 1.031:1, 0.815:1, :1
drag	0.35 Cd