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Photography: Toyota
It’s certainly understandable to get excited when you consider that Toyota introduced the convertible Spyder with the hopes of attracting the amorous attentions of the tuning crowd. Toyota graced it with a body that’s easily customized and, more importantly, gave it a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup. We’re talking about a car that handles like a dream and then some (and for an affordable price, at that).
For power, the Spyder relies on a 1.8L twin-cam, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine that also features VVT-I variable-valve timing. As is, the engine is capable of 138 hp at 6,400 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Weighing in at 2,200 pounds, the Spyder’s favorable power-to-weight ratio makes it capable, according to Toyota, of going from 0–60 mph in 6.95 seconds. The four-wheel ABS is capable of reigning in the MR2 from 70–0 mph in 167 feet.
You’ve Got the Power (Almost)
Some of you might not be immediately impressed with what the Spyder has to offer in terms of power, and that’s a concern that’s certainly justified. Unfortunately though, while a supercharger or turbocharger would be the answer (there’s even ample space in the engine compartment for either one) neither is currently available on the U.S. market. Most of the trouble lies in outwitting the OBD2 computer, which is a tough one to crack. It could just be a matter of time before one hits the market, and the likes of Toyota Racing Development (TRD) are presently considering producing either a turbo or supercharger kit.
However, there may be another option. Although at this point it’s mostly just speculation, it should be possible to swap the engine with something more powerful like, say a turbocharged Celica GT-S motor. SP Engineering suggested a better fit might be the 3S-GT, which is an older MR2 turbo motor. While such a swap has never been done before, SP Engineering thinks it could definitely be pulled off. This kind of power potential, coupled with the Spyder’s excellent handling and low weight would make the MR2 an absolute terror.
Last but not least, there are a variety of bolt-on exhausts currently available that should be able to scrounge up some extra power. TRD makes an exhaust for the MR2 and claims that it will provide an additional three to four horsepower at the wheels.
You’ve Got the Touch
As part of Toyota’s plan to make the MR2 customizer friendly, the body structure has been made as simple as possible. Thus, the MR2’s coachwork features steel panels that are bolted onto a high-rigidity unit body. The aftermarket has been quick to pick up on this aspect of the Spyder’s potential and various body kits are already being offered.
TRD offers two polyurethane body kits, the Stage 1 and Stage 2. The choice of front fascia is what distinguishes one from the other, with the Stage 1 featuring a front lip spoiler and the Stage 2 featuring a racing-style front bumper cover that’s a direct replacement for the stock component.
Another company currently making MR2 body accessories is Postert Design and Wheels. Postert has a rollbar available as well as spoilers, a lowering kit with progressive springs, and even wheels (available in seven different designs). If you want to mold the MR2’s interior, Postert can help you with that as well, and offers leather seat covers, dash kits, stainless steel kick plates, and chromed instruments and air vents.
For anyone who isn’t satisfied with the MR2’s stock MacPherson struts, TRD offers the Sportivo suspension set for a stiffer and more responsive ride. The set includes lowering springs that will decrease ride height by ¾ of an inch, as well as front and rear sway bars and front upper strut mounts. TRD also offers a member brace set and front and rear strut braces for lessening body flex and increasing chassis reinforcement.
Conclusion
While there are some turbo kits available for the MR2 in Japan, nothing of the like is yet available on our own shores, so it would appear that huge horsepower gains at present are out of the question (but we imagine that, given some time, this will change). And while an engine swap is definitely tempting, it’s pretty much uncharted territory. In the meantime, the Spyder is still a tremendously stylish platform with plenty of features to spare, like being the only convertible on the scene (which is pretty sweet in its own right), and being a true rear-wheel-drive menace. With a design that simplifies and openly encourages body modifications, the MR2 Spyder is sure to develop a loyal following, and rightfully so.
Engine
1.8L four-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve multiport EFI, aluminum block with aluminum alloy head
Bored and stroked: 3.11x3.60
Compression ratio: 10:1
Power and torque:
138@6,400
125@4,400
Transmission
Five-speed manual or Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT)
Brakes
Four-wheel ABS, ventilated 10-inch front discs, ventilated 10.3-inch rear discs
Suspension
Front: MacPherson struts, .79-inch stabilizer bar, rear: MacPherson struts, .59-inch stabilizer bar
Wheels
Front: 15x6.0, rear: 15x6.5
Tires
Steel-belted radial summer tire, front: 185/55R15, rear: 205/50R15
Weight
2,195 pounds (for manual transmission)
Performance
0-60 mph@6.95
