MID-ENGINE/REAR-DRIVE TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER SET TO LAUNCH IN APRIL

 

AutoWorld.com - David Lee  - The all-new Toyota MR2 Spyder two-seat roadster will join the ECHO compact sedan and seventh-generation Celica sports coupe to complete a trifecta of all-new models Toyota will roll-out during model-year 2000. These three vehicles were developed specifically to appeal to younger new-car buyers on a budget.


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"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. "The MR2 Spyder is true to these essential elements. A two-seat, mid-engine, soft-top roadster distilled to its most basic nature, it is simple and functional and a blast to drive.

Most important, it will be surprisingly affordable." The MR2 Spyder will arrive at dealerships in April, with an annual sales target of approximately 5,000 units. The Celica sport coupe and ECHO compact sedan have been on sale since October .

The MR2 Spyder was developed with five key criteria, including:
  • True driver enjoyment, blending good movement, low inertia, and light weight.
  • A long wheelbase to achieve high stability and fresh new styling.
  • A mid-engine design to create excellent handling and steering without the weight of the engine up front.
  • A body structure as simple as possible to allow for easy customization.
  • Finally, low cost to the consumer.
The Spyder will carry an MSRP of $23,098. In preliminary performance testing, it was capable of delivering a level of acceleration, braking and maneuverability that comes very close to vehicles pegged at nearly twice its price.

Weighing in at approximately 2,200 pounds, the MR2 Spyder rides on a wide, low-slung platform, supported by MacPherson struts at all four comers. It has a wheelbase of 96.5 inches and an overall length of 153 inches.

The same all-new 1.8-liter twin-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine offered in the new Celica GT, also powers the Spyder. The engine features VVT-i cylinder head technology, a variable-valve timing system similar to the design currently used in Lexus engines. Rated at 138-hp at 6,400 rpm and 125lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, the Spyder's favorable power-to-weight ratio has contributed to a zero-to-60 acceleration time of 6.95 seconds.



Power is applied to the rear wheels of the MR2 Spyder through a five-speed manual transmission. The Spyder's steering system is a newly developed electric hydraulic power unit designed to save weight, while providing exceptional responsiveness and road feedback. 

Accident-avoidance lane changes at 50 miles-per-hour were negotiated in only 3.2 seconds. The Spyder's braking is equally exceptional, making its four-wheel ABS system capable of 70-to-zero deceleration in only 167 feet.

The Spyder's coachwork features steel panels that are bolted onto a high rigidity unit-body, making repairs and customization easier and less expensive.

There are storage compartments under the front hood and behind the seatbacks.

The center cluster console is designed to accommodate audio equipment, or can be removed completely, for additional weight savings. The manually operated convertible soft-top folds completely out of sight.

The product plan for Spyder was kept simple. It will not only be monograde, it will be mono-spec, with a choice of six exterior colors and three interior color combinations. The list of standard features is extensive, and includes:
  • three-in-one AM-FM/cassette/CD audio system
  • air conditioning
  • ABS brakes
  • power windows and door locks
  • 15-inch alloy wheels
  • tilt steering wheel
  • wind deflector
  • leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
  • glass rear window with defroster
The only options will be dealer-installed accessories, including an interior tonneau cover, front-end mask and wheel locks.

"The Toyota MR2 Spyder was designed to immediately impact how consumers think about Toyota products," said Esmond. "It is a vehicle that speaks the truth to sports car enthusiasts seeking exhilarating performance and bold styling at an affordable price."
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