The Toyota MR2 proved that the Japanese company had passion and heart, and it was dearly loved in return, but what does its name mean?
Depending on who you believe, MR2 stands for either Mid-ship Runabout 2-seater, or Mid-engine Rear-wheel drive 2-seater.
The Toyota MR2 was launched in 1984 as a angular mid-engine coupe and quickly became a cult hit, and helped to prove to export audiences that Toyota could indeed do fun on top of affordable and reliable.
1989’s follow up kept the same basic formula, but the body was unashamedly inspired by Ferrari. Prices went up thanks to the larger engine and body, as well as the yen’s flactuation.
Introduced in 1999, the third generation model had the same mechanical layout as the car’s before, but ditched the closed roof turbochargers and superchargers in favour of variable valve timing and a convertible body.
