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Toyota
MR2 Spyder Offers 6-Speed Sequential Manual Transmission
The mid-engine Toyota MR2 is the only affordable sports car to
offer a true six-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT)
option, which Toyota added for 2003. A five-speed manual
transmission is standard. For 2004, the mid-engine Toyota MR2
Spyder offers a new optional limited-slip differential, which
enhances its already world-class handling response, especially
for drivers who participate in slalom driving. In addition, the
tan leather trim interior is now available in conjunction with
the Absolutely red exterior, making for a stunning look on this
roadster. "The MR2 Spyder is a pure sports car based on a
concept of low weight and a racecar-inspired mid-engine
configuration,"said Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice
president and general manager. "At the same time, the MR2
is a well-equipped roadster with true everyday usability and
comfort."
The MR2 Spyder has not only proven its mettle as
a "budget exotic" sports car, but has also succeeded
in attracting more performance-oriented buyers to the Toyota
brand. The model name stems from Mid-engine, Rear-wheel drive
and 2 seats. The MR2 appeals to driving enthusiasts of all ages
because it fulfills the definition of a no-compromise sports
car. Like the two generations of MR2 models before it, the MR2
Spyder delivers the performance and handling of more expensive
sports cars yet with proven Toyota quality and durability.
Capable of 0-60 mph performance in slightly over seven seconds,
the MR2 Spyder is also easy to own, thanks to low maintenance
and fuel costs. MR2 Spyder puts forth a bold look in front with
dual-bulb projector-style headlights and integrated standard
foglights. The side air intakes are color-keyed instead of
black.
In the rear, the combination lamps with cylindrical turn
signals and reversing lights mimic the dual-bulb look of the
headlights. The rear grille garnish combines body-color ribs and
mesh to emphasize the midship engine design. The larger oval
chrome tailpipe accents the car's performance capability, and a
retractable power antenna contributes to the car's clean lines.
Inside, the instrument panel graphics use fine gradations in the
gauges for a sophisticated appearance. The heater/air
conditioner controls likewise feature similar fine gradations,
as well as chrome trim rings. Chrome trim also accents the door
speakers and air vents.
Sequential Manual Transmission
The optional Toyota SMT is a true clutchless sequential manual
transmission similar in concept and operation to those offered
in Ferrari, Maserati and some BMW models. It is not an automatic
transmission that merely offers a manual control mode, as seen
in performance cars including the Porsche Boxster. With the
Toyota SMT, the driver shifts gears by moving the floorshift to
the "+" (upshift) or "-" (downshift)
positions. Computer-controlled actuators perform the clutch
disengagement/engagement and gearshifts as quickly as a highly
experienced driver.
The electronic throttle control even reduces
torque during upshifts and "blips"the throttle to
match engine speed during downshifts. The driver can also shift
gears via steering wheel-mounted buttons. The SMT provides the
driver with the interaction and performance of a manual
transmission, while the absence of a clutch pedal makes the car
more convenient and comfortable to drive in traffic. In exotic
sports cars, such a transmission can add thousands of dollars to
the price of the car. The main difference is that the Toyota SMT
does not offer a full automatic mode, keeping the unit both
affordable and light (it adds just 20 pounds over the standard
five-speed manual transmission).
Optimized Powertrain
The MR2 Spyder is powered by the same 1.8-liter twin-cam
16-valve four-cylinder engine as in the Celica GT. The engine
produces 138 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of peak
torque at 4,400 rpm. Toyota Variable Valve Timing with
intelligence (VVT-i) continuously varies intake valve operation
to optimize torque at all speeds. As a result, the MR2 provides
very responsive everyday performance without requiring high rpm
to enjoy sporty driving. An aluminum engine block with an
aluminum-alloy cylinder head helps keep powertrain weight low.
The MR2 Spyder achieves estimated EPA fuel mileage ratings of 26
mpg city/32 mpg highway with the five-speed manual and 25/33
with the six-speed SMT.
Pure Sports Chassis
A mid-engine layout gives the MR2 Spyder quick, precise steering
response because it concentrates the car's largest mass - the
powertrain - as close to the car's center as possible. The
configuration gives the MR2 Spyder what engineers refer to as a
"low polar moment of inertia." That means the MR2
Spyder is less resistant to changes in direction and therefore
very responsive to steering input. An exceptionally stiff
unitized body structure and strut-based four-wheel independent
suspension give the MR2 Spyder both high-performance cornering
ability and a compliant ride. The rack-and-pinion steering
system uses an electric-powered hydraulic pump, which saves
weight and reduces parasitic drag on the engine. The unit
provides excellent responsiveness and feedback with just 2.7
turns lock-to-lock. A "staggered" wheel and tire setup
enhances balance and handling response. The 15 x 6-inch front
alloy wheels have 185/55R15 tires, with 16 x 7-inch alloy wheels
and 215/45R16 tires in the rear. Four-wheel disc brakes with
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) help to ensure safe, confident braking
and fade resistance.
Everyday Comfort
Low vehicle weight does not mean sacrificing comfort in the MR2
Spyder. The combination of bolstered sport seats and a generous
42.2 inches of legroom ensure comfort for pleasure drives and
longer trips. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
are traditional sports car touches and impart a quality feel to
the interior. The manually operated convertible soft-top folds
completely out of sight yet has a glass rear window with
defroster. A standard wind deflector that deploys behind the
seats helps reduce air buffeting in the cockpit. There are
storage compartments under the front hood and behind the
seatbacks. The extensive standard equipment rivals that of more
expensive sports cars and includes a 3-in-1 AM-FM/cassette/CD
audio system with four speakers, air conditioning, power
windows, door locks and exterior mirrors, tilt steering wheel,
keyless entry and security system with engine immobilizer. The
factory option list includes a limited-slip differential, and
tan and black leather-trim interior packages with matching-color
convertible tops. Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic
new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other
than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month
warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and
corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation.
- 2003 Toyota Press release
Year-to-Year
Changes:
2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder: Because the MR2 Spyder had been launched
late in the 2000 model year, nothing changed for 2001.
2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder: Technology took center stage for 2002,
as a unique new transmission became available. Working without a
clutch, the optional sequential manual gearbox had no
conventional "H" pattern shift lever. Gears could be
changed by moving a floor lever forward to upshift, or back to
downshift. Or, the driver could use an optional pair of
steering-wheel buttons to accomplish the same task. No
automatic-shifting capability was provided, and no automatic
transmission was available for the MR2 Spyder.
2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder: The sequential manual transmission was
upgraded from 5 speeds to 6 for '03. Exterior changes included a
reshaped nose, new headlamps and taillights, and color-keyed
instead of black side air intakes. MR2 also got restyled gauges,
chrome and metal-look interior trim, standard fog lights, and a
power antenna in place of a fixed mast type. Wheel size stayed
15 inches in front, but grew to 16 inches in the rear, where
slightly wider tires are fitted as well. Cruise control was a
new feature with the SMT.
2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder: New for '04 is the availability of a
limited-slip differential on the MR2
2005
Toyota MR2 Spyder: New for '05 is a 6-disc CD changer in
the dash (US cars)
Mechanical
1.8 liter
4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve VVTi, EFI engine (click
for details)
Ladder-frame bearing caps
Limited Slip Differential (standard in Europe, 2004 option in US)
Integral oil cooler and air conditioning brackets
5-speed manual w/overdrive
Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT), optional (click
for details) (review)
Electro-Hydraulic power-assisted, variable-assist, rack and pinion
steering
Independent MacPherson strut suspension (front)
Independent dual-link suspension (rear)
Front and rear stabilizer bars
Power-assisted ventilated disk brakes (front/rear) with Anti-lock (ABS)
5 spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, 15x6JJ (front), 15x6.5JJ (rear) (2003-06
is 16x7)
All-season steel-belted V-rated radial tires,
P185/55VR15 (front),
P205/V50VR15 (rear)
P215/45VR16 (2003-06 rear)
Unitized body construction
Hood silencer
Aerodynamic front tire fairings (rear added for 2002)
Exterior
Manual folding black cloth convertible top with glass rear window and
electric defroster
Aerodynamic
halogen headlights with integrated front turn signal lights
Daytime running lights (DRL's)
Functional side air intake ducts
Color-keyed front and rear bumpers
Color-keyed door handles
Interior
4-way
adjustable driver and passenger sport bucket seats
Mesh fabric upholstery, leather optional
Sporty, tubular door grip
Mesh fabric door trim
Door mounted tweeter and full range speaker
Door map pockets
Dual sun visors
Lockable glove box
Sporty drilled aluminum pedals and driver-side footrest
Under-hood storage space
High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass
Lockable storage behind seats
Instrumentation: electronic analog speedometer, two tripmeters ,
odometer
tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel level gauges backlit in defused orange light
Warning lights: air
bag, door ajar, battery, oil pressure, brake, check engine
and low fuel level
Warning buzzer: key-in-ignition
Air conditioning (CFC-free)
3-spoke leather-covered steering wheel
Tilt steering wheel
Power windows (auto-down driver's side feature, retained power)
Power locks (anti-lockout feature)
Leather-covered shift knob
Variable intermittent windshield wipers
Digital quartz clock
Remote front hood, engine hood and fuel door release
Map light
Wind deflector
Deluxe 3-in-1 electronically tuned radio/cassette/CD with 2 speakers and 2 tweeters
Keyless entry (2001 and up)
Cruise Control (only available with Sequential Manual Transmission)
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