Story by David S. Wallens • Photography as Credited
Ferrari looks, top-shelf performance, Toyota reliability: Yep, we’re talking about the second-generation MR2.
Like the original MR2, the follow-up, released for the 1991 model year, pulled from a similar formula: midship-mounted engine, minimal bulk, and room for just two. The fact that Toyota even made a second-generation MR2, though, should be commended. By this time in automotive history, lower-priced, mid-engined sports cars had become a rarity after both the Pontiac Fiero and Fiat X1/9 failed to make it to the beginning of the ’90s.
Despite the lack of competition, this reconstituted MR2 shined, especially when built in Turbo guise. Turbo? Yes, the MR2 Turbo. While the standard MR2 received a 130-horsepower, naturally aspirated 2.2-liter engine, the turbocharged, intercooled variant made an even 200.
The media, as expected, swooned. Road & Track’s initial review closed on a glowing note: “Consider that this newest MR2 is for those people who can appreciate the graceful maturation of the mid-engine light-heavyweight champion of the world.”
Our review, written by J.G. Pasterjak, appeared in our March/April 1991 issue. “The old car looked like a padded test mule, whereas the ’91 version looks complete,” he wrote. “Its organic contours look like they grew right from the sheet metal that surrounds the cabin.”
But this was more than a pretty face. “Perhaps the most timeless thing about the new MR2 Turbo is the performance,” our review continued. “Turbo lag is nearly non-existent in the lower gears; even off of the boost, the two liter is torquey enough to get the somewhat porky (2758 lbs.) MR2 out of its own way. Throttle action is extremely progressive, and throttle response is among the best of any turbo motor we’ve experienced.”
Practical Guidance
our expert:
David Hawkins
Twos R Us twosrus.com
For collector values, the newer, the better and the more options, the better. From a driver’s perspective, I prefer the earlier cars without the big options like power steering and ABS. They’re more analog, and with some basic alignment changes the “dangerous” handling characteristics can be eradicated. Hard top cars were in…
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