| Toyota MR2 | |
|---|---|
 Second generation MR2 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Central Motors (part of the Toyota Motor Corporation) |
| Also called | Toyota MR (France and Belgium) |
| Production | 1984–2007 |
| Model years | 1985–2007 |
| Assembly | Japan: Sagamihara, Kanagawa (Central Motors) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Layout | Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
The Toyota MR2 is a line of two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports cars, manufactured in Japan and marketed globally by Toyota from 1984 until 2007 over three generations: W10 (1984–1989), W20 (1989–1999) and W30 (1999–2007). It is Japan's first rear mid-engined production car.
Conceived as a small, economical and sporty car, the MR2 uses simple but effective design elements, including an inline-four engine, transversely mounted in front of the rear axle, four-wheel disc brakes, and fully independent coilover suspension – MacPherson strut fronts and Chapman strut rears.
The name MR2 stands for either "mid-ship run-about 2-seater"[1] or "mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater".[2] In French-speaking markets, the vehicle was renamed Toyota MR because the abbreviation "MR2" sounds like the profanity "merde" when spoken in French.[3]
- ^ Crouch, David (2015-02-25). "The Toyota MR2 – History" (Press release). UK: Toyota. Archived from the original on 2017-01-09. Retrieved 2016-12-09.
- ^ "MR2 History". Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ^ Burton 2015, M-R-deux.