The Forgotten MR2

True success stories are sometimes hard to come by. On occasion, you might hear of such a mundane achievement as a perfect game in baseball, or even a prizefighter going undefeated, but truly inspiring tales of accomplishment are few and far between. Consider yourself fortunate when such a story unfolds before your very own eyes. Like in the case of watching this very video. The focus of this certifiable success saga is none other than the legendary Mk1 Toyota MR2.
The shower of praise for Toyota's mid-engined two-seater began as soon into the scene, back in the early 80s. Early on, the MR2 earned rave reviews from the press for its finely balanced handling, superb notchy five-speed gearbox, and its jewel-like twin-cam, sixteen-valve, four-cylinder engine. Also, known as the 4AGE. Some publications like Car and Driver even unanimously voted the MR2 onto the "Ten Best Cars" list for the year. The Mr2 was further singled out for its gearbox and its ergonomic layout as the best in the industry. In all, it was an encouraging start for the perky little two-seater, which pretty quickly came to be known affectionately as Mister Two.
It all begs the question, "What prompted Toyota to design and produce the Mk1 Mr2 in the first place?” And it’s also important to realize that the Mk1 Mr2 is Japan's first mid-engined production car.
The story begins when Toyota presented a new mid-engine concept of its own at the 1983 Tokyo auto show dubbed the SV-3. The inspiration for this new prototype followed the success of small, relatively affordable mid-engine sports cars such as the Porsche 914, Fiat X1/9, Lancia Scorpion, and even the Pontiac Fiero. The SV-3 was so well thought-out that very few changes were made before the debut of the production version of the Toyota MR2.
It might surprise you to know that the Mk1 Mr2 started life as a bit of a parts bin special. This is because the engine, some of the MacPherson strut suspension, electrical and other components were carried over from the successful Corolla model. On top of that, suspension tuning was widely reported by sources to have been finalized at Lotus and the prototypes were shaken down by none other than American Formula 1 and sports car racer and constructer, Dan Gurney. This could very well be the reason why the Mr2 was an excellent driver's car right from the start.
Powering the Mr2 was a high revving 112-hp, 16-valve, twin-cam 1.6-liter inline-four which was mounted ahead of the rear axle. The little four-banger loved to stay in the high RPM range and topped at 7,500 RPM. Even more, the Mr2 had disc brakes all around, and a quick five-speed manual gearbox. All of this and more essentially made the Mr2 a budget exotic car.
Curb weight was approximately 2,300 lb and 0 to 60 mph came about in 8.4 seconds, which was roughly on par with the contemporary Porsche 944. Despite the horsepower rating, handling was the little Toyota's strong suit, posting strong skid pad figures and benign handling traits that could keep a well-driven MR2 on the heels of far more powerful and expensive cars down winding backroads.
These stock attributes made the MR2 the ideal proving ground as a competition car. A clear example of this came in the form of the Toyota MR-2 ADVAN AW11. To be fair this Gymkhana Monster had some upgrades. Like a 1775cc stroked 4AGE that produced 220Hp with an 8,500 Rpm redline. And it only weighed 1366 lbs. It also featured additional Aerodynamic appendages like the Rear Wing and side skirts.
It would be a shame to not mention some fascinating methods in its engineering with a lot of TRD expertise in its development. The most curious solution is how much effort was put into having the most perfect weight distribution possible. Not only the division of back to front was considered but also from right to left with the engine being moved further into the middle of the car even compared to the already mid-engined stock MR2.
By 1986, removable T-top glass roof panels were made optional on the MR2. But larger changes were in store for 1987. That model year, all MR2s received larger brakes, new taillights, a revised passenger-side vent, refreshed interior and seats, and a new supercharged MR2 became available. This new intercooler, Roots-type supercharged model used a stronger version of the 4AGE engine block and transmission; which would also be adopted by 1987 and onward for naturally-aspirated models. It was known as the 4AGZE and developed 145 hp and 140-lb-ft of torque.
Now comes the sad part. Unfortunately, supercharged models also tended to be fully optioned with mandatory T-tops and other extras, increasing weight to 2,500 lbs. Nevertheless, 0 to 60 mph times fell to roughly 7.0-seconds. These Supercharged MR2s are distinguished from standard variants by their raised engine lid vents and "Supercharged" badging on the rear and sides.

[@KCDrives]

I love my 87' MR2, it's the car I always wanted and it's even better than what I thought it would be. It's got some creature comfort/modernization done to it and it's my daily. Truly a thrill to drive even at low speeds.

[@sunshine_2445]

i wanna see

[@gomy95]

Nothing could’ve prepared me for how I felt driving my mk3 mr2. A true go cart for the road. I’ve heard the 3rd gen is more like the 1st gen in this way

[@skvltdmedia]

Kinda except Spyder has 200lbs on this one.

[@jumuworks]

I have/had both, 1st gen is more curvy due to its shorter wheel base but 3rd gen has better power/weight ratio and deeper center of mass. i like both :)

[@DC2_Danny]

The MRS is the best one bro

[@gomy95]

@@DC2_Danny I don’t doubt it. I recently had to sell mine tho I have a bad back and couldn’t see out windscreen without slouching or hunching. I miss her so much

[@TheYakkis]

Defiantly, the mk3 feels a lot like the mk1 with power steering. The mk2 feels awful to me .

[@feral4mr2]

I've been a aw11 owner and enthusiast for 26 years. I've had 5 3/4 aw11's at one time, but now only have 2. Still have the one I bought in 1995 and one I bought in 2006. They are such a awesome car and the 4ag is a amazing engine.

[@paulshanesmith]

Bought my 89 built, 90 registered MK1 in 1994 and it still brings a smile to my face every time I drive it.

[@RA-uj3nm]

I've had my 87 since 1990...... never getting rid of it.

[@tsmith7146]

When the Mk1 came out in 1984/1985, it was a revelation with lightweight, go kart handling in a cheap-ish car with the wonderful high revving 4A-GE engine. It trounced the competition (Fiero, CRX and ageing X1/9) and press and public loved it. The MX5/Miata has survived for all these years, because Mazda has effectively maintained the same formula. Toyota had the perfect formula in the Mk1 to take to the Mk2 - they could have taken the Mk1 and restyled and rounded off the edges, maybe a proper targa roof (rather than TBar), but kept its dimensions, weight and handling characteristics. The Mk1 beat the MX5/Miata to market by 5 years and could have been the ongoing goto cheap sports car. Toyota tried to make the MR2 go upmarket with the Mk2 but handling didn't compare to the Mk1 and the motoring press were not that impressed with the new MR2. By making the Mk2 a more GT like car, Toyota made the mistake of taking away the charm of the Mk1 and thus confused the market. A faster car doesn't necessarily make a better car. Mk2 wasn't a runabout car anymore. Whereas the Mk1 was distinct from other Toyota cars (even though 4A-GE was also in the excellent Corolla AE86), the Mk2 and Celica shared engines and were both GT cars. The excellent Mk3 MR2 tried to go back to its roots and looked to the Mk1, but by this time the Lotus Elise was out and the MX5/Miata was the market's favourite cheap roadster. The Mk3 suffered because of the repetitive boot criticism, even though owners know the storage behind the seats is actually really good and, whereas the 4A-GE engine in the Mk1 was fantastic, the Mk3 engine was a bit weak. The Mk1 was the best MR2 though, by far, especially in that it was released nearly 38 years ago. It was peerless when released. Stunning car.

[@ericbritton8146]

I previously owned an 88' MR2 in white with the t-top, a/c and power everything when I was single. I upgraded the exterior by having the mirrors painted white, purchasing the 89' supercharged MR2 smooth door handles (having them painted white) and purchasing the 89' MR2 supercharged rear spoiler with the LEDs (having it painted white with the factory silver stripe), because I'm my opinion, they looked better than the black door handles and the single light under the rear spoiler when I was single. I really enjoyed it the time I had it. Everything changed after I married my wife and had daughters. I went from driving awesome 3 pedal 5 speed manual transmission sports cars to driving a 2 pedal 8 passenger minivan. I did not see that coming.

[@shantarenee8373]

Love the video . I still drive my 1989 Toyota MR2 and recently just purchased a 1986 Toyota Mr2 just for fun.

[@tommyagain38]

I have an 86 MR2. I get conplements on it nearly everytime i drive it. Still in great shape. I love my MR2. It feels like a go-cart driving it. The best handling car ive ever driven. Super rare now.

[@Micah_clark]

As an owner of a mk 3 mr2 I was wondering if you could cover that in a vid. I honestly think that is the most hated one even though it is great fun and overall a good car. Yes it might be a convertible, slightly underpowered, and 🐸 but having the experience of driving one is great, and it is a very capable vehicle.

[@voss456]

The stock ones are incredible cars and very capable. 2zz swapped MRS’ are even more capable. I wish I’d bought one back when they were still cheap. The TRD body kits made them much easier on the eyes.

[@Micah_clark]

Yeah man, they really shot it in value. I was lucky enough to pick one up for three grand and restore it with a recked one I had. So now it has a fully rebuilt engine and it is quite a car

[@ethanmellein]

i love my mk3. super easy to drive and great fun regardless of how fast you’re going. sure, it’s not as gorgeous as the prior generations, but it’s still quite a looker. the car has been tremendously reliable, and easy to work on with surprisingly cheap & easy-to-find parts.

[@Micah_clark]

I agree with everything you said lol

[@ianhust2125]

I've had a mk1.5 for about 13 yrs I love it

[@zanewullenweber8429]

i own a 1989 mr2 and its incredible i wouldn't want to own anything else!

[@phoenixmistertwo8815]

Thanks for making this. I'm still running strong with x2 SC Mark 1s, and a daily Sw20 Turbo. Getting inspiration to keep them going is always a great thing.

[@crazy8sdrums]

I miss my MK1 AW11 so much. I poured so much of my blood sweat and tears into it. Such a blast to drive!

[@darylem6938]

Nothing compares to the feeling of the mk1. It’s everything I love about Miata but with way more charm and personality

[@diyuantespruill9704]

just copped a 86 mk1a and i love it....

[@ethimself5064]

I had an 86 and loved it. True this is. A Toyota salesman back in the day told me that the Supercharged with the auto box was the fastest production car on the planet back then from 0 - 30 mph, of course I was more than a skeptical. Few tears later while having my MR2 serviced I picked up a car magazine - Road & Track perhaps. Low and behold There was an article on the Supercharged autobox and to my surprise the 0 - 30 thing was true. 🤣Also in this Tube I have heard that the original versions would oversteer, na just a wee bit sensitive of which is easily over come by dropping the front tire pressure down by 1 -2 psi and No More. I found a good balance by jacking the rears + 1psi and dropping the fronts down by 1. I bought the car from a young couple who were planning a family. It was 4 yrs old and had less than 24,000 miles on it and was stored in the winter - was in show room condition. I did not like the factory tires at all and studied sticky sport tires that would fit. I finally found the best I came across - Bridgestone Potenzas. Yep. nearly stick like glue year round and expensive for a 14 inch rim. 1990 price inclusive was $600. At 60 - 65 mph it would get 44 mpg(imperial gallons)highway on a regular basis. On a 500 mule trip on a 4 lane divided highway the normal driving time was 8 hours with pit stops. I did it in 5 hours and got 25 mpg. I figured I was ok with 1 speeding ticket.

[@barryjaminet2569]

Loved my red 86 5 speed and black 88 supercharged auto. I opened both over 30 years ago. I didn’t like that the sc 88 was auto but it was still fun and very hard to find. Both cars were phenomenal. I have a nd2 Miata now and it reminds me of those mk1 mr2s

[@gabrielroom]

I "had" my 88' Supercharged before and "am" having the similar 88' Supercharged again till now. Both cars are originally stock without mot to keep its original taste and feel. Love it so much!!

[@kendrickwilliams3696]

I've had 3 85's and 1 86. One of the most dependable cars I've owned

[@manoloprpr]

Had both an 86 in Fly Yellow and a 91 in same color. Miss them year’s dearly! Mk1 felt faster and more nimble the 91 was smoother and less connected but great.

[@kylesebring]

Im pretty sure yellow is the rarest MK1 color out there, i have a grey one and ive only ever seen maybe 5 even online, but I dont think ive ever seen a yellow one.

[@Bohdi1234]

Love my 89 MR2 beefed up suspension bigger sway bars urathane every where short shift kit bigger rims and tires some engine improvements. Very few cars can keep up in the corners left many including Cobras broken on the curbs. Not so hot on take off.

[@LuckyCharms777]

In the future, please include video links for the videos you’re sharing clips of. They’re all such great clips, I had to search for them all to watch them in full. Also, it would be kind and considerate to the channel you’ve clipped them from.

[@tonydisabatino]

The MR2 is a special car. I want an MK1 and an MK2.

[@markfranzi3855]

i love my 85 first gen and i cant wait to have it looking as good as it did in its prime

[@benhainsworth1247]

I've had about 6 or 7 Aw11 now, favourites were a 20v Blacktop 4age swap with a trd LSD, other was a 7agte build using the smallport 16v head. 222kw at the wheels and far less weight than the 3sgte. A 2GRFE swap would be awesome :)

[@arcanevoid9199]

or 2zzge :)

[@roastbeef240]

I've got an 85' AW with an engine that just failed on me at about 150k miles. I'm pretty sure I've settled on swapping the 2ZR in it. It's a lighter engine and with "only" 30 more hp I think it will keep the true characteristic of the car. I only wish it was a higher revving motor but should be a nice compromise I think

[@stellarcloakman4094]

i dont understand why they dont make mid engine cars anymore. i have a sw20. i love it

[@ozzyolof9209]

The high revving Honda S2000,from that era would make a great conversation piece as well

[@CrispusAttucks2315]

I had an 86 mk1 in high school and college and wish I never sold it. Good tail happy and power sliding times.

[@sayenjr415]

U go champ

[@josephpizzarello]

have an 87 Mr2. t has been my daly driver for the past 9 years. No major problems and a good long distance car too. I have driven it from southern Florida to New York a few times and I can pack plenty of stuff in it. My only complaint are the stock seats. I need to replace them ,but I need seats with good side support and they must be adjustible . Lumbar support would be really nice too,since I'm 70 + /. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[@HarryZ37000axd]

I've got a supercharged mr2 which I swapped a 6 speed gearbox into this year. It was auto which sucked the fun out of it, but the benefit of buying the auto was that I got the car for a lot less than a manual and instead of a t top roof I got a solid tin top roof which is a nice weight reduction, especially paired with the new gearbox which is also lighter than the stock manual gearbox. I don't know how much weight I've saved with both the tin top and lighter gearbox, but from my experience of driving an n/a mr2 they feel about the same with a little more hp and a lot more torque in the supercharged one.

[@allanguillen4382]

How expensive was the overall labor to put in the 6 speed gear box? And would u be inclined to say which car you pull the gearbox from?

[@allanguillen4382]

An update video on your channel would be sick! Aw11 content is rare on KZbin

[@e46m54nissansr20937]

My favorite mR2 the supercharged one

[@elipercival7354]

I just inherited 2 of these cars not sure what I want to do with them just yet and they have been sitting in a garage for 20 or more years.

[@rokupra_911]

I’ve owned a modded 88 supercharged mr2 with Cusco pulley, 272’s and full suspension I miss that car it was a hillclimb monster 👿

[@javieralbertopalominohualp3955]

hello gear, a question, in latin america, where is there a toyota dealership to buy a new mr2? thanks for your answer, super video, best regards😀

[@phinds1]

I have an '89 Supercharged MR2 and I love it!! I've had 4 MK1's in total and nothing beats the SC version. I was never really interested in the MK2 or the MRS after that. I guess I'm old school! Parts are getting harder to find(I need an e51 tranny and can't find one) but I'm a patient man and I'm confident I'll find one in my area eventually.

[@Shadow1986]

haev you driven an MRS? It's similiar to the MK1

[@phinds1]

@@Shadow1986 No,, never driven one but I just don’t like the way it looks. Yes I have heard it handles like an MK1.

[@Shadow1986]

@@phinds1 keep riding the Adub bro. Hopefully they'll keep up with parts demands for it

[@phinds1]

@@Shadow1986 hope so!

[@Shadow1986]

@@phinds1 you think Toyota would show a bit of pride in their historics, but they just don't care. Just in it for the quickest bucks possible now. Back int eh 90s they were out to prove themselves

[@swiftdiscord3893]

Rock the midship runabout!

[@sunshine_2445]

love to see retracast’s footage!! i love my mr2 & i love learning facts about it

[@liamdownes]

So underrated

[@voongnz]

The high revving Honda CBR250RR MC22 would be a great topic.

[@ACCAW11]

I have personally owned 2 of these. Still miss the way they drive.

[@matthewfriend6672]

I’d buy this car in a heartbeat! I hope Toyota reads this and makes another one just like it in 2024, just with more bells and whistles, just like they made the New Supra!❤️❤️❤️

[@GearQuest]

Watch this vid on the 4AGE -> The Story of the 4AGE || Part II kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXimd55md9FgaZo

[@AllOutNoobHater]

I have an 86’ 86, and after I get that project done, I’ll be going after an AW11.

[@jamesshead3707]

They are like driving a go kart.i used to put a 40 kg sake of coal under the bonnet 😅 it improved handling & cut down on under steer.brilliant little beast.

[@ChroniclesofKToyoda]

Depending on year, all you had to do was either add a sway/roll bar to the rear or remove the front (if you don't have rear one) to get the sharp balance of the original year MR2 back Toyota removed the REAR bar to force understeer to happen because the originals Mk1-a '85s were too sharp/twitchy for most people

[@JewBronJames]

Nice vid brother

[@Topazman]

love my mk1b t-bar mr2

[@mikevanzander569]

How about doing a video on the AE101 FXGT. silver top 4age with superstrut suspension. I had 1 in NZ. Worked 4 a toyota dealership, put new TRD suspension throughout, lowered 30ml, nolathane bushes. handled amazing!!. not sure if they went to America though. Owned 2 AE101 Levins as well. Fun cars when driven hard.

[@ericbernstorff9754]

I own one.. I've maybe have a block of distance driven on it but as it sits I feel this is the car I'll take to my grave.

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

I have my eye on an 88 one I’m hoping to purchase soon

[@calvinDy]

its the best looking out of the 3, its like its made for a rally

[@ootoriazumi1349]

3rd gens feel a bit more forgotten than the first two.

[@pgarrett6665]

1986 aw11 was my first car. ❤️

[@jimblackwood8462]

I would buy one

[@MR-2_AW11]

I love my mk1 AW11 MR2

[@shiftn2gear]

This is how many people have an MR2 👇

[@blainerohlfs]

Planning to get one, dreaming about a 2zz swap with a supercharger, to keep in the spirit of the original

[@henryhytmiah4844]

Nice, do a video on the 1986 5speed stock cressida

[@spinnetti]

I put a 20v 4age in mine.. was the perfect character motor for it and it was quicker than the supercharged version. AE86 Corolla was an easier car to race than the MR2 though (I had both, my AE86 being TRD built). MR2 was understeery going in, and oversteery going out. I even made a roadster version of the MR2. Only the last of the MKI MR2 without t-tops was'nt as scary to drive in low grip conditions due to rear suspension upgrades.

[@Midnighters15]

Yes

[@moonboylex9820]

I love my 85

[@sethwynn6569]

Proud owner of MK1B Aw11 and JDM SW20, the MR2 is a car that’s typically underwhelmed and abit overlook? But at least it’s attainable compared to a lot the other Japanese classics aka 40 grand for an AE86.😳😳🎌

[@petepersimmons7938]

Nobody forgot about this car

[@leepeyton4101]

Right? A new generation just fell in love with it :)

[@gabrieleserini895]

Where did you find these songs?

[@bentheodille2938]

the rav4 type g definitely needs to be covered. full time 4 wheel drive 180 hp manual or auto with Celica gt4 suspension, transmission, drive train. with 3sge beams engine same as the mr2 non turbo

[@4touchdowns1game29]

reminds me of the first and one pointfive gen nissan Xterra. You could get a 2wd only version with the dohc ka24 de out of the 240 sx with the five speed transmission too. Motor could handle boost stock and came with the de oil squirters a forged crank and iron block.

[@beazkneez]

my first was a red 87', now I'm converting an 86' space cruiser to electric

[@9nineofdiamonds]

This gen? Forgotten? Pffft the car lives in my mind as Over Rev MC's Mister Two.

[@blackzacc]

I see a lot of people swap the engine in here for the v6 in the Camry is there a reason why

[@IRLAsh]

Don't think ppl forgot anyone in the MR2 community hasn't forgotten about the MK1 its the JDM community that has forgotten about the MK1 and MK3

[@benkoss1869]

Already bought one lol

[@olegadodasguerras3795]

In GT2 i love this car hahaha

[@sebastianlara5757]

Anyone in here can told me we’re I can found performance parts for my 1989 Toyota mr2 supercharged aw11

[@Hyplum]

Great video!!!!!!!If you like car movies be on the lookout for FOUR AMIGOS releasing September 9 on Amazon. You can Pre-Order now!!!

[@madmandeano5460]

I'm building an aw11 that iv had for 20 years

[@Tawre007]

I have SW20, so I want AW10/AW11 myself. Better swap is 2ZZ, I have 3SGE in SW20 and it's heavy engine and GTE variant is almost non-existent in a wild (and without a whole car).

[@kylesebring]

I wouldnt just buy one, I did buy one, an 89 supercharger, i recently pulled the engine in order to give it a complete rebuild and new ECU so it can handle 14psi and about 220hp.

[@skvltdmedia]

SW20 just got overhyped. Love my 88 Mk.B.

[@Scrogan]

Celica GT4 would make a good topic.

[@filipbrecelj669]

i would argue that the toyota lasre x with toyota s first twincam 1g gue engine would make a nice video

[@XTR_NEELAN]

It would

[@grimjimbo2059]

I was just left a nice 1990 mk1 by a dear friend and i put it in the garage to have a new alternator fitted and have a new mot but got a bit of a shock when they rang and said all the roll bars are shot so its going to cost you 800 pounds so my sister says oh well there goes that.hahaha obviously i said that credit card is going to come in handy then she couldn't believe it but as anyone who knows these cars 800 to have it driving like new is pennies and just to keep it on the road has to be done don't you think???

[@raypaulkidz1063]

Ecoboost i3 (dragon and fox) Great name for small engines ....lol

[@ckryses3962]

I say it's good to have 0 to 60 car but you can't call it a shame just coz of those T-Tops you car is only a sec slower..that's very generous of Toyota to release such premium package of MR-2, you have supercharged engine with T-Tops.. nowdays manufacturers are so cheapskates in giving amneties WITHOUT costing much extra money....NOW..for a plastic part, you will have to pay thousands of dollars for it..

[@Elansol]

Surprised our cousins over the pond there don't import the RHD units from the UK, looking at the prices over the USA, our cars are about half the price of yours, swap my two AW11s for C3 Vet anyone? :)

[@thechurchofsupersampling]

It's dated but, still has it somewhat, do the mk2 twin turbo

[@phinds1]

The MK2 doesn't have a twin turbo version. Actually no MR2 from any generation came with a twin turbo set up.

[@randomtoyotadude8952]

NA supose to do 0-60 in 7.8s not 8.6 stated here The sc is 6.5 Not 7.0 stated here...

[@cardrivingindonesiareviewe5112]

Everyone Played Gran Turismo 1 Know It Doesnt it?

[@yuye117]

i would love an mr2 with a kswap

[@jackp8022]

honestly the 3s-ge/gte like he said would be better, they make more power just as reliably, plus it's a toyota engine so it would probably be easier to put in

[@Shadow1986]

@@jackp8022 all iron block vs alloy NA but with same power... It works out to be a decent weight cut

[@jackp8022]

@@Shadow1986 a k20a only weighs 12kg less than a 3s-ge lmao

[@Shadow1986]

@@jackp8022 I'm talking about a 3sgte. Why would you bother swapping in a 3sge unless it was beams. And you're forgetting how much more power the k20 makes than a 3sge

[@jackp8022]

@@Shadow1986 the 3s-ge would be more responsive than a gte, and a fifth gen 3s-ge has beams. and the k20a, the most powerful k20 only makes 220, the 3s-ge makes 213. that's really not a noticeable difference, and the 3s would fit in an mr2 better, since the s series replaced the a series

[@robertjames2031]

I bought two Mark one MR twos one had a blown transmission the other one was blown engine I made the two in the one

[@robertjames2031]

And that was the best car I’ve ever owned until an axle came loose and totaled the transmission

[@yuye117]

pls cover bmw e30!

[@ChroniclesofKToyoda]

LOTUS HAD ZERO INVOLVEMENT IN MR2's SUSPENSION TUNING (ACCORDING TO LEAD LOTUS ENGINEER HIMSELF) It's no secret Toyota & Lotus Heads were friends & it's true they worked together BUT NEVER ON THE MR2 (the MR2s McPherson suspension isn't even remotely close to what Lotus used, + it's scraped together using old Corolla parts so no way it was even engineered for the MR2 let alone by an outsider after already existing) What Lotus actually did was work on the Double Wishbone suspension of the "SUPRA" they bragged about this in magazines. Unfortunately as part of the SUPRA project Lotus brought chassis suspensions for Toyota to evaluate (again for the Supra) Instead for some reason everyone & their grandmother's cat jumped to an unsubstantiated conclusion, because in their over caffeinated minds, that's what made sense by rubbing the last of their two lone brain cells together, it's wives tale that won't die, because so many folks didn't bother to fact check it at the time, that now everyone's heard the rumour & is Hellbent on believing it, even though I literally have a quote printed in my room somewhere of the Lead Lotus Engineer of the time unequivocally telling the Toyota MR2 Owners Club Member that the" MR2 was an all Toyota effort!" (they don't even drive similarly{there was an owner who compared it to his Lotus Elise on video to prove it}) Anywho the Late Great F1 Legend Dan Gurney did 100% have a heavy hand in fine tuning the AW11 MK1-a MR2 suspension (again the champion had nothing to do with Lotus) in fact the size of the MR2 is actually part of why the original MR2 is the size it is, as the design requirements was that Mr Dan Gurney (a rather tall American) fit inside. & Fun fact he tested the MR2 on a public roadway known as Angels Crest Highway near Los Angeles, a staple favourite of car affectionato Matt Farah #TheMoreYouKnow

[@ChroniclesofKToyoda]

@Thor Odin son personally I think Lotus/DWB suspension is overrated, it's grate & all, but the handling is much more a result of lightness & sticker tires rather than engineering. Case in point is the owners who own both the original MR2 along with the Elise say that turn in is noticeably sharper on the Mk1-a Toyota The Lotus being lighter with vastly superior tires from factory (basically Advan slicks) will still corner faster but it's not as responsive (higher than preferred initial front scrubbing) this is why in Gymkhana OG AW11 MR2s were absolute weapons because turn in on a lighter McPherson is simply more responsive then the heavier DWB suspension Lotus uses

[@ChroniclesofKToyoda]

@Thor Odin son notice I said factory ↿Elise↾ & ↿Gymkhana↾ against the Mk1-a specifically

[@F_r_a_n_y]

Rusty rust rustness

[@aylahughes9185]

forgotten... but bought and sold for 50k on bring a trailer.

[@dameon2170]

I had a mr2 was beaten by a Chrysler sebring mr2 is a very very slow car

[@Superb_Owl80]

TOYota

[@filipbrecelj669]

great video and for the next one its not a car but a very interesting engine the ecomotors opoc engine kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5aulZqvl9Fpias

[@tabryis]

Awful title. Ain't nobody who is worth their salt has forgotten about the suicide tin can that is the aw11

[@sbcxwdab]

fuck that k series only mr2 id drive

[@Cheerupfukface77]

Nope definitely wouldn't I buy the second gen mr2 tho it's not ugly like the 1st gen

[@arcanevoid9199]

1st gens ugly?