Why It's Time For Toyota To Resurrect The Beloved MR2
The Toyota MR2 represents a very small segment of cars that were essentially a flash in the pan before going off into the wild blue yonder. The mass market, mid-engine car segment was brief, but spawned two excellent cars. It was really only the MR2 and the tragically misunderstood Pontiac Fiero that gave mid-engine weight distribution, handling dynamics, and a cramped engine bay to anyone who didn't want to drop supercar levels of cash for the privilege.
The MR2 was around for three generations, totaling 20 years: It was first introduced in 1985, and departed this world in 2005. The MR2 should make a comeback in some way shape or form. As long as it's mid-engine, I think Toyota fans — and a larger subset of car fans with a taste for the retro — would be appreciative.
The mid-engine landscape as it stands in 2023 is a bit of a wasteland, at least as far as even remotely affordable cars are concerned. As it stands, the least expensive mid-engine cars on the market — the Porsche 718 Cayman and Chevy Corvette — are both priced at $68,300 for the base model.
During its last year of production, a 2005 Toyota MR2 retailed for $25,145. Adjusted for inflation, that's just over $40,500. That's not particularly inexpensive, but it's a far cry from nearly 70 grand for a mid-engine car.
An MR2 for the 2020s
Toyota throwing all of its current and upcoming vehicles onto the same platform likely doesn't fare well for a future compact sports car, much less a mid-engine one. That said, the automotive landscape is in desperate need of options in the segment that aren't prohibitively expensive.
It doesn't even need to be necessarily that powerful. Even the spiciest North American version of the MR2, the turbocharged second generation, only generated 200 horsepower. It was never meant to be a record setter, although it did possess a very impressive 5.8 second zero to 60 time at its fastest.
As for what powerplant a modern MR2 would use, the BMW-themed inline-six found in the Supra would be too big, and betray the overall character of the MR2. The 1.6-liter in the GR Corolla hatchback could fit the bill nicely. It's certainly small displacement, but it puts out plenty of oomph at 300 horsepower. The GR Corolla also benefits from an all-wheel drive system that would lend itself to a modern MR2's handling characteristics.
Despite the brand's ill-deserved staid reputation, Toyota currently puts out not just the tame Prius, but also a completely redesigned Tacoma with versions like the PreRunner that are perfectly suited for enthusiasts. Cars like the GR Corolla, GR86, and every version of the Supra are icing on the cake.
A resurrected and redesigned MR2 for the 2020s probably wouldn't sell thousands of units, but it would help Toyota get back some of its enthusiast mojo.