The Most Desirable Car In The World
2005 Will Mark The Final Year Of The Exhilerating And Dependable MR2 Spyder. An optional limited-slip differential helps enhance the car’s already exceptional handling response.The manually operated convertible soft-top folds completely out of sight yet includes a glass rear window with defroster.
2005 Will Mark The Final Year Of The Exhilarating And Dependable MR2 Spyder The mid-engine Toyota MR2 Spyder, the most affordable mid-engine sports car on the market, blends exhilarating performance with world-renowned Toyota quality and low operating costs. The MR2 was named the "Most Dependable Sporty Car" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures problem symptoms of three-year-old vehicles.
First introduced in 1985, U.S. production of the MR2 Spyder will discontinue after the 2005 model year. The Toyota MR2 is the only affordable sports car to offer a true six-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT) option. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. "The MR2 Spyder was designed to put a grin on the sports car purist's face, and it will be sad to see it go at the end of this model year," said Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager. The MR2 appeals to driving enthusiasts of all ages because it fulfills the definition of a no-compromise sports car.
It 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 MR2 model name stems from Mid-engine, Rear-wheel drive and 2 seats. Capable of zero-to-60 mph in slightly over seven seconds (five-speed manual transmission), the MR2 Spyder delivers the handling of more expensive sports cars yet with proven Toyota quality, reliability and durability.
The MR2 Spyder is also easy to own, thanks to low maintenance and fuel costs. The 2005 MR2 Spyder comes with estimated EPA fuel mileage ratings of 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the five-speed manual transmission and 25/33 mpg with the six-speed SMT. The boldly styled, wedge-shaped MR2 Spyder features dual-bulb projector-style headlights and integrated standard foglights in front. The sides are highlighted by color-keyed functional air intakes. 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 large oval chrome tailpipe accents the car's performance capability, and a retractable power antenna contributes to its uncluttered 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 sequential manual transmission similar in concept and operation to those offered in Ferrari, Maserati and some BMW models. It is not a torque-converter automatic transmission that merely offers a manual control mode, as seen in some sports cars.
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 would. 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 many 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 weighs just 20 pounds over the standard five-speed manual transmission. Optimized Powertrain The MR2 Spyder is powered by the same 1.8-liter double overhead-cam (DOHC) 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-alloy engine block and cylinder head help keep powertrain weight low.
Pure Sports Car Chassis
The 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 makes the MR2 Spyder very responsive to steering input because it is less resistant to changes in direction.
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 wear 185/55R15 tires, with 16 x 7-inch alloy wheels and 215/45R16 tires in the rear. Four-wheel-disc anti-Lock brakes (ABS) help to ensure safe, confident braking and fade resistance. An optional limited-slip differential helps enhance the car's already exceptional handling response.
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 includes 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 includes an AM-FM/in-dash 6-disc CD audio system with four speakers, air conditioning, power windows, door locks and exterior mirrors, tilt steering wheel, keyless entry and a security system with engine immobilizer.
The factory option list includes tan or 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.
