The Toyota MR2 Mk1

About the MK1 MR2

History of the Toyota MR2 Mk1

1976 - The project that would eventually become known as the "MR2" was conceived. However, the actual project did not get off the ground until 1979 when the design process got underway. Whilst the car is recognisable even from the first design the car would go through many changes before the prototype, labelled the SA-X, was built. This was an extraordinarily exciting piece of work for the staff at Toyota, with some employees giving up their summer vacations to test the car.

1976 - The project was re-evaluated by Toyota Management and the first prototype SA-X was built. The car was designed by Seiichi Yamauchi. The inspiration for his design was the "Katana" a Japanese sword.

1983 - Final design changes were made and the car was re-labeled the SV-3. The SV-3 made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show and caused notable excitement as it was the first lightweight mid-engine sports car to be built in Japan.

1984 - The SV3 received some body changes and the concept car was given an internal production code, from now on, internally at Toyota the MR2 would be known as the "AW11" a nickname that stays with the car to this day. The press and public were informed that "MR2" stood for Midship Runabout, 2 Seater, but it also made reference to the cars Mid-Engine, Rear Wheel Drive configuration.

1984 - The MR2 is launched in Japan and the car wins the Japanese "Car of the Year" award for 1984. The AW11 MR2 was launched with a 1587cc, 16 valve, DOHC engine dubbed the 4A-GE. The engine was equipped with Denso electronic multi-point fuel injection system and a variable intake system called T-VIS. The Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) had the option on an AW10 which was equipped with the 1452cc 3A-U engine. It is believed less than 2000 of these models were built and there are no known models of the AW10 in the UK.

1986 - In 1986 the MR2 went through several changes to improve looks, handling and performance. Toyota introduced a "T-Bar" version with leather interior (not in Japan). This was not available in the UK until 1987 however and leather interior was made standard on T-Bar models in 1988 for the UK. Many minor changes took place (see Mk1a to Mk1b differences article for full details) Cosmetic changes that happened were colour-coding bumpers and skirts and a new design of alloy wheels. A key none cosmetic change was the change from C-50 to C-52 gearbox as some of the early Mk1a's had developed a problem with 5th gear. The new revision of the MR2, which has now become known as the "Mk1b" also received uprated brakes, improved suspension and a stronger engine block.

1987 - The Supercharger. In 1987 Toyota introduced the 4A-GZE engine to the MR2. Based on the same block and head as the 4A-GE, the 4A-GZE was equipped with a SC-12 roots type Supercharger and a Denso top-mounted Intercooler. This version of the MR2 was only sold on the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and US Domestic Market (USDM). All Supercharger's in the UK are either conversions or JDM Imports.

1989 - In 1989 there was a limited production run of the MR2 called the "Super Edition", this was a JDM Only model that was done in Midnight Blue (8E4) with Recaro Interior and Mirror Polished Alloys. The "Super Edition" was also produced in White over Gold with Recaro Interior and Mirror Polished Alloys. 270 were produced of both versions.

1990 - Production of the AW11 MR2 ceased with a total of 165,000 being produced and distributed across the world. 32,000 of which ended up in the UK.