TOYOTA COMPLETELY RENEWS ITS MR2

Toyota City―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION announced it has made full model changes to its MR2, the only midship-type car in Japan, and will put the new MR2 on the market from October 17.

The first-generation MR2 made its debut in 1984 as Japan's first midship sports car. It shattered the prevailing concept of a midship car as a super-luxury sports vehicle and went on to win wide acclaim as representing a unique means of expressing individual taste.

1. Style

   Combining the "forward-look," compact, two-seater cabin with a wedge-shaped configuration formed by a low, acute-angled front nose running back to the rear deck, the new MR2 presents a comfortable, elegant silhouette unique to midship sports cars, together with an opulent surface configuration. Consequently, both length and width have been increased, greatly enhancing the grade of the car.
   The sleek surfaces include the front and rear bumpers, with large plane surfaces rounded completely flush with the body, the curved front fender, the side air intakes integral with the body, and the smoothly curved rear quarters.
   Additionally, its sporty appearance is highlighted by the adoption of dual exhaust pipes standard on all models, the large steering-actuated fog lamps built into the front air intake, and the elegant two-stage rear spoiler (standard on GT and G Limited) for enhanced aerodynamics.

2. Interior

   By furnishing ample space and soft, flowing lines, a sporty design has been achieved, giving the driver and passengers a feeling of oneness with the car, and diagonal rear vision has been vastly improved. In the instrument panel, the center cluster faces the driver, improving operability and functionality. It adopts a tilting and telescopic steering column, adjustable shoulder belt anchors, seat-secured inner belt anchors, and seat belt tension reducers, as well as comfortable sports seats with good holding properties, constructed of independent side and cushion portions. Thus, the optimum position for driving can be readily obtained. Also, a cockpit with excellent operability and visual identification of instruments is attained by using large (116mm diameter) analog meters and locating such switches as those for the audio system and push-type heater control panel (standard on all models) in functional positions, providing a 30° angle of depression in the line of vision to the audio panel, and maintaining a distance from shoulder point to audio and heater panels of about 710mm.

   High-grade materials have been extensively used. For example, genuine leather is employed for the sports seats (standard on the GT). The steering wheel, shift knob (in manual transmission models), and parking brake lever are encased in genuine leather (in all models). Further, the materials, configuration, and construction of all interior parts and fittings, ranging from instrument panels through trims, garnishes, seats, and carpets, have been selected with the aim of minimizing such effects of aging as discoloration, color discrepancies between adjacent parts, and the development of squeaks.

   In addition to greatly increasing the volume of air used for air conditioning, an automatic air-conditioner, which uses stepless blower control and produces reduced blower noise, is provided as standard equipment on all models. This, together with the increased volume of pressure ventilation inside the car, ensures optimum air conditioning.

   Utility space has been greatly increased by the provision of such items as a storage box, of about 10-liter capacity, behind the driver's seat on the right side, and an audio woofer box on the left side. Luggage space is available behind the seat, on top of these items. Also, a roughly 50% larger rear console box has been adopted, together with a small box below the right side of the instrument panel. The rear console box, especially, is large and utilitarian, capable of holding either 16 compact disks or 21 cassette tapes. It can also house a mobile telephone receiver.

   Adequate interior illumination, in the form of a map lamp, door courtesy lights, ignition key light, and rear trunk room lamp, is provided to facilitate night use.

3. Engine and Drive Train

   The previous engine line-up, ranging from 1.5 to 1.6 liters in displacement, has been completely changed to two engine types: the newly developed 2.0-liter twin-cam turbo 3S-GTE and the sports type twin-cam 3S-GE.

   The 3S-GTE engine has a twin-entry ceramic turbocharger, an air-cooled inter-cooler, and a metal manifold catalytic converter. It can use unleaded premium gasoline. A maximum output of 225ps (net value), the highest for a 2.0-liter class engine, and maximum torque of 31kg-m (net), have thus been attained. Two separate exhaust routes are provided from the exhaust manifold to the turbine housing of the twin-entry ceramic turbocharger. Exhaust interference between cylinders and loss of exhaust energy are suppressed. By using a ceramic turbine wheel, the moment of inertia is greatly reduced. A special coating is applied on the compressor housing. Thus, turbocharging efficiency and response have been greatly enhanced.

   Meanwhile, the 3S-GE engine has achieved a maximum output of 165ps (net) with a high compression ratio of 10:1 by employing a variable intake system, a stainless steel pipe exhaust manifold (which raises volumetric efficiency by utilizing the exhaust pulsation effect), and a knock sensor, as well as the use of unleaded premium gasoline. The variable intake system raises intake efficiency over the entire range of engine speeds. It is intended to change the actual intake pipe length by opening and closing the passage connected to the second surge tank located midway in the exhaust manifold with a control valve.

   With improved engine mounts, lateral movement of the engine, which affects steering operation, has been suppressed. A liquid-sealed cylindrical composite mount is used in vehicles equipped with the 3S-GE engine, effectively reducing the transmission of engine noise and vibration to the body.

   The mufflers of cars equipped with the 3S-GTE engine are designed, based on acoustic psychology, to emit a powerful, impressive exhaust note by emphasizing sound components of a certain frequency and intentionally adding specific discordant sounds.

   Automatic transmission models with the 3S-GE engine are equipped with the Super Flow Torque Converter having one of the world's highest transmission efficiencies, achieved by attaining a high torque conversion ratio through rigorous numerical fluid analysis of oil flow. Also, the newly developed ECT-S is utilized for the overall control of transmission and engine, thus enabling the extraction of maximum engine performance and the attainment of smooth speed changes and running performance.

   The feel of the manual transmission has been vastly improved by changes in the specifications of the transmission synchronizing mechanism and reduction of the sliding resistance of the shift control system.

4. Chassis

   The suspension, a four-wheel, strut-type independent system as before, has been completely redesigned as to the location of components, dimensions, rigidity, etc., to handle the increased engine performance. The suspension has evolved into one ideal for a high-performance sports car.

   In developing the car, the various specifications have been determined with the aim of realizing a handling performance which induces a pleasant, authentic sensation of union between driver and vehicle, by maximum utilization of the excellent weight distribution of the midship engine layout.

   1. Tires of larger capacity and differing sizes are used: 195/60R14 (6JJ rim) is used for the front and 205/60R14 (7JJ rim) for the rear, to conform to the weight distribution of the vehicle.
   2. The geometry of the front suspension has been radically changed, with the steering gear located ahead of the front axle. Suspension alignment variations are kept in the linear orientation as much as possible. To obtain a smooth response at the wheel when steering and to achieve nimble vehicular movement, Nachlauf geometry, whereby the wheel axle is located at the rear of the kingpin axis, has been adopted with regard to the small caster.
   3. By increasing the size of the axle suspension components and enhancing the rigidity of various parts of the body, the rigidity of the entire suspension system has been upgraded and the optimum balance of the system achieved.
   4. The front part of the front strut bar cushions and the rear part of the rear strut bar cushions have been stiffened. This arrangement helps avoid changes of the suspension alignment due to the force applied from the tires as during high-speed cruising or braking.

   With the adoption of this completely new four-wheel strut system, handling and high-speed straight-ahead stability have been vastly increased, and a feeling of integration between steering and vehicular movement has been achieved.
   Implementation of thorough fine-tuning, including such considerations as not only spring, stabilizer, and shock absorber characteristics, but also steering gear ratios and power steering assist characteristics, has realized a suspension performance possessing high controllability and steering response to offer the driver a car that's "fun to drive."

   All models are equipped with ventilated disk brakes that have excellent anti-fade characteristics on all four wheels, and two-pot calipers are adopted for the front wheels, thus enhancing high-speed braking performance and stability. The size of the rear brake calipers has been increased to optimize the balance between the front and rear braking forces. This is in keeping with greater engine performance, and is achieved by increasing the size of the brake boosters, reworking the pedal operating pressure, and increasing the rigidity of the various brake components. In line with environmental protection requirements, asbestos-free friction material has also been used for the brakes.

   For braking on slippery road surfaces, an anti-lock brake system (ABS) is furnished as standard equipment on cars powered by the 3S-GTE engine. Cars equipped with the 3S-GE engine may have ABS installed as an optional item, to ensure stable steering during sudden braking or braking while turning.

5. Body

   Riding comfort is enhanced by the adoption of a highly rigid, lightweight body of unitized construction. This feature is not only for the standard roof model but also the T-bar model, based on results of computer simulation and effective reinforcement of each joint connection of the body framework, together with extensive use of high tensile strength steel sheets. Additionally, by use of suspension braces in various parts of the body, bolstering the rigidity of the portions connected to the suspension, and other means, changes in wheel alignment have been minimized. In addition to vastly improved maneuverability and running stability, steering that gives a direct response to the driver's input has been achieved.

   Vibration and noise from the engine, drive train, and suspension system have been drastically reduced by increasing the rigidity of the body, reviewing the engine mounts, and using sandwiched vibration-free panels for the floor and engine compartment bulkheads. Also, wind noise has been reduced by minimizing plane differences on the surface of the body and gaps between body panels.

   Air turbulence around the body is kept to a minimum by the thorough application of flush surfaces, and air resistance has been reduced by flattening the surface under the floor with the use of undercovers and the provision of spats in front of the tires. Lift and side-wind performance have been enhanced by the adoption of two-stage rear spoilers and tail lamp fins. In addition to a drag coefficient (^CD) of 0.31, which ranks with the best for this class of car, excellent overall aerodynamic performance has been achieved, as exemplified by a front lift coefficient (^CLF) of -0.004, a rear lift coefficient (^CLF) of 0.05, and a yawing moment coefficient (^CY) of 0.19. These figures attest to the large improvements in high-speed maneuverability, running stability, and cross-wind stability.

   The newly developed Sheet Molding Compound (SMC), possessing excellent surface qualities, is used for the side-air intake, buttress molding at the rear end of the cabin, two-stage rear spoiler, and engine hood (on cars with the 3S-GTE engine). This highly moldable resin produces designs that form an integral part of the body line.

   The exterior molding has been integrated into one and the materials standardized. Also, body panels have been flush surfaced.

   Corrosion proofing has been greatly improved with the extensive use of rust-resistant steel sheets, the provision of an undercover beneath the floor, enhancement of anti-chipping properties by flattening the floor surfaces, and other measures.

   The capacity of the fuel tank has been increased to 54 liters (an increase of 13 liters), greatly extending the cruising range of the car. In addition, the size of the rear trunk has been increased approximately 50%.

6. New Mechanisms and Equipment

   1. Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)
      All models are equipped with a new speed-responsive power steering system. This differs from the conventional engine drive system in that hydraulic pressure is controlled by an electrically powered hydraulic pump drive motor. Ideal power-assist characteristics are thus attained.
      With EHPS, the speed of the hydraulic pump drive motor is electronically controlled based on signals from the vehicle speed sensor and steering angle sensor. For example, the electrical current is shut off at high speeds, giving the driver the same feeling of solid rigidity as manual steering. Thus, the fine degree of control associated with power-assisted steering is made possible, though the steering feels completely natural.
   2. Steering-Actuated Fog Lamp
      The steering-actuated fog lamp is installed as standard equipment on the GT and GT Limited models. A motor-driven subreflector inside the lamp rotates 30° to the left and right according to the steering angle, thereby continuously providing illumination in the cornering direction, which improves visibility in the direction of movement and enhances safety when cornering at night.
   3. MR2 Super Live Sound System
      This audio system is installed as standard equipment in the GT and G Limited models, and as an optional item in the G.
      It is a high-performance audio system with specifications and performance based on a thorough analysis of the acoustic characteristics inside the vehicle and improved unitized construction of the body shell. It is a multi-speaker, multi-amplifier system, capable of covering frequencies ranging from a low of 50Hz or less to a high of 15kHz or more, and faithfully reproduces the high-quality sounds of CDs and the like. Emphasis has been placed on the attainment of live-sounding, expansive music. The system consists of the 6-liter bass reflex box woofer located behind the passenger's seat, the door trim 12cm full-range squawkers, the rear trim 6.5cm squawkers, the 1.3cm dome tweeters on the outer mirror mounting, and five amplifiers with a total maximum output of 160W. Additionally, the AM/FM radio and cassette player is equipped with a diversity antenna to ensure good FM reception.
   4. LED Slit Beam High Mount Stop Lamp
      The LED slit beam high mount stop lamp is unitized with the resinous buttress molding at the rear of the cabin. This enhances the warning given to following vehicles.
   5. Wiper Blades with Scoop Fins
      Fins that generate aerodynamic downforce are provided on the wiper blades. These wipers with improved water-repellent characteristics at high speeds are installed as a standard item on all models.
   6. Wireless Door Lock
      A handy wireless lock, which permits door locking and unlocking from a distance with the master key switch, is available as an optional feature.