Toyota's MR-S―as a Sports Convertible Should Be

"Our foremost consideration was to let people genuinely experience a good time by buying, riding and driving our car. To build a sports car that was truly different and geared toward a new generation and a new century, we established the catch phrase 'NEW GENERATION LIGHT SPORT'."

Chief Engineer Tadashi Nakagawa
on developing the MR-S

Superior Handling and Stable Operation

Midship layout with a long wheel base

A midship engine with rear-wheel drive gives the MR-S superior handling. Its light weight of 960kg (B Edition) and the reduced yaw moment of inertia―achieved by shortening the front and rear overhangs―ensure very responsive steering.

The MR-S has a relatively long wheel base (2,450mm) compared to the vehicle's overall length of 3,885mm. This increases the turning force by using the lateral power of the steered front tires, which are located farther from the vehicle's center of gravity.

The long wheel base also enhances steering convergence and stabilizes the vehicle at high speeds, producing very stable operation overall.

Suspension

The MR-S has a newly-developed lightweight four-wheel independent suspension: L-arm MacPherson strut suspension is used in the front, with a dual link MacPherson strut suspension in the rear.

Highly stable operation and a superior ride are ensured by employing the most appropriate geometry, increasing the support rigidity of suspension arms, and cutting friction between parts.

Newly-developed EHPS

The steering system employs a small, lightweight EHPS (Electro-hydraulic Power Steering) system that is assisted by an electrically-powered hydraulic pump. The resulting highly responsive control makes driving a pleasure at any speed.

Drivetrain and tires

The five-speed manual transmission offers very smooth shifting.

The torque-sensitive helical LSD is very responsive to the accelerator pedal (option).

Different tires are used in the front and rear―185/55R15 and 205/50R15 respectively―corresponding to the rear load ratio of a large midship design. This provides excellent performance in terms of traction and braking.

Fairings have been placed ahead of the front tires to smooth airflow and to promote stability when operating at high speeds.

Light Rigid Exclusive Open Body

The cross-sections of rockers and other key framework elements have been enlarged and a crab-shell construction of thick sheeting has been used for the exterior. This minimizes the need for reinforcing elements on the framework interior and creates a rigid but light body.

The various framework elements have been placed longitudinally and laterally and integrated cross-members have been attached at strategic points as an efficient means of maintaining body rigidity.

The lower section of the front pillar has been enlarged to improve rigidity in combination with the rocker, and straight pipes have been integrated inside the pillars to put pillar strength on par with that in closed body vehicles.

In-line Four-Cylinder 1.8-liter BEAMS 1ZZ-FE Engine with VVT-i

VVT-i, a high compression ratio (10.0), and an oblique squish combustion chamber produce ample low-and mid-range torque. An aluminum block and resin intake manifolds help reduce overall weight.

Forward Cowl Open Top Design

Exterior

A stylish open sports design has been created featuring a forward cowl and a low center of gravity. This design emphasizes the powerful proportions of the MR-S and the stable straddle of the tires on a long wheel base with short overhangs.

A front grill with low, wide openings gives the vehicle an aggressive profile. Meanwhile, headlamps with simple, functionally-placed round reflectors, and slightly bulging fenders help evoke a sense of energy and motion.

A wedge-shaped side view with a full door cross section and side air intakes characteristic of a midship gives the vehicle body a solid sense of mass.

The soft top can be neatly folded in half for storage, and features a glass rear window with a defogger.

Interior

The instrument panel's novel piped sectioning creates a simple sporty look, and its layout combines functionality with good form.

The silver-faced "three-eye" combination meter features a tachometer in the center. Aluminum plating on the accelerator pedal, the brake pedal, the clutch pedal, and the surface of the foot rest also add a sense of sportiness.

Metallic tone door assist grips and an innovative dimple pattern surface treatment further enhance the sporty feeling of the MR-S.

The seats hold passengers firmly in place even under the lateral G-forces and acceleration/deceleration G-forces experienced during sports driving. Their 3-D mesh tone fabric and gleaming surfaces are pleasing to the eye, and harmonize well with the exterior styling when the roof is down.

Individuality and Customizing

A selection of seven exterior colors and three seat colors (black, red and yellow) provides a choice of 21 combinations for individual expression.

Both the front and rear fenders are attached by bolts, making detachment for repairs and customizing easier.

The center cluster is equipped with knee supports, and features so-called free-rack construction that allows the driver to personalize the layout of the AV equipment.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Safety

The MR-S' sophisticated midship layout provides highly stable operation and maneuverability; stability is further enhanced by the inclusion of ABS as a standard feature and the use of four-wheel ventilated disk brakes.

The MR-S is designed to provide front, side and rear collision protection that easily clears Japanese, U.S. and European legal requirements.

The driver and passenger seats on all models are equipped with seat belts fitted with pre-tensioners and force limiters as standard items; dual SRS^*1 airbags and blinking seat belt alarms are also standard equipment (the passenger seat in the B-Edition is fitted with a pre-tensioner but has no airbag).

Seats are constructed according to the WIL^*2 concept to absorb the impact on passengers' necks in the event of a rear-end collision.

The brake pedal is designed to limit its backward movement in the event of a front-end collision, lessening the impact on the driver' leg.

Environmental Considerations

Keeping in mind the goal of reducing C02 emissions, the MR-S has a classleading fuel efficiency of 14.2 km/liter (in the 10/15 Japanese test mode), made possible by a lightweight body and a highly efficient engine.

In addition to using VVT-i, independent fuel injection for each cylinder, and atomization fuel injectors, a pair of catalytic converters are placed directly below the dual exhaust manifold to enhance their heating properties, with the other catalytic converter in the exhaust pipe, thereby more thoroughly clean the exhaust. The MR-S conforms with the exhaust emission regulations (for vehicles with reduced automobile purchase tax rates) set to go into force in October 2000. The MR-S also meets the Japanese Transitional Low Emission Vehicle (J-TLEV) Exhaust Levels, which call for a 25% reduction in the HC and NOx emission levels stipulated in the new 2000 regulations found in the Environmental Agency's technical guidelines on emissions.

The front and rear bumpers are made of highly-recyclable Toyota Super Olefin Polymer (TSOP) thermoplastic resin, as are internal and external components such as the instrument panel, the door trim and the rear console.

The radiator, wire harness insulation, and other parts use materials that do not contain lead, an environmentally hazardous substance.

The dashboard silencer and floor silencer are made of high-performance RSPP^*, which is made of shredder residue from end-of-life vehicles.

^*Recycled Soundproofing Products

Additional Features

Luggage space behind the seats comes to 78 liters (according to the VDA measurement method; when soft top is closed); a storage box is located beneath the front hood for stowing away small items (S-Edition), and the large glove compartment comes with a lock.

The upper center portion of the instrument panel has a small lidded compartment; the center cluster features an ashtray and two cup holders; and the rear console has a small receptacle which doubles as a cup holder.

A translucent color acrylic air deflector can be used when the soft top is down to reduce the wind whipping around from behind while still allowing a clear view to the rear. The deflector can be stored away when not needed. (Not available on B-Edition)

The MR-S is available with an FRP detachable top (dealer option) with molded lining and trim.

The hazard lights blink in confirmation when locking or unlocking the vehicle doors using the wireless door lock system (S-Edition only), helping owners to confirm whether the car has been securely locked or unlocked.