Mk 3 MR2 Spyder Prototypes

Since the announcement in 1995 that the MKII MR2 was to cease production, prototypes for the new MR2 had been popping up at regular intervals at various Motorshows. The first of these was the MRJ. It appeared at several motorshows around the world and while no official word was given by Toyota, many assumed it was the replacement for the MR2. It featured a VVT engine, electric hardtop, four-wheel steering, superstrut suspension, and many other new technology features.

The MRX was the next car on the scene, having been unveiled at the Japan Motor Show in 1997 and predicted by many motoring magazines as the replacement for the MR2 ... with no news of the future of the MRJ. The MRX was a lightweight car with many of the fancy features of the MRJ having been removed.  This latest prototype saw a few changes over the next couple of years, with slight modifications to bonnet, lights, side intakes, etc.

Mk 3 MR2 Spyder - ZZW30 1999 - 2007

Toyota New Zealand released the MR-S at the end of 2000/beginning of 2001, and was be priced to compete with the Mazda MX5 (roughly $40K). The model chosen for NZ was the 5 speed Semi-Automatic Sequential transmission. This uses an automatic clutch that takes the load off the drivers left leg, but all gears are still selected manually from either the gearstick or buttons on the steering wheel.In 1999 the new MR2 was finally released in Japan. Throughout the world it was marketed under different names: in Japan it's the MR-S; in the UK it's the MR2; in the USA it's the MR2 Spyder.

In 2003 the model was upgraded to a 6 speed transmision and given some minor changes to the front grill.

 Specifications: