We went to the opening of the Chicago Auto Show last night
and saw one of these puppies (along with a whole bunch of
other groovy sportscars). Looks great, I want one.
It seems like maybe we're going to cycle through a more
sportscar-oriented phase again -- as opposed to the focus
on SUVs and trucks. (I can hope can't I?)
>
>http://biz.yahoo.com/apf/990211/auto_show_2.html
>
>Toyota's MR-Spyder is a mid-engine, soft-top roadster that will give the
>Mazda Miata some competition in the $20,000 to $25,000 price range.
>
>The MR-Spyder will replace the MR2, a hardtop sports car that remains on
>sale in Japan but was pulled from the North American market in 1995 because
>of slow sales.
>
>It borrows some styling from its higher-priced competition: the circular
>fender
>flares look like they came off the new Audi TT, while the rear-end design
>looks a lot like the Porsche Boxster's, complete with big air scoops to
>cool the
>engine that rests behind the seats.
>
>The car will be built in Japan, but executives would not say when it might
>go on
>sale there or Europe. Toyota said the production version will be very
>similar to
>the concept car.
>
>The MR-Spyder will be powered by a new 1.8-liter, twin-cam, four-cylinder
>engine rated at 140 horsepower. It also features an unusual five-speed manual
>transmission that does not use a clutch. The driver can shift using a
>conventional center console shifter, or by pressing buttons on either side
>of the
>steering wheel.
>
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>Date: Thu, 11 Feb 99 10:01:55 PST
>Message-Id: <9902111801.AA08803@stimpy.vicor.com>
>To: H.Moazed@worldnet.att.net, danapple@vicor.com, jss@marimba.com
>Subject: FYI: Toyota MR-Spyder Specs
>
> TOYOTA MR-SPYDER PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
>
> ENGINE STEERING
> 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve Power Rack-and-Pinion
> multiport EFI, aluminum block with (Electric Hydraulic
> aluminum alloy head Power Steering)
> Bore & Stroke 3.11 x 3.60 in TIRES AND WHEELS
> Displacement 1.8L/1794cc Wheel Size 16 x 6.5 in JJ
> Compression Ratio 10:1
> Valve Train Twin-Cam 16-Valve VVT-i Tire Size
> Horsepower (SAE) 140HP/6400 RPM Front: 205/50R16
> Torque 127 lbs-ft/4000 RPM Rear: 215/50R16
> Fuel System Multi-point EFI
> EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
> (inches)
> POWERTRAIN Wheelbase 96.5
> Drive System Type Midship Rear Wheel Overall Length 153.0
> Drive Overall Height 48.2
> Transmission Sequential 5-Speed Manual Track (f/r) 58.3/57.5
>
> SUSPENSION INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
> Front: MacPherson Strut NA
> Rear: MacPherson Strut
> VEHICLE MASS
> BRAKES Curb Weight 2,230 lbs.
> Front: Ventilated Disc
> Rear: Ventilated Disc
>
>SOURCE: Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.
>
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