Toyota AW11 MR2: Comprehensive Guide & Importing Tips for JDM Enthusiasts
Avishka Chandeepa
Posted 29 May 2024
The Toyota AW11 MR2 was the first JDM vehicle to have a midship born in 1984 with the engine, powertrain, and undercarriage being adopted from the E80 series Toyota Corolla. The introduction of the MR2, an acronym for Midship Runabout 2 seater, attracted a lot of attention at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1983. It later went on to win the Japan Car of the Year award in 1984. Toyota used the existing FF Corolla components by reversing them and installing them in the rear seat position thus reducing it:s manufacturing costs. This method was also used in the Fiat X1/9 released in 1972 which is said to have pioneered the midship layout with reduced costs.
The MR2 debuted with three grades:
• The base grade S was equipped with a 1.5L single-cam (SOHC) 3A-LU engine.
• The high-grade G and G limited were equipped with a 1.6L twin-cam (DOHC) 4A-GELU engine.
• The base grade S had the chassis code AW10 with the latter two being labeled the AW11, synonymous with the first generation MR2.
Early model MR2
| S | G | G-Limited | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis code | E-AW11 | E-AW11 | E-AW11 |
| Full length | 3,950mm | 3,950mm | 3,950mm |
| Width | 1,665mm | 1,665mm | 1,665mm |
| Height | 1,250mm | 1,250mm | 1,250mm |
| Vehicle weight | 920 kg | 940 kg | 950 kg |
| Engine type | 3A-LU | 4A-GELU | 4A-GELU |
| Displacement | 1,452cc | 1,587cc | 1,587cc |
| Maximum output | 83PS | 130PS | 130PS |
| Maximum torque | 12.0kg*m | 15.2kg*m | 15.2kg*m |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed AT with 2-way OD | 5-speed manual/ECT-S | 5-speed manual/ECT-S |
In August of 1986, the MR2 underwent some minor changes. At the center of these changes were the newly introduced grades. Two new grades fitted with a new 4A-GZELU 1.6L DOHC engine equipped with a supercharger. One of these grades also came with a T-bar detachable roof!
Late Model MR2
| S | G | G-Limited | G-Limited Supercharger | G-Limited Supercharger T-Bar Roof | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis code | E-AW10 | E-AW11 | E-AW11 | E-AW13 | E-AW14 |
| Full length | 3,950mm | 3,950mm | 3,950mm | 3,950mm | 3,950mm |
| Width | 1,665mm | 1,665mm | 1,665mm | 1,665mm | 1,665mm |
| Height | 1,250mm | 1,250mm | 1,250mm | 1,250mm | 1,250mm |
| Vehicle weight | 960 kg | 1,010 kg | 1,020 kg | 1,070 kg | 1,100 kg |
| Engine type | 3A-LU | 4A-GELU | 4A-GELU | 4A-GZELU | 4A-GZELU |
| Displacement | 1.452cc | 1,587cc | 1,587cc | 1,587cc | 1,587cc |
| Maximum output | 83PS | 130PS | 130PS | 145PS | 145PS |
| Maximum torque | 12.0kg*m | 15.2kg*m | 15.2kg*m | 19.0Kgf*m | 19.0Kgf*m |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4speed AT with 2-way OD | 5-speed manual/ECT-S | 5-speed manual/ECT-S | 5-speed manual/ECT-S | 5-speed manual/ECT-S |
Toyota MR2 SW20
The MR2 was one of the most fun vehicles ever made in the JDM market. Following the success of the AW11 MR2 came the more improved Toyota SW20 MR2. The second-generation Toyota MR2 featured a larger 2.0-liter engine, a slightly larger rounded body, and an 80mm longer wheelbase. This model shared its engine with the Toyota Celica, utilizing a variable intake system (ACIS-II) and generating 165 horsepower with a straight 4 DOHC 16-valve 2-liter 3S-GE engine. The same engine, when fitted with an intercooler, produced an impressive 225 horsepower, making it the strongest domestically produced 2-liter class engine at the time.
Purchase and import from Japan.
Both the SW11 and SW20 MR2 models can be imported into the US, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and many other countries due to their age, surpassing 25 years. Unlike the Supra or the Chaser, the MR2 is a more affordable option for Toyota enthusiasts. Many units are available in Japanese auto auctions, ready for purchase and import. While prices vary depending on the vehicle's condition, mileage, and market trends, interested buyers can contact us for detailed cost estimates and assistance in finding the perfect MR2 SW20.
Below is an MR2 G-Limited Supercharger T-Bar Roof Edition that we got and shipped for a customer through Japanese auto auctions.
