The MR-2 was a 2-seater mid-engine car produced from 1984 to 2007

First generation (MKI) AW10/AW11 (1984-1989)

The first MR2 was a whole new direction from Toyota, breaking with their normal economic and practical design line. The MR-2 featured a lightweight design (as low as 998 kg), superior handling and a lightly powered, small-displacement engine. The NA 4A-GE 1587 cc I4 engine featured DOHC, and a DENSO electronic multi-point fuel injection system and a variable intake geometry (T-VIS), producing up to 130 hp.

Minor changes in 1986 included changes to both its looks and performance. New was the option of a removable t-top, and the exterior was modified by color-keying the bumpers and side stripes, and adding small side skirts. Some further changes were made to the exterior for 1987, such as new tail lights and wheels, larger brakes, heavier and stronger C52 transmission. Models produces after 1985 no longer come with a rear anti-sway bar.

A supercharged version was made available in 1987 the 4A-GZE was equipped with a Toyota SC-12 roots-type supercharger and Denso top mount intercooler. The compression ratio, valve timing and ports were modified, upping power to 145 hp (108 kW) and accelerated the small car from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7s . Furthermore the MR2 SC was equipped with stiffer bars and reinforcements in the body shell.

The AW11 is a rare car to be seen in the aftermarket industry. Tuning parts for the original MR2 are also equally rare. Despite this, hardcore fans of the AW11 can be seen on occasion mixing it up with more common tuning cars on drag strips and tracks.