GT5 Transcripts/Toyota MR2 SW20

The second-generation MR2, which arrived in 1989, represented the all-new version of the AW11, Japan's first mass produced mid-engine sports car. Toyota wanted to broaden the appeal of its two-seater to the general public, so it made the car larger. To compensate for the added mass, Toyota increased power. The 4A-G, a 1.6-liter inline-4, was swapped in favor of the 3S-G, a 2.0-liter DOHC inline-4, which produced 163 HP in naturally-aspirated form and 222 HP when turbocharged. Unfortunately, with the new engines, the handling characteristics of the AW11 worsened, as the car exhibited a tendency to oversteer. As a result, in December 1991, the chassis was completely revised in the updated SW20 II model.

Things dramatically improved, even more so in 1994 with version III that featured more power via a stronger turbocharger; 242 HP and 224.2 ft-lb of torque. The naturally-aspirated model also saw an increase in performance going to 178 Hp and 141.0 ft-lb of torque. In June 1996, the IV added a helical LSD, as well as standard fare ABS. In December 1997, the V introduced the VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) to the naturally-aspirated engine that was now pumping out 197 HP and 151.8 ft-lb of torque. With all these improvements, the SW20 became one of the most popular sports car of its day, outshining the AW11, the model that started it all.