GT5 Transcripts/Toyota MR2 AW11

Who knows how serious Toyota was in actually producing an affordable mid-engine sports car when it displayed the MR2 concept at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show, but it was so warmly received by both the media and the public that by 1984, the first Japanese mass-produced mid-engine sports car had arrived.

The name MR 2 stood for "Midship Runabout for 2", hardcore fans of the car called it the AW11. And when it went on sale in Japan and in the U.S., people flocked to it, especially young men who knew the virtues of a mid-engine sports car.

The car's style looked like a robot from a Japanese manga, with a stubby nose, distinctive sharp edges and a tight, compact 2-seat body. Transversely mounted amidships were the choice of two engines: the same 128 HP 1.6-liter inline-4 (4A-GELU) that powered the AE86 and a 1.5-liter inline-4 (3A-LU) that produced 82 HP.

Thanks to its light weight, the MR2 possessed good acceleration. But taking stage was the car's amazing handling. A more powerful engine gave the car more appeal to serious driver in 1986. It came in the form of a supercharged version that spit out 143 HP and 137.4 ft-lb. And for those who preferred feeling the wind blow through their hair while driving, a T-top version was also offered.