GT5 Transcripts/Toyota MR-S

After the successful run of the SW20 (the second-gen version of the MR2), the general public started to shy away from high-performance sports cars, instead opting for more fun and comfortable forms of transportation. So for the third-generation MR2, which made its debut in 1999 as the MR-S in Japan, the two-seat mid-engine was totally transformed, going from a corner-devouring performance machine to a fashionable modestly-powered convertible, This was reflected in the car's styling, especially the face, which was now dominated by two large headlights.

Although the U.S. decided to keep the "MR2" moniker as part of its name, calling it the MR2 Spyder, the new car was hardly a reflection of the previous version. The engine, still mounted amidships was the 1ZZ-FE, a 1.8-liter DOHC inline-4 that produced 138 HP 125.8 ft-lb of torque. Fortunately, the car weighed less, so the MR-S's acceleration was still respectable if not head snapping.

At the start, the engine came mated a 5-speed gearbox with a 5-speed automatic in August 2000. This evolved into a high-tech semi-automatic in August 2002 that gave drivers the best of both manual-shifting and full-automatic modes.

The MR-S was definitely a legitimate sports car, with good power and excellent handling character, however, it will perhaps never get the true credit it deserves because it lacked the tremendous power and sporty nature of the two models that came before it.