MR2 W20 (MK II)

About the MR2 W20 (Mk II)

The W20 was the MR2 that grew up, gained muscle, and developed a reputation. The 3S-GTE turbocharged four-cylinder made up to 245 hp in a car that still weighed under 1,400 kg. With a mid-engine layout, those numbers meant genuine supercar-baiting performance for the price of a loaded Accord. But the W20 came with a caveat written in tire marks. The short wheelbase and mid-engine weight distribution meant that lifting off the throttle mid-corner could swap ends faster than most drivers could correct. Toyota revised the suspension geometry twice — the Rev3 cars from 1993 onward were significantly more forgiving — but the W20's snap-oversteer reputation was already cemented in the automotive consciousness. The naturally aspirated versions were more approachable and arguably better balanced. The T-bar roof let the sun in. The styling aged better than any other early-90s Toyota. For drivers who respected the chassis, the W20 Turbo was one of the best-kept secrets of the JDM golden era.