In 2001, Toyota introduced the MR2 Street Affair Concept at the Essen Motor Show, presenting a prototype race car based on the third-generation MR2 mid-engine sports car, part of the W30 series. The concept garnered attention for its bold design and significant upgrades over the stock MR2 sports car.
Developed by Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG), the Street Affair project combined elements of the MR2 roadster (W30) with design input from the Toyota TF102 Formula 1 car. The concept featured an aerodynamically optimized design, including an extremely flat windscreen, a glass fiber body with a TF102-style front nose and spoiler, xenon headlights, and high-intensity diodes at the rear. The rear end incorporated a visible engine block with carbon air ducts and a cover reminiscent of the F1 car’s large rear wing. The lightweight construction concept minimized conventional doors.
Inside the two-seat cockpit, substantial changes were made, adopting a U-shaped steering wheel with paddle shifters, reduced instrumentation, and a large screen at the center of the dash relaying video feed from a rear camera since traditional rearview mirrors were omitted for improved aerodynamics.
The technical upgrades of the MR2 Street Affair included a turbocharged 1.8-liter 16V four-cylinder engine, boosting power from 140 PS (138 HP) to an impressive 258 PS (255 HP). Paired with a sequential 6-speed gearbox with an electro-hydraulic clutch driving the rear wheels, the turbo-four unit achieved remarkable performance, reaching 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6 seconds and a top speed of 249 km/h (155 mph).
The chassis received attention as well, with Toyota engineers lowering the ride height by 30 mm (1.2 in) and fitting extreme low-profile tires on 9.5 x 19 inch rims at the front and 12.0 x 19 inch rims at the back, equipped with massive 345/30 ZR 19 rear tires for enhanced grip. The braking system was upgraded with 370 mm ventilated disc brakes at the front and 295 mm at the rear, delivering deceleration values comparable to a genuine racing machine.
While the MR2 Street Affair Concept remained a one-off, it served as inspiration for a limited-edition model named MR2 Competition, launched in 2002. This limited run consisted of 100 units, featuring Toyota F1’s red and white livery, sports exhausts, white 17-inch alloys, and an optional sequential 6-speed gearbox.
Source & Images: Toyota
