Toyota To Discontinue Production Of The Celica And MR2 Sports Cars By The End Of 2005

[idrivemyself]

07/16/2004 Torrance, CA


Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced its plans to discontinue sales of the Celica and MR2 sports cars by the end of the 2005 model year.

"The Celica and MR2 have been a favorite amongst sports car enthusiasts since their introductions in the U.S.," said Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division. "The past few years, however, have been very challenging for both Celica and MR2 as competition in a segment where 'what's new' dominates and we continue to add more exciting and youthful products to the lineup such as the Matrix and Corolla XRS, Solara sports coupe and recently the Scion xA, xB and tC."

Currently in its seventh generation, the Celica was first introduced in the U.S. in 1971 and was influential in establishing the sporty subcompact segment. Since that time it has been named Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year," one of Car and Driver's "Ten Best Cars," and the "Most Reliable Sporty Car" by Consumer Reports.

Based on the EX-1 "Car of the Future" concept vehicle, its styling was revolutionary when it first hit the market. The Celica was originally designed for consumers who were young at heart and wanted something more than just simple transportation.

Toyota introduced the popular mid-engine, rear-wheel drive two-seater "Mr. Two" in 1985. The MR2 was on the market for ten years when production went on hiatus until 2000 when the third generation was introduced. The MR2 was developed to offer consumers exotic car design and excitement without the exotic car price. Originally powered by Toyota's "sweet sixteen" 16-valve dual-overhead cam 1.6-liter engine, a supercharged version was added in 1988. A turbocharged version went on sale in 1991 prompting Car and Driver magazine to proclaim the MR2 Turbo as an exotic car for the rest of us."

The current MR2 Spyder is the first U.S.-market Toyota to offer a true clutchless, six-speed sequential manual transmission. The MR2 has not only proven its mettle as a "budget exotic" sports car, but succeeded in attracting performance-oriented buyers to the Toyota brand.

*ToyotaPressroom

[BoostTed]

good news is there is talk of a new supra

[dramaticstatic]

Grrrrr.

Why the MR2?!?!

Even though being totally nuts for my Audi and my dad's porsche I can't help love the MR2. Granted I've never driven nor even sat in one I can't help but love the fact that they're little, quick and look darn cool. Plus there aren't many of them around, probably the reason it's being dropped. But that just adds to the coolness factor. They also aren't very well known as when I'm driving around with my friends in the car and see one I'll proclaim 'I love the MR2' and recieve a 'what the heck is that?' look from my friends.

Why toyota why?

Though I suppose once I see an Elise that will become my new favorite little roadster.

[dramaticstatic]

Originally posted by BoostTed
good news is there is talk of a new supra

Sorry for the double post and all but I didn't want to mix different topics.

Talk of a new Supra is very good indeed. Though I have heard that it will be more of a super car type of thing like the original was going to be. As a result it will be quite expensive.
Though along with this I've heard that Toyota will also have less amazing versions of the car. I just hope they subscribe to the original basis for sucess of the car with it's incredible tunability.
Hopefully it will also be a bit lighter than it's predecessor as well.

[SEXICÄN]

I used to have an MR2 turbo, i loved the SH*T out of it. I bought it used and needed a lot of work done, so i said F it. I would have bought the newer MRS but they didn't make the damn thing with a turbo(yeah i know i could have bought one for it, but i would rather have a stock turbo to play around with)

[RippleChip]

Disappointing, but the new ones just don't appeal like the older models.

Now if they bring the Supra back.

[idrivemyself]

Originally posted by RippleChip
Disappointing, but the new ones just don't appeal like the older models.

i don't know why the new MRS dosn't have the appeal of the other MR2s. for those of you who've seen one of these being tracked you'll know what i mean. best motoring had a modded one at fuji and it was killing everything else in the field. it didn't have the power that some of the others did in the straights, but now one could catch it in the corners. the thing was stupid fast. check out best motoring for the ep. i think it was the New Roadsters! Miata Battle ep.