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Toyota's Mid-Engine/Rear-Drive MR2 Spyder Will Arrive in Spring of 2000

16 September 1999

    TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 16 / -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc., 
announced today that the MR2 Spyder, based on the MR-Spyder concept vehicle 
shown at this year's Chicago Auto Show, will arrive at Toyota dealerships 
nationwide in the Spring of 2000.

    "The world fell in love with the sports cars of the 50s, because they were
light in weight, light on the road and light on the wallet," said Don Esmond,
TMS Toyota Division group vice president and general manager.  "The MR2 Spyder
is true to these essential elements.  A two-seat, mid-engine, soft-top
roadster distilled to its most basic nature, it is simple and functional and a
blast to drive.  Most important, it will be surprisingly affordable."

    The MR2 Spyder is one of three all-new vehicles Toyota will roll-out
during model-year 2000 that were specifically developed to appeal to younger
new-car buyers.  The Celica sport coupe and ECHO compact sedan will arrive at
dealerships this month.  All three vehicles will be marketed as a
youth-oriented sub-brand within the Toyota division.  A separate marketing
group, genesis, will be responsible for the development for the sub-brand's
marketing strategy.

    Weighing in at approximately 2,200 pounds, the MR2 Spyder rides on a wide,
low-slung platform, supported by MacPherson struts at all four corners.  It
has a wheelbase of 96.5 inches and an overall length of 153 inches.

    An all-new 1.8-liter twin cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine powers the
Spyder.  The engine features VVT-i cylinder head technology, a variable-valve
timing system similar to the design currently used in Lexus engines.  Rated at
140-hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, the engine will also power the all-new Toyota
Celica GT.

    Power is applied to the rear wheels of the MR2 Spyder through a five-speed
manual transmission.  The Spyder's steering system is a newly developed
electric hydraulic power unit designed to save weight, while providing
exceptional responsiveness and road feedback.

    The Spyder's coachwork features steel panels that are bolted onto a
high-rigidity unit-body, allowing for future modification or customization,
while making repairs easier and less expensive.  There are storage
compartments under the front hood and behind the seatbacks.  The center
cluster console is designed to accommodate audio equipment, or can be removed
completely, for additional weight savings.  The manually operated convertible
soft-top folds completely out of sight, hidden neatly under a hard tonneau
cover.

    "The Toyota MR2 Spyder and the all-new Celica are vehicles designed to
immediately impact how consumers think about Toyota products," said Esmond.
"They are vehicles that speak the truth to sports car enthusiasts seeking
exhilarating performance and bold styling at an affordable price."