From Race Track to Road: The Story of the Toyota MR2 MC8
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- Опубликовано: 17 май 2023
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The Toyota MR2 has been a beloved sports car since its introduction in the mid-1980s. The MR2's mid-engine layout, lightweight construction, and balanced handling made it a driver's car that was both fun and affordable. The second-generation MR2, produced from 1989 to 1999, was especially popular due to its sleek styling and improved performance.
However, the MR2 Turbo, which was introduced in 1991, took things to the next level. With a turbocharged engine and upgraded suspension, brakes, and tires, the MR2 Turbo was a true sports car that could hold its own against more expensive competitors.
But the MR2 Turbo pales in comparison to the Toyota MC8, which we will take a look at today.
This is the Toyota MC8 and this thing is crazy, in the best way possible. But why, and what is it.
Well The MC8 was developed as a race-derived version of the Toyota MR2 specifically for the GT1 class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This class required teams to build a homologated, street-legal version of their race car in order to compete. And The MC8 was born. You see SARD, Toyota's works team with a reputation for building championship-winning race cars, was responsible for building this car
Now To meet homologation requirements, SARD modified the MR2 extensively, creating a unique supercar look that set it apart from the original MR2. The only recognizable part of the MC8 that remains unchanged is the taillights. SARD extended the wheelbase of the car to improve stability at high speeds and on low-grip surfaces. They also replaced the pop-up headlights with enclosed headlights and added a larger rear spoiler.
But One of the most significant changes made to the MC8 was the installation of a 4.0-liter Toyota 1UZ-FE V8 engine, which was sourced from a Lexus LS 400. This engine was much more powerful than the original MR2's 3s-GTE turbo engine, which would not have been competitive in the GT1 class. However, for road legal purposes, SARD had to detune the engine down to between 300-350 horsepower on the MC8 road car. The MC8-R race car, on the other hand, was able to achieve 600 horsepower thanks to its twin-turbo setup. Imagine if they didn’t detune this thing for road use, it would have been a proper supercar.
But lets get into specs, how fast was this thing in its road trim? Well she was no slouch, 60 could be achieved in 4.5 seconds, and she could go on to a topspeed of 186mph or 300kmph. That’s really impressive. The track version how ever was even faster, Unfortunately tough, the MC8-R had a poor track record due to reliability issues and tough competition from other powerful cars like the McLaren F1, 911 GT1, and Viper GTS-R. I mean those are some serious cars. It retired at the 14th lap in the 1995 Le Mans race and finished second to last overall in the 1996 Le Mans race.
#Lemans #MC8 #Mr2 #V8
Id buy one in a heart beat if possible damn.
A V8 mr2 brother that would be of the hook
A few guys of course ls swapped it
I really love your channel!
Thanks man😁
Just wow!
There are LS swapped MR2 they use the LS4 front wheel drive engine for the swap
I wonder which RUclipsr will take on this project and build one
Not many videos talk About this, been trying to find more.only some guys Instagram is posting stuff About it
Toyota should have made production of this as well
In my country there is one MC8R SARD with one guy...
He got the car without engine and gearbox..
As I heard he install a v6 from Toyota camry 1mzfe with manual transmissions.
Lovely video but some engine noise would be nice
dioda?🤔