A Mid-Engine Toyota GT86 Roadster Has Been Created | Carscoops

      The mid-engine Toyota GT86 roadster maintains the original 1.8-liter engine while featuring enhanced suspension components.

      A distinctive Toyota MR2 styled after the GT86 is currently on the market in Japan.

      This roadster model with a mid-engine layout has undergone a complete exterior redesign.

      It keeps the 1.8-liter engine and has received a performance suspension upgrade.

      While many eagerly await Toyota's revival of the MR2 with the new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, someone in Japan is already driving a peculiar mid-engine Toyota GT86 roadster. This is not a concealed prototype, but rather a custom creation built on the third-generation MR2 Spyder, and it is up for sale.

      The project began with a 2000 Toyota MR-S, Japan's variant of the now-defunct MR2 roadster. However, aside from the doors, front windshield, and retractable fabric roof sourced from the donor vehicle, everything else has been replaced.

      A GT86 Dressed as an MR2

      The front and rear bumpers, along with the headlights and taillights, originate from the first generation GT86, albeit with aftermarket LED designs. While it’s positive that the car utilizes genuine Toyota parts, it is important to note that the MR2 and GT86 are inherently different vehicles.

      They possess distinct proportions and dimensions, necessitating custom fabrication of the hood, fenders, side skirts, and rear deck from fiber-reinforced plastic to closely match the GT86 design.

      However, there is a downside. The rear deck and bumper vents, which were originally intended for engine cooling, have been entirely concealed by the new body panels. The vehicle instead depends on small side intakes for cooling. While we are not specialists, this could potentially lead to overheating issues, especially during prolonged idling.

      In conclusion, the exterior is adorned with a striking Ferrari Rosso Corsa 322 finish and features a new set of 18-inch Work alloy wheels. Inside, the enhancements are minimal—with only a navigation display added—while the original MR2 red bucket seats, steering wheel, and dashboard remain intact.

      The end result could easily be mistaken for a Toyota GT86 Roadster. However, it should be noted that Toyota has never actually produced a convertible version of the GT86, despite teasing a convertible concept in 2013. The same situation applies to the current GR86, which remains available solely as a coupe.

      Regarding Performance

      The GT86 Roadster facsimile retains the naturally aspirated, mid-mounted 1.8-liter four-cylinder 1ZZ-FE engine from the MR2 donor car, which originally produced 138 horsepower (103 kW / 140 PS) and 171 Nm (126 lb-ft) of torque. This power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, staying true to the MR2 heritage.

      The model enjoys some enhancements beneath the surface, including a new dual tailpipe exhaust system made from titanium, an adjustable height Tein Flex Z twin-tube coilover suspension, and upgraded brakes.

      As per the listing found on Yahoo Auctions, the car shows 76,829 km (47,700 miles) on the odometer and is largely in good condition. The reported issues are minor, including some scuff marks under the bumpers, a small paint crack at the hood's tip, and a tear on the inner side of the fabric roof. The seller also indicated that the Ferrari paint finish could benefit from a little care.

      For those interested, the GT86/MR2 replica is priced at ¥2,200,000 ($15,100). The auction concludes on May 31, giving potential buyers time to place their bids. Just be mindful of your expectations concerning the engine cooling system.