It's a solid concept, though, since Toyota admits that virtually the same vehicle will end up in dealer showrooms as a production model for the year 2000. The result is 140 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 127 foot-pounds at 4000 rpm. This all-new gearbox is operated by either a shift lever on the center console or pushbuttons mounted on the steering wheel. There is no clutch pedal. Unlike the Boxster, the MR-Spyder does not offer fully automatic shifting.
Power steering is supplied by an electric-hydraulic unit.
In this case, the panels are steel rather than Pontiac's plastic. The manually operated softtop folds completely into the bodywork and is covered by a hard boot cover. While giving out no specific numbers, Toyota officials say it will be competitively priced with the Miata when it arrives at dealers about a year from now.