Toyota MR Spyder Will Compete With Mazda Miata

rom the land of the rising sun comes the latest in roadsters - the new Toyota Spyder due to arrive this fall. With 140 hp delivered from its 1.8 litre DOHC four cylinder engine, the Spyder won’t be leaving any Porsche Boxster, or for that matter any new Honda S2000s at the stoplight. Even the brass at Toyota recognizes that with this class of car, either you deliver screaming performance or you go for value. The Spyder will most likely be priced on par with Mazda’s Miata where it is probably best matched for power. Strategic use of aluminum in the interior and exterior details give the Spyder a very serious side to its personality. Though it maybe a little light on power, this is first and foremost a sports car. Four wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes will be standard. With a mid engine placement, I suspect that handling will be a highpoint however it will make space very tight. Don’t plan on travelling with more than a shaving kit! While some criticism has been directed at the Spyders’ styling, I find it somewhat Lotus like in appearance. Let us hope that this car plays out better for Toyota than the dearly departed MR2.