The ZZW30-gen Toyota MR2 is oft seen as a poor man’s Elise, which in truth, is hardly a bad thing. It’s revvy 1.8-litre produces a healthy 138hp that, in a car weighing barely over a tonne with a 2,450mm wheelbase, is enough to offer proper mid-engined sports car fun. But you can understand why so many have opted to swap the four-pot for the 192hp Celica T Sport’s 1.8 2ZZ. Who wouldn’t want power for very little technical headache?
For some, though, the extra power is not enough, especially those who’re taking their car on track - like PHer aaron86, who’s created something focussed but still brilliantly raw. Aside from that engine swap, the OP’s upgrades have centred on the chassis, with anti-roll bars, braces and coilovers part of the mix. Throw in a set of lightweight rims, sticky boots and a stripped-out interior and you’ve got one capable track machine. Looks the part, too.
Proof? See aaron86’s picture from Cadwell Park. Nothing earns a PH seal of approval like a lifted wheel at The Mountain. Or, in this case, two lifted wheels. Something tells us the OP is as handy behind the wheel as his car is at dealing with a technical Lincolnshire circuit; he confesses to having tracked a few Pumas and MG ZRs in the past, but this latest project is first foray into the world of a “hairdresser’s car”. Nice work, aaron86!
