Second Generation MR2
The Second Generation MR2 (MKII) went through a complete redesign in 1989; the wheelbase had been increased by 3.2 inches, making it 94.5 inches, the overall length had been increased by 9.3 inches, making it 164.2 inches and is 66.9 inches wide. The new MR2 weighed 350 to 400 pounds more than its predecessor and had smoother bodylines. It appeared very advanced for its era. Now that the MR2 was larger, it could be classed as a GT car. The 1990 model year MSRP ranged from approximately $14,368 to $18,558. Since the resemblance between the Ferrari 348tb and the Ferrari F355 and the new MR2 was quite striking, the MKII is sometimes referred to as a “poor man’s” Ferrari. Indeed, many bodykits became available to make the MKII imitate the Ferrari F355 with, sometimes, almost indistinguishable results.
There are many visual differences between the MR2 N/A and MR2 Turbo models which are much more noticiable to the owner of an MR2 Turbo: some include the “turbo” emblem (USDM) on the rear trunk, a fiberglass engine bonnet with “raised” vents, fog lights (some JDM and EU N/A models came with fog lights), and an added interior center storage compartment located between the two seats. All MKII’s came with a staggered wheel setup, which was slightly wider in the rear. In the U.S. there are two different chassis codes, SW21 for the MR2 N/A model and SW22 for the MR2 Turbo model, as opposed to the usual SW20 reference.