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78-722: The Shiden's name is a callback to the Mooncraft Shiden 77 , a Group 6 sports prototype racing car produced by Mooncraft to compete in the Fuji Grand Champion Series ; the Shiden itself was named after the Kawanishi N1K World War II fighter plane, nicknamed the "Shiden". The Shiden 77 was not a particularly successful race car and was ultimately destroyed in a crash during a Fuji Long Distance Series race. The Shiden's basic design

156-484: A Chevron B36 . The Shiden 77 would then be returned to Mooncraft and rebuilt extensively, becoming what was known as the Shiden Kai ( Japanese : ムーンクラフト・紫電改 , Hepburn : Mūnkurafuto Shiden Kai ) . The Shiden Kai featured a heavily modified replica March chassis and a Mazda rotary engine, along with numerous other modifications from the Shiden 77 such as an open top. The Shiden Kai would be entered in

234-926: A DOHC four-valve-per-cylinder motor, borrowed from the E80 series Corolla . This engine was also equipped with Denso electronic port fuel injection and T-VIS variable intake geometry, giving the engine a maximum power output of 112 hp (84 kW) in the US, 128 hp (95 kW) in the UK, 116 or 124 PS (85 or 91 kW; 114 or 122 hp) in Europe (with or without catalytic converter), 118 hp (88 kW) in Australia and 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) in Japan. Japanese models were later detuned to 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp). A five-speed manual transmission

312-490: A McLaren MP4-12C GT3 for the 2013 Super GT Series . After the Shiden's retirement, the car was returned to Mooncraft. Yura intended to sell the car with two spare Toyota 1UZ-FE V8 engines and a full set of parts although ultimately the car did not find a buyer and remains with Mooncraft; Yura may have also planned to revive the concept of a road-going Shiden. The car was then sent into storage, it having no opportunities to race due to constant regulation changes, although it

390-420: A 1976 Toyota design project with the goal of a car which would be enjoyable to drive, yet still provide good fuel economy – not necessarily a sports car. Design work began in 1979 when Akio Yoshida from Toyota's testing department started to evaluate alternatives for engine placement and drive method, finalizing a mid-transverse engine placement. Toyota called the 1981 prototype SA-X . From its original design,

468-435: A challenge during testing, as the 222D also suffered from enormous turbo lag (as did most of the competitive Group B cars), but paired with the extremely short wheel base made driving at speed almost impossible. Toyota Team Europe owner Ove Anderson describes: "you never knew what it was going to do. With such a short wheelbase and such power in such a light car it could swap ends at any time, and without any warning". During

546-561: A more refined automobile, as is the nature of any TOM'S outfitted vehicle. Whilst the T020 was a normally aspirated vehicle, TOM'S also produced equipment for turbocharged models — e.g. wastegates, boost controllers, air filters, a 3S-GTE version of their "TOM'S Barrel" exhaust system, and "T.E.C. II" Engine Control Units. Despite the fact that these products are no longer purchasable brand new, some of these modification parts may still be procured as second-hand items, and are highly sought after by

624-460: A private collector in 2017, one in white, with a 50mm lengthened wheelbase and a more production styled body located in Tokyo. Although the 222D was still a prototype, it made it very far into development before Group B was canceled. Of the rumored eleven built, eight were destroyed in testing, indicating Toyota was considering bringing the 222D to competition. However, the short wheelbase proved to be

702-421: A redesign in 1989 (though North America did not receive them until early 1990 as 1991 models). The new car was larger, weighed 350 to 400 lb (159 to 181 kg) more than its predecessor due to having a more luxurious and spacious cabin, larger engine sizes, sturdier transaxle, and a more durable suspension setup. The overall design of the automobile received more rounded, streamlined styling, with some calling

780-581: A run of 270 units, featured a special Midnight Blue paint, the MOMO -commissioned steering wheel and gear knob, Recaro "Milano" seats with matching door panels. The 1989 model also benefited from some of the last G-Limited model options, such as the LED rear spoiler brake light and more aerodynamic wing mirrors. Both "Super Edition" models had unique decals on the rear visor and side stripes. While Toyota's front-engine, rear-drive Celica rally cars proved dominant in

858-448: A shift lever. Safety was a major concern when designing the Shiden, with the car featuring the aforementioned crash structures and a FIA -compliant roll cage design allowing ample space in the cockpit. The proposed road-going version of the Shiden would have featured a smaller spoiler but would have retained a similar silhouette. The Shiden was unveiled on 1 December 2005 in an online press release from Mooncraft. Designed by Takuya Yura,

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936-410: A surprise appearance at the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed , Toyota drove and displayed a black 222D. The race-ready car weighed around 750 kg (1,650 lb) and its transverse-mounted, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine (what appears to be a 503E race engine, though other prototypes may have used the 4T-GTE ) was reported to produce as much as 750 hp (559 kW). The MR2 went through

1014-478: A time also produced a brake kit as well for the MR2, but this has been discontinued. Performance parts manufacturer JUN offered engine upgrades for the MR2's 3S-GTE engine which came in the form of stroker kits, which were co-developed with Cosworth , and also offered lightened flywheels, cam gears, and camshafts. The SW20 garnered generally favorable reviews during its production life, with various sources complimenting

1092-399: A variety of tuning parts for the MR2. The "T020" as it was called, was powered by a naturally aspirated 2.2L stroked 3S-GE that produced 175 kW (235 bhp) at 6,800 rpm, this was due to more aggressive "F3" cams, a stroker kit, better intake flow with the aid of the "TOM'S Hyper Induction Carbon" intake kit, and an upgraded exhaust system labeled the "TOM'S Barrel", a lightened flywheel

1170-654: A wide-body TRD2000GT replica car. This was to pay homage to the TRD2000GT wins in the GT-C Japanese racing series, since the TRD2000GT racing series cars were based on the SW20 floor pan. The TRD2000GT body kit widened the MR2 by a total of 100 mm (4 in). Prior to MR2s being fitted with the TRD2000GT body kit, TRD had its customers select which additional engine, suspension, wheel, and interior upgrades they wanted. For this reason, no two TRD2000GT MR2s are alike. It

1248-453: Is a line of two-seater, mid-engined , rear-wheel-drive sports cars , manufactured in Japan and marketed globally by Toyota from 1984 until 2007 over three generations: W10 (1984–1989), W20 (1989–1999) and W30 (1999–2007). It is Japan's first rear mid-engined production car. Conceived as a small, economical and sporty car, the MR2 uses simple but effective design elements, including an inline-four engine , transversely mounted in front of

1326-462: Is based on a Riley Technologies MkXI chassis; despite being based on the MkXI, virtually no parts are shared with the car apart from the chassis. The use of a Riley chassis is hinted at in the car's internal designation, "MC/RT-16". In comparison to other GT300 cars, the Shiden resembled a sports prototype more than a GT3 car. The Shiden itself is said to be a "modern recreation" of its direct ancestor,

1404-445: Is rumored that approximately 10 conversion kits were imported from TRD Japan into the US for conversions. In many respects, the extended body can be compared to that of a Porsche 911 Slantnose modification. The car's width is extended and body dimensions dramatically changing the car's overall visuals. Very little is known about these cars outside Japan. Apart from Toyota Racing Development, TOM'S also released official body kits and

1482-588: Is rumored that at least one was built to produce up to 373 kW (500 bhp) whereas some others had few modifications to their engines. In order to ensure exclusivity, a high price tag was charged and total of just 35 factory car conversions were completed by Toyota Technocraft Ltd. Each official Technocraft-converted car was made using lightweight fiberglass components (front fenders, trunk lid extension, rear quarter panels, gas door, front and rear bumpers, 3-piece wing) and re-classified as completely new cars (with their own specially numbered TRD VIN plate riveted to

1560-494: The 2009 season in 6th, with Takahashi being replaced by Hiroki Yoshimoto after the first round for the rest of the season. The Shiden would bounce back in 2009, winning Sepang and claiming the fastest lap. The team would finish the season sixth in the standings with 63 points. For 2010 , Hiroshi Hamaguchi would replace Takahashi, although he remained in the team as third driver for the Suzuka 1000 km. The Shiden would pole, set

1638-490: The "Turbo" emblem (US) on the rear trunk, 'TWIN CAM 16 TURBO' decal above the side intake (Japanese market), a fiberglass engine lid with raised vents, fog lights, and an added interior center storage compartment located between the two seats. All SW20 MR2s came with a staggered wheel setup, with wider wheels and tires in the rear than in the front. Mechanical differences on the Turbo models include: The US market MR2 Turbo model

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1716-576: The 1/4 mile in 13.1 seconds, beating out more expensive and higher powered automobiles such as the Honda NSX, Toyota Supra RZ, and even the Ferrari 348 TB . Best Motoring, a popular Japanese automobile TV show, featured an episode that had them battle a factory stock Rev 5 GT-S Turbo versus other Japanese market contemporaries on the Tsukuba Circuit , with the MR2 winning the circuit race. In

1794-725: The 1978 500 mile Fuji, the final round of the Long Distance Series, Sekiya crashed the Shiden Kai and retired from the race; the car burst into flames and was destroyed as a result. Mooncraft would later create the Shiden MC/RT-16 , a closed-cockpit prototype race car based on a Riley MkXI chassis for use in Super GT ; it was raced in the series by Cars Tokai Dream28 from 2006 to 2012 when rule changes were enacted to prevent low-volume cars from competing in

1872-497: The 1978 Fuji Grand Champion Series, with Takahara being selected to drive the car again; results did not improve, with the car remaining unclassified, 35 laps down on Kazuyoshi Hoshino 's winning March 74S . Takahara also competed in the Fuji Long Distance Series as well, driving the Shiden Kai alongside Takashi Yorino in the first round of the championship. Following the first Fuji Grand Champion race of

1950-412: The 911 (993) GT2 for increased downforce at high speeds, and a reworked suspension set up with Öhlins equipment. Japanese tuner Border Racing, made available several parts as well, consisting mostly of parts that improved the car's suspension geometry, namely roll-center adapters, extended tie rods, etc., though they have also produced intercooler kits for the car and several interior pieces. AP Racing at

2028-520: The African Group B rallies of the 1980s, they were at a disadvantage on the twistier European stages. Thus, Toyota Team Europe started a rally project in 1985, codenamed "222D" based on the MR2, for competition in Group S and potentially Group B. Though somewhat similar on the outside, it is clear that the prototype had very little in common with the production car although the two appear to share

2106-509: The MR2 SW20 a "baby Ferrari" or "poor man's Ferrari" due to design cues similar to the Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS or Ferrari 348 . Like the AW11 before it, Toyota spent countless hours fine-tuning the handling capabilities of the SW20, seeking advice from professional race car drivers, including Dan Gurney of Formula One, NASCAR, and Le Mans fame. When the AW11 was still in production and before

2184-670: The MR2 community. TOM'S still keeps a T020 part list on their website, and there are still T020 part catalogues in circulation between enthusiasts to this day, albeit second-hand. Between 1996 and 1999, Toyota TechnoCraft (TTC) produced 88 or 91 SW20 MR2 Spider convertible conversions. These cars featured a retractable cloth softtop roof and exclusive wingless trunk and engine lids. Most Spiders had automatic transmissions, naturally aspirated engines, and Lucerne Silver paint with blue side mouldings and black and blue accented cloth seats. The Toyota name and logo were not applied to these cars due to concerns about roof leaks. During its production,

2262-459: The MR2 number eight on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s . In 1988 and 1989 Toyota produced two final production runs of fully optioned "Super Edition" MR2s, based upon the supercharged Japanese market model, and only sold in Japan. The 1988 'Super Edition' was a run of 300 units, had white/gold two-tone paint, bronze glass, unique half-leather and half-cloth seats, along with a MOMO -commissioned steering wheel and gear knob. The 1989 model,

2340-432: The MR2 was prone to "snap-oversteer" . As a counterpoint to the snap-oversteer phenomenon of the MR2, other journalists point out that most mid-engine and rear-engine sports and super cars exhibit similar behaviour, and that a change to the driver's response to oversteer is really the solution. In any car, braking shifts the weight forward, and acceleration to the rear. When drivers enter a corner with too much speed, and lift

2418-646: The MR2 won the Car of the Year Japan . As Toyota engineered the MR2 to accommodate a 2-liter engine, its primary features included its light body (as low as 950 kg (2,094 lb) in Japan and 1,066 kg (2,350 lb) in the US), strong handling, and low-power small-displacement engine. The car is often referred to as the AW11, referring to the chassis code of the most common 1.6-liter, A-engined versions. The MR2's suspension and handling were designed by Toyota with

Mooncraft Shiden - Misplaced Pages Continue

2496-407: The SW20 enjoyed a myriad of tuning parts from Japanese tuners such as HKS, Blitz, Phoenix Power, etc. While some companies only offered aesthetic modifications for the SW20, others such as Phoenix Power offered modifications such as a tuned ECU, longblock modifications, and a trunk-mounted intercooler combined with a T04R Turbocharger. The Phoenix Power MR2 also featured a large rear wing reminiscent of

2574-438: The SW20 still has a large enough following to be labeled as a very challenging car to push to its limits, with some labeling it as "the most dangerous car that you can buy". Such a label may be true as MR2s are relatively cheaper than most automobiles with an MR platform ( Honda NSX , Ferrari F355 , Lotus Elise ) and that it is readily available to most people. Early in the 1990s, the SW20 enjoyed considerable success throughout

2652-477: The SW20 was officially shown to the public, several rumors were spreading stating that Toyota was building yet another mid-engine sports car, one that would have a 3.0-liter V6 engine that could directly compete with the 348, though this specific rumor was later shot down under the pretense that such a car would belong under the Lexus branding. Differences between the normally aspirated and turbocharged models include

2730-404: The Shiden 77, for modern competition. The Shiden uses a fiberglass composite body, with impact-absorbing structures added to reinforce the body at certain points. The Shiden is powered by a Toyota 1UZ-FE 4.2 L naturally-aspirated V8 tuned by Toda Racing ; this engine would later be bored and stroked to 4.4 L in 2007. This engine is mated to a Xtrac 6-speed sequential manual shifted using

2808-536: The Shiden for 2007 . The Shiden's competitiveness continued for 2007, with two second places to start off the season. The Shiden would score points consistently, with the highlight of the season being a win at the International POKKA 1000km at Suzuka; by the end of round 8 at Autopolis, the Shiden was leading both the drivers's and teams's championships. A victory by the #101 apr Toyota MR-S of Kazuya Oshima and Hiroaki Ishiura allowed them to tie in

2886-518: The Shiden was Yura's vision for the ultimate road car, featuring the best driving performance and safety features. Yura was also involved in the design of the original Shiden 77 which this car was named after. The Shiden was advertised to give drivers pleasure that they had never felt before with its driving characteristics. The road-going Shiden was announced to enter production in February 2006; no details on pricing or production numbers were given. At

2964-511: The Shiden, with a 7th at Okayama and a 2nd at Fuji, but after this race the Shiden's performance took a significant slump; while the car was still reliable, when it did finish it was in a low non-scoring position. The car failed to start at Sepang and failed to qualify at Autopolis. This combination of results led the Shiden to 11th in the standings, its lowest position yet. Changes to the Super GT rule structure were enacted in 2012 to take effect

3042-402: The T020 to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds, in turn further made the SW20 chassis a much more capable track machine. A sportier look was given to the vehicle as well through engine scoops, side skirts, a Ferrari 348 -esque rear light grille, forged wheels, revised bumper designs, and a larger rear spoiler. Though undeniably still an MR2, the T020 was in all essence

3120-421: The US market), Toyota introduced a supercharged engine for the MR2. Based on the same block and head, the 4A-GZE was equipped with a small Roots-type supercharger and a Denso intercooler . T-VIS was eliminated and the compression ratio was lowered to 8:1. It produced 145 hp (147 PS; 108 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 186 N⋅m; 137 lb⋅ft (19 kg⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm and accelerated

3198-415: The body to indicate their authenticity and rarity). The Toyota Technocraft Ltd. TRD2000GT had a 60 mm (2.4 in) wider front and rear track (due to the addition of wider wheels and tires). Virtually every car converted also had other TRD parts fitted too, including extensive changes to both the suspension and engine. Most cars left the factory making more power due to TRD bolt-ons, some cars even left

Mooncraft Shiden - Misplaced Pages Continue

3276-402: The car evolved into a sports car, and further prototypes were tested both in Japan and in the US. Significant testing was performed on race circuits including Willow Springs , where former Formula One driver Dan Gurney tested the car. All three generations were in compliance with Japanese government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement. The MR2 appeared around

3354-419: The car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.5 to 7.0 seconds. The supercharger was belt-driven but actuated by an electromagnetic clutch, so that it would not be driven except when needed, increasing fuel economy. Curb weight increased to as much as 2,494 lb (1,131 kg) for supercharged models, due to the weight of the supercharger equipment and a new, stronger transmission. A fuel selector switch

3432-476: The car in 2011; the car was still a reliable point scorer but other GT cars were starting to become much faster and more competitive and the Shiden's Riley-based chassis was starting to show its obsolescence. The team finished the season 10th in the standings. The driver pairing of Takahashi and Katoh would continue for 2012 , as well as the Evangelion-inspired livery. The season started strongly for

3510-693: The car in the Fuji Grand Champion Series; Takahara was a three-time champion of the Grand Champion Series and a two-time All-Japan Formula 2000 champion. The Shiden 77's first race was at the 1977 Fuji Grand 250km in June 1977, replacing the March 74S he had used in the first round. Despite running as high as 6th, the Shiden 77 retired due to brake issues after twelve laps. After this race, Takahara replaced his Shiden 77 with

3588-458: The early 2000s. SARD (Sigma Advanced Research Development) built a heavily modified and lengthened version of the SW20 for GT racing called the SARD MC8-R. It used a heavily modified MR2 frontal chassis with a custom rear chassis made to fit a twin-turbo version of the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8 producing 600 bhp (447 kW). This is the first car which only used the frontal chassis of

3666-463: The factory boasting up to 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) and less than 1100 kg (2425 lb) for a very impressive power-to-weight ratio. While TRD Japan only offered a small number of kits with all body parts required for third-party conversion, Toyota Technocraft Ltd. offered complete car conversions. Apart from the cars listed on the TRD2000GT register it is unknown how many original Toyota Technocraft Ltd. cars still exist today, but it

3744-534: The fastest lap and win the Sugo race; this was the last win for the Shiden and any JAF-GT Category C or D car in the series. Two second places in other races throughout the season elevated them to 4th in the standings by the end of the year. For 2011 , the Shiden was given a striking purple and green livery resembling that of the Eva-01 mecha as seen in the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion . Takahashi returned to drive

3822-478: The help of Lotus engineer Roger Becker. Toyota's cooperation with Lotus during the prototype phase can be seen in the AW11, and it owes much to Lotus's sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s. Toyota's active suspension technology, called TEMS , was not installed. With five structural bulkheads, the MR2 was quite heavy for a two-seater of its size. Toyota employed the naturally aspirated 4A-GE 1,587 cc (1.6 L; 96.8 cu in) inline-four engine ,

3900-415: The likelihood that this would occur, though many drivers would lament the change and claim that it "neutered" the sharp edge the MR2 was known for. Toyota claimed that the changes were made "for drivers whose reflexes were not those of Formula One drivers". In 1998, Toyota Racing Development offered an official kit body conversion and tuning program for MR2 owners to transform their existing SW20 MR2 into

3978-522: The most notable being that rear suspension components are not interchangeable between the MK1a and MK1b cars. Original introduction The changes in MY 1986 and MY 1987 occurred in parts. Instead of a drastic change in MY 1987 models for the above MK1b upgrades, some MK1a parts continued on in early MY 1987 cars while some MK1b parts came on MY 1986 cars as options. An example is that some MY 1987 cars still retained

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4056-435: The name MR2. Toyota introduced the first-generation MR2 in 1984, designating it the model code " W10 ". When fitted with the 1.5-liter 3A engine, it was known as the "AW10". Likewise, the 1.6-liter 4A version is identified by the "AW11" code. In Japan, the MR2 was marketed exclusively via Toyota's Toyota Auto Store and Toyota Vista Store , both rebranded in 1998 as Netz Toyota Store . At its introduction in 1984,

4134-424: The next season; this would lead to the phasing out of JAF-GT Category C and D vehicles from competition, categories spanning prototype sports cars based on modified sports cars with few or no road-going counterparts. As a result of the rule changes, the Shiden is no longer able to race in the series. Yura announced the car's retirement on his personal social media page. Cars Tokai Dream28 would replace their Shiden with

4212-415: The old "flat" front bumper despite having MK1b upgrades everywhere else on the car. Some early MY 1987 7-rib engines came with the earlier blue top valve cover. This was also noticed in the rear sway bar removal for the MY 1986. Some MY 1986 cars have a rear sway bar, while the mounting tabs on the strut housing were either there for both sides, only one side, or none at all depending on when Toyota ran out of

4290-522: The older rear struts with mounting tabs as production used up parts. American car magazines Road & Track and Car and Driver both chose the MR2 on their "ten best" car lists. The Australian Wheels magazine chose the 1988 MR2 as its favourite sports car. The MR2 was Motor Trend ' s Import Car of the Year for 1985. The MR2 was also on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1986 and 1987. In 2004, Sports Car International ranked

4368-508: The racing arm of Honda Cars Tokai, a chain of Honda dealerships based in Tōkai , Aichi , took delivery of a Shiden for the 2006 Super GT Series, replacing the Vemac RD320R they had raced in 2005. The team's lineup of Kazuho Takahashi and Hiroki Katoh would remain unchanged from 2005. From the first race at Suzuka , the Shiden was immediately competitive, consistently scoring points over

4446-517: The rankings of personal bests, a Rev 2 GT-S was able to clock 1:08.00 at Tsukuba Circuit. The second-generation MR2 underwent a variety of changes during its 10 years of production, grouped in four different periods: Introduction of the new generation. Revision 5 : 1998–1999 Model (Introduced Nov-1997): Changes to the suspension geometry, tire sizes and power steering in January 1992 (MY 1993) were made in response to journalist reports that

4524-493: The rear axle, four-wheel disc brakes , and fully independent coilover suspension – MacPherson strut fronts and Chapman strut rears. The name MR2 stands for either " m id-ship r un-about 2 -seater" or " m id-engine, r ear-wheel-drive, 2 -seater". In French-speaking markets, the vehicle was renamed Toyota MR because the abbreviation "MR2" sounds like the profanity "merde" when spoken in French. The MR2 derived from

4602-479: The rear trunk and body mouldings behind both doors. This model was never offered outside of the Japanese and North American markets, although some cars were privately imported to other countries. MK1a and MK1b are unofficial designations, but are frequently used by owners and vendors to distinguish between early production vehicles and later face-lifted models. While there are considerable differences detailed below,

4680-523: The same factory AW11 floor pan. Little else is known about the project as it never competed. With Group B cancelled in 1986, the proposed Group S regulations suffered the same fate, and the remaining prototypes were reduced to museum pieces and private collections. Supposedly eleven prototypes were made, of which eight were destroyed during testing, leaving only three known examples: Two in black, one stored at Toyota Gazoo's facility in Cologne and one sold to

4758-771: The same time as the Honda CR-X and the Nissan EXA from Japan, the Pontiac Fiero and Ford EXP from North America, and about a decade after the VW Scirocco and Fiat X1/9 from Europe made their debut. Toyota debuted its SV-3 concept car in October 1983 at the Tokyo Motor Show , gathering press and audience publicity. The car was scheduled for a Japanese launch in the second quarter of 1984 under

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4836-560: The same time, Mooncraft announced that a privateer team would take delivery of a racing version of the Shiden road car to compete in the 2006 Super GT Series in the GT300 class. No road cars would be built, with the GT Association saying that building a road-going version was not required to allow the car's participation in the series; no further mention of a road-going Shiden would be made in future press releases. Cars Tokai Dream28,

4914-481: The season as well as multiple pole positions; at Autopolis , the Shiden converted a pole position to a win. A non-score at the November Fuji race gave the #7 RE Amemiya Mazda RX-7 of Tetsuya Yamano and Hiroyuki Iiri and the Shiden a tie in points; the Shiden would finish the season strongly with second in the standings, losing to Yamano and Iiri on countback. Takahashi and Katoh would continue driving

4992-440: The series from 2013 onwards. The Shiden is said to be a "modern recreation" of the Shiden 77 for modern competition and achieved the constructor's title in 2007. A fully-functioning replica of the Shiden 77 was constructed in the mid-2000s by Mooncraft; it is built around a FJ1600 chassis and uses a Subaru EA71 engine. A second fully-functioning replica of the Shiden 77 was constructed by Mooncraft from 2018 to 2019. The car

5070-481: The standings with the Shiden, with the #101 car winning on countback having won twice compared to the Shiden winning only once. Despite this, Cars Tokai Dream28 were the 2007 Teams's Champions with 106 points. 2008 was a quieter year for the Shiden as the team scored no wins throughout the season; their best finish was a 2nd place in Motegi . The team finished fourth in the standings. Takahashi and Katoh would start off

5148-417: The styling, power, and responsive handling. Car and Driver noted the revised SW20's braking capabilities to be superb, stating that 70 mph to standstill could be done in 157 feet, rivaling that of the Honda NSX. Former Top Gear host and racing driver Tiff Needell commends the SW20's handling having said that it "encourages you to drive with enthusiasm" in a review back in 1990. He does note however, that

5226-449: The sudden transition from understeer to oversteer may be startling for some people. The car is infamously known for its "snap-oversteer" phenomenon. This notoriety comes from numerous instances where individuals crash their SW20s either on or off the race track due to inexperience with a mid-ship platform, as MR layouts handle very differently in comparison to the more common FF or even FR layouts. Even in its revised state from January 1992,

5304-414: The throttle mid-corner, the weight transfers forward causing the rear tires to lose traction (called lift-off oversteer), which can result in a spin. When improper steering inputs were made attempting to correct this non-power-on oversteer, the rear of the MR2 would swing one way, then wildly (and quickly) the other—thus the term "snap" oversteer. Toyota elected to change the MR2 suspension and tires to reduce

5382-675: The world. Several teams fielded the MR2 in the Swiss Touring Car Championship, as well as in the South-East Asian Supercar Championship, with much success. The chassis was also used for a time during the mid 90s in the Fuji Freshman Series in Japan in which the SW20 succeeded the earlier AE86 chassis. As of 2022 , both the SW20 and ZZW30 chassis are used in 750 Motor Club's MR2 Championship in the UK which started in

5460-454: The year, Takahara replaced the Shiden Kai with a replica March chassis, while the Shiden Kai was loaned to Shizumatsu Racing in the Grand Champion Series, to be driven by series debutant Masanori Sekiya . In his first race with the Shiden Kai, Sekiya retired after 11 laps; he would finish the next two races in tenth and eighth respectively. Sekiya also competed in the Long Distance Series, taking over from Takahara but still without success. In

5538-542: Was a sports prototype race car designed by Mooncraft . It featured an aluminum twin-tube monocoque chassis and a body structure intended for competition in the Fuji Grand Champion Series . The car was powered by a BMW M12/7 2.0 L inline-four engine, prominently used in touring cars and in Formula 2 . The car would later use a Mazda Mazda RE13B 1.3 L two-rotor engine. The vehicle was built by Ito Racing. It featured double wishbone front and rear suspension. The body

5616-507: Was able to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 6.1 seconds and finish the 1/4 mile in 14.7 seconds. The Revision 1 Turbo SW20 can pull 0.89g at the skidpad, with later revisions averaging 0.90g – 0.94. Revision 2 cars were fitted with Yokohama A022s; coincidentally, the Honda NSX also uses a special variant of the A022. A Japanese market Rev 3 GT-S Turbo was able to run

5694-458: Was also added in some markets, to allow the car to run on regular unleaded fuel if required. In addition to the new engine, the MR2 SC was also equipped with stiffer springs, and received special "tear-drop" aluminum wheels. The engine cover had two raised vents (only one of which was functional) that visually distinguished it from the naturally aspirated models. It was also labeled "SUPER CHARGER" on

5772-416: Was also equipped to help the engine rev easier. The T020 also featured a more race-oriented suspension/chassis set up via camber kits, upgraded tie-rods, strut bars, roll center adjusters, stiffer springs, race shock absorbers, and sports brake pads. These modifications lowered the vehicle's center of gravity for increased agility and stability while cornering, and combined with the engine modifications enabling

5850-495: Was displayed publicly in 2017 at a Formula SAE Japan event in Shizuoka. Mooncraft Shiden 77 The Mooncraft Shiden 77 ( Japanese : ムーンクラフト・紫電７７ , Hepburn : Mūnkurafuto Shiden 77 ) was a Group 6 sports prototype racing car introduced by Mooncraft in 1977. The Shiden 77 was named after the Kawanishi N1K World War II fighter plane, nicknamed the "Shiden", and for its year of introduction, 1977. The Shiden 77

5928-513: Was exhibited at the 2018 Suzuka Sound of Engine but without an engine as it was not installed in time for the event. This replica is based on a West Racing Cars VIVACE-7 chassis and uses a Toyota 4A-GE engine. A shakedown test for the second replica was conducted in November 2020. Tomy produced a 1/62 scale model of the Shiden 77 for their Tomica miniature car model lineup, sold from 1978 to 1981. Toyota MR2 The Toyota MR2

6006-457: Was formed using molds made of fibre-reinforced plastic . Development on the Shiden 77 commenced in summer 1976. The project was overseen by Akihiko Ogura, with Takuya Yura in charge of styling and Motoyasu Moriwaki in charge of engineering the vehicle. Ito Racing would build the car. Yura designed the car's livery. The car was completed in March 1977, with Noritake Takahara selected to drive

6084-576: Was standard, with a four-speed automatic available as an option. Road tests delivered 0–60 mph (97 km/h) times in the mid- to high-8 second range and 1 ⁄ 4 mile (402 m) times in the mid- to high-16 second range, significantly faster than the four-cylinder Pontiac Fiero or Fiat X1/9 . In the home market, the AW10 base model was offered, which used the more economical 1,452 cc (1.5 L; 88.6 cu in) 3A-U engine rated at 61 kW (82 hp). In 1986 (1988 for

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