How fast is a supercharged MR2?
In factory form, a supercharged MR2 — the AW11 with Toyota’s 4A-GZE engine — typically reaches 0–60 mph in roughly 7.5–9 seconds and a top speed around 125–135 mph, depending on market and condition.
What counts as a supercharged MR2?
The MR2’s forced-induction history is split between generations. The original first-generation AW11 (1985–1989) offered a factory supercharged variant, the 4A-GZE. The subsequent second generation (SW20, 1990–1999) largely used turbocharging (3S-GTE) rather than a factory supercharger, with the turbo models delivering notably higher performance. Some limited or market-specific cars experimented with different setups, but the widely recognized "supercharged MR2" badge belongs to the AW11.
Performance snapshot: AW11 supercharged MR2 (4A-GZE)
Key performance figures for the original supercharged MR2, reflecting typical market and condition.
- Engine: 1.6 L inline-4 4A-GZE with a roots-type supercharger
- Power: roughly 145–160 horsepower (varies by market and model year)
- Torque: about 110–118 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: about 7.5–9.0 seconds
- Top speed: around 125–135 mph
Real-world times depend on transmission choice, tires, weight, and maintenance. The figures above reflect stock form and typical measurements from automotive tests and owner data.
Performance snapshot: SW20 generation with turbo (for context)
While not supercharged, the second-gen MR2 (SW20) used the turbocharged 3S-GTE for most high-performance variants, offering substantially faster acceleration and higher top speeds than the AW11's supercharged setup.
- Engine: 2.0 L turbocharged 3S-GTE (various turbo versions across years)
- Power: typically 220–276 hp depending on market/year
- 0–60 mph: roughly 5.0–6.0 seconds in most turbo models
- Top speed: commonly 150–165 mph
These figures vary widely by model year and market, but they illustrate how turbocharged MR2s surpass the early supercharged ones in straight-line speed.
Summary
The original AW11 MR2 with the 4A-GZE supercharged engine remains the benchmark for factory supercharged MR2s. Its performance is brisk for its era, offering engaging acceleration and handling, but it sits behind the late 1990s and early 2000s turbocharged SW20 models in outright speed. In the collector market (as of 2024–2025), clean examples with documented maintenance can carry a premium. For enthusiasts, a well-maintained, stock AW11 with proper servicing provides a distinctive, collectible driving experience that highlights Toyota’s approach to mid-engine balance and lightness.
