Which MR2 is supercharged?
The factory supercharged MR2 is the first-generation AW11, equipped with Toyota’s 4A-GZE 1.6-liter engine, available roughly from 1987 to 1989 in select markets. The second-generation MR2 (SW20) did not offer a factory supercharged option, instead relying on naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines. Aftermarket conversions exist, but they are not from Toyota and are far less common.
A factory-supercharged AW11 MR2 (1987–1989)
To understand which MR2 was supercharged, it helps to know what distinguished the AW11 variant from later models. The 4A-GZE-powered MR2 combined mid-engine handling with forced induction, delivering higher performance than the non-supercharged version. Here are the defining features and what to look for when identifying a factory SC car.
Key identifying features of the AW11 4A-GZE supercharged MR2:
- Engine: 1.6-liter 4A-GZE with a Roots-type supercharger and an intercooler
- Power and torque: typically around 140–150 hp with enhanced torque over the NA 4A-GE engine
- Badge and branding: factory “4A-GZE” or “Supercharged” emblems; often noted on dashboards and engine bay decals
- Transmission: five-speed manual was standard; some markets offered a four-speed automatic
- Intercooler: front-mounted intercooler visible in the engine bay as part of the forced-induction setup
- Model years and markets: produced mainly for 1987–1989 in Japan, Europe, and North America; availability varied by country
Concluding the list, these features help confirm a factory AW11 MR2 is the supercharged variant rather than the naturally aspirated version. When shopping, verify the engine code (4A-GZE) and look for the supercharger hardware and intercooler layout to differentiate it from the NA 4A-GE MR2.
Technical snapshot and market context
The 4A-GZE was Toyota’s approach to boosting early MR2 performance without moving to a turbocharger in the AW11 era. The setup delivered more immediate low- to mid-range torque, contributing to a more responsive drive, especially in city and mixed-road conditions. Production and availability were somewhat limited and tied to specific markets, which has made the AW11 supercharged MR2 a relatively sought-after collector car among enthusiasts today.
The second generation and beyond: no factory supercharged option
With the arrival of the SW20 MR2 (1990 onward), Toyota focused on naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engines and turbocharging rather than a factory supercharger. The high-performance option for many markets became the MR2 Turbo, which used the 3S-GTE turbocharged engine. There were no official factory-supplied MR2s with a supercharger on the SW20 generation.
For completeness, here is what to know about later MR2s in this context:
- SW20 MR2 lineup primarily offered NA 2.0L engines (3S-GE) and turbocharged 3S-GTE variants
- No Toyota factory-supercharged option from the factory for SW20; aftermarket SC conversions exist but are not common or officially supported
- MR2 Turbo (3S-GTE) is the closest high-performance factory variant for the SW20 generation
Concluding the section, if you come across a MR2 that claims to be “supercharged” from the SW20 era, it is almost certainly an aftermarket modification, not a factory option from Toyota.
Identifying a potential MR2 supercharged restoration or purchase
If you’re hunting for a factory AW11 MR2 Supercharger, use these tips to verify authenticity and condition. Look for documentation, engine bay markings, and service history that reference the 4A-GZE engine and the associated supercharger hardware. Be mindful of the fact that early AW11 models are now rare in unmodified form, and some restoration parts may be hard to source.
Bottom line: the truly factory-supercharged MR2 lives in the first-generation AW11 family, powered by the 4A-GZE, produced in limited runs across specific markets in the late 1980s. The second generation is Turbo-only for performance variants, with no official supercharging option from Toyota.
Summary
In short, the MR2 that is supercharged is the early AW11 model fitted with the 4A-GZE supercharged 1.6-liter engine (1987–1989 in many markets). The SW20 generation did not feature a factory supercharged version, relying instead on naturally aspirated or turbocharged powertrains. For collectors and enthusiasts, the AW11 Supercharged remains a distinctive and sought-after variant due to its rare combination of mid-engine dynamics and forced induction.
