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Toyota to Discontinue Celica, MR2"
TORRANCE, Calif. -- Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. plans to discontinue sales of the Celica and MR2 sports cars by the end of the 2005 model year. "The Celica and MR2 have been a favorite among sports car enthusiasts since their introductions in the United States," says Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division. "The past few years, however, have been very challenging for both Celica and MR2 as competition in a segment where 'what's new' dominates and we continue to add more exciting and youthful products to the lineup such as the Matrix and Corolla XRS, Solara sports coupe and recently the Scion xA, xB and tC."Currently in its seventh generation, the Celica was introduced in the United States in 1971. Since that time it has been named Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year," one of Car and Driver's "Ten Best Cars," and the "Most Reliable Sporty Car" by Consumer Reports.Toyota introduced the popular mid-engine, rear-wheel drive two-seater "Mr. Two" in 1985. The MR2 was on the market for 10 years when production went on hiatus until 2000 when the third generation was introduced. The MR2 was developed to offer consumers exotic car design and excitement without the exotic car price. Originally powered by Toyota's 16-valve dual-overhead cam 1.6-liter engine, a supercharged version was added in 1988. A turbocharged version went on sale in 1991.Visit Toyota Motor Co. at www.toyota.com"