Toyota MR2 Spyder - Spyder Trap

While the actual aero kit pieces were designed in-house by APR, actual body prep and installation was carried out at TPR Autobody in North Hollywood. TPR also laid the paint, brilliant two-stage PPG red, while Vinyl Mayhem is responsible for the eye-scorching graphics and sponsorship roll call posted along the Spyder's sides.

For performance mods, APR went directly to the source for go-fast Toyota equipment, TRD in Gardena. TRD provided comprehensive suspension mods, including new stiffer springs, shock absorbers, anti-roll bars and bushings. TRD strut tower braces were also employed in both the front and rear. The front brakes were upgraded with massive Stoptech assemblies that include two-piece vented, slotted and cross-drilled rotors and four-piston calipers. For the all-important wheel and tire package, APR decided on a set of Racing Hart C4 wheels in 18x8 and 18x10-inch sizes front and rear, with Bridgestone S03s to provide grip.

Beneath the decklid, the mid-ship powerplant has been revised with a new turbo kit designed by TRD specifically for this car. The system includes a new intake and plumbing, custom downpipe and exhaust system. While specifics on the kit are still under wraps, it's not clear whether or not this kit will actually make it to the average consumer, we're confident that with the amount of research and development invested into building this custom kit, TRD suits would have to be crazy not to develop a retail version. For a little extra push, a 50-shot system from Nitrous Express has been ported to the intake manifold. All performance mods, including the engine and suspension, were carried out at SP Engineering in Industry, Calif.

The interior has seen a few modifications as well. When the top is retracted-the only way this car should run, in our opinion-it's covered by an attractive carbon-fiber top cover fabricated by TRD. As with the turbo kit, we're not certain if this will be a full production piece, but we think they'd be crazy not to market it. The seats have been removed in lieu of a set of Recaro racing buckets. Custom carbon fiber trim has been applied to the center dash and laid along the center console. AutoMeter C2 gauges give the driver feedback on the car's performance and well being. There's a monster tach with shift light on the left, and an array of system meters on the right, including oil temperature, oil pressure, boost, water temperature and air/fuel ratio. Two of the gauges were set into the center dash, and three in custom AutoMeter pods on top of the dash. Other added goodies include an Ignited push-button starter module and Ignited toggle switches for nitrous activation.

There's little doubt the MR2 Spyder has been transformed into an entirely new beast at the hands of APR Performance. It's not flashy or gaudy, but substantial and well built. APR's body treatments are currently available for consumption on the company's Web site and through its network of retailers. TRD's suspension parts are available, but as we noted availability on the turbo is still uncertain at this point. We'll keep you posted on that end. In the interim, you'll have to be satisfied with our tasty pics of the big-hipped Spyder-please, don't drool on the paper.