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The Toyota MR2 may be a popular mid-engine sports car for the brand, but it’s not a powerhouse model. Pieter Zellie didn’t detail “some” of the modifications he made to his two-door Toyota to make it faster, but they were enough to allow him to win the Knysna Simola Hillclimb in South Africa.
The car uses a modified 3.5-lite turbocharged engine that powers the rear wheels, while many of its competitors use all-wheel-drive race cars. The engine produces a reported 850 horsepower (625 kilowatts). Toyota floors, which Zellie calls “over-designed,” are made of carbon fiber and Kevlar and go a long way in improving the aerodynamics of the car, which “changes the car.”
Zellie started racing in 1996 after he bought a Cobra, hitting the drag strip and setting records. He then moved to the race track. What started as a hobby has turned into much more than that, even his wife joins him on the race track. He now spends his time repairing cars, which he says helps keep him sane.
That included having his team complete its own R&D for the vehicle, including the aerodynamics. The car has improved by more than two seconds with the aero upgrade – and the car hasn’t spent any time in the wind tunnel. That’s why he believes there is more room for improvement with its aerodynamics.
The car also has a unique firewall that requires special approval from the FIA, while Pirelli tires with a special hillclimb compound provide the grip. Zellie says he’s always loved speed, and the mid-engined MR2 race car is an extension of that enjoyment. It sounds like development won’t stop as Zeelie also believes that the MR2’s engine also has more potential, producing more horsepower and torque, though he didn’t elaborate. Maybe 1000 hp maybe?
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