The Toyota MR2's mid-engine layout makes motor selection different from a front-engine car. The motor doesn't just bolt in — it needs to fit between the suspension struts, mate to the original transaxle, and keep the car's balanced handling. Here's exactly what to look for.
MR2 Motor Fitment at a Glance
| MR2 Gen | Years | Transaxle | Max Motor Length | Recommended Power | Stock Weight (engine) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW11 (Mk1) | 1984-1989 | C52 | ~450 mm | 25-35 kW | ~120 kg |
| SW20 (Mk2) | 1989-1999 | C56 / C60 | ~500 mm | 30-50 kW | ~160 kg |
| ZZW30 (Mk3) | 1999-2007 | C64 / C66 | ~420 mm | 25-40 kW | ~100 kg |
CMVTE Motor Options for MR2
| Model | Type | Rated / Peak Power | Peak Torque | Max RPM | Voltage | Cooling | Weight | Best MR2 Gen | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMVTE PMSM-25 | PMSM | 25 kW / 45 kW | 210 N·m | 7,000 | 144V | Water-cooled | ~45 kg | AW11, ZZW30 | $2,500-$3,500 |
| CMVTE PMSM-35 | PMSM | 35 kW / 60 kW | 280 N·m | 6,800 | 144V | Water-cooled | ~55 kg | SW20 (non-turbo) | $3,200-$4,300 |
| CMVTE PMSM-50 | PMSM | 50 kW / 80 kW | 350 N·m | 6,500 | 144V | Water-cooled | ~68 kg | SW20 (turbo build) | $4,500-$6,000 |
Recommended for most MR2 builds: PMSM-25 for AW11 and ZZW30, PMSM-35 for SW20. Both mate directly to the factory transaxle with an adapter plate from CMVTE.
Motor Placement in the MR2
The MR2's engine bay is a tight triangle between the rear suspension arms. When you remove the original engine, you get roughly 500×500×450 mm of space. Here's how to use it:
- Mount position: The motor sits where the engine block was, bolted to the transaxle bell housing. CMVTE provides laser-cut adapter plates for C52, C56, C60, C64, and C66 gearboxes.
- Motor axis: The output shaft aligns with the original input shaft — no need to modify the half-shafts.
- Weight savings: A PMSM-25 weighs ~45 kg vs the original 4A-GE at ~120 kg. That's 75 kg off the rear axle. You compensate by placing the heavier battery modules (frunk + engine bay) to balance the car.
- Cooling loop: Mount the front-mount radiator (CMVTE 12" dual-fan kit) in the MR2's front bumper area. Run 16mm hoses along the factory coolant line path under the chassis.
96V vs 144V for MR2
| Factor | 96V | 144V (Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| Current at 25 kW | ~260 A | ~174 A |
| Cable gauge needed | 2/0 AWG | 1/0 AWG |
| Common MR2 pack config | 96V 100Ah (9.6 kWh) | 144V 105Ah (15 kWh) |
| Est. range (MR2) | 40-55 km | 70-90 km |
| Controller cost | Lower | ~15% higher |
144V is the sweet spot for the MR2. It keeps current manageable, matches our PMSM motors' native voltage, and gives you enough range for real driving. The MR2's light weight means even 15 kWh delivers 80+ km of hard driving.
What You Need from CMVTE
- PMSM Motor — PMSM-25, 35, or 50 with matching controller
- Motor Controller — 144V, 350A peak, with regen and CAN bus
- Adapter Plate — laser-cut steel for your specific MR2 transaxle
- Cooling Kit — 12" dual-fan radiator + pump + 16mm hoses
- Throttle Pedal — EV-compatible pedal with position sensor
- DC-DC Converter — 144V to 12V, 30A, for lights and ECU
MR2 Motor Mounting
Send us your MR2 generation and target power. We'll send back:
- The recommended motor + controller model
- Adapter plate drawing for your transaxle
- Complete parts list with prices
- Shipping cost to your country (130+ countries served)
WhatsApp / Phone: +86 181 2358 8272
Email: [email protected]
Mention "MR2 Motor" for a transaxle-specific adapter plate recommendation.
