2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Turbo - Strip Show - Street Car

SGP also did the suspension mods. The car's MacPherson-based strut suspension has been enhanced with A'pexi World Sport coil-overs, which now positively dump the augmented body panels over the 17-inch Racing Harts. Cusco anti-roll bars now replace the stock units. Upper strut tower braces, from TRD (front) and Cusco (rear), assist in tying this chassis tighter.

The brakes have been upgraded with stainless braided lines and Axxis metallic pads.

When we found Velando and his Spyder on the floor at the Import Revolution in Houston, we were very impressed with the workmanship of the MR2's interior. Louhetta Auto Upholstery in Houston was assigned the task of reskinning the seating surfaces and door panels in something more elegant than the factory cloth fabric. Black leather, with gray inserts and electric blue Spyder logos, was employed to this end.

Sounds & Signals, also in Houston, was assigned the task of ingesting the various electronics into the open-air cabin. The two A'pexi engine management units are located in the lower dash, below the stereo head unit.An array of Autometer gauges keep the driver informed of the goings-on just behind his head. Parameters include oil pressure, boost, air-fuel ratio and exhaust gas temperature.

The stereo was also installed by S&S. A Clarion 310C Auto PC head unit, featuring GPS navigation and voice activation, holds the reins. Two Audiobahn amplifiers sit next in line, located in the diminutive storage area behind the seats. One drives the Audiobahn mids and tweets installed up front, and one drives the dual 10-inch Audiobahn subwoofers, each mounted behind one of the seats so the car's occupants can be subjected to a therapeutic bass massage.

In addition to the engine work currently being carried out, Velando has comprehensive modifications planned for the near future, including a molded body kit, gold paint, and a roll bar. Some might say all the weight added by some of the electronics within the cockpit (yes, those are PlayStation controllers sitting on the seats) would be detrimental to Velando's 10-second aspirations. And you're right, which is why Velando is also planning to run up to 30 psi on his new ball-bearing turbo system.

In the end, time will tell whether the car can be a serious force on the drag strip. With a considerable amount of both time and money already invested in this Spyder, it's clear its owner is not a man interested in cutting corners. He's in love with his car, and willing to do most anything to achieve his goals.

2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder