Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 was a Japanese automobile built from 1979 to 2002. It is one of many of the "R" cars produced by Mazda with the Wankel Rotary engine. It displaces 1.3 liters. Most cars were built with a manual transmission, but some use a four-speed automatic. 1993 and later models were often equiped with twin turbochargers and developed 255Hp. | |- style="vertical-align:top;" | Class Sports Car | |- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;" | Body Style Two door coupe | |- style="vertical-align:top;" | Length | |- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;" | Width | |- style="vertical-align:top;" | Height | |- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;" | Wheelbase | |- style="vertical-align:top;" | Weight 3,000-3,400 lbs | |- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;" | Transmission 5 speed manual, 4 speed automatic | |- style="vertical-align:top;" | Engine 1.3 liter Wankel rotary | |- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;" | Power 220-255 Hp | |- style="vertical-align:top;" | Similar Toyota Supra

         Nissan 300zx

| |- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;" | Designer | |}

Mazda introduced the Rx-7 after the demise of the RX-4. Mazda felt that a more powerful, sophisticated, and fuel efficient car was needed. The Rx-7 carries with it much of the spirit that made the RX-4 so successful, like light weight, sporty handling, and robust high RPM power. The RX-7 made noticable breakthroughs in terms of reliability, emissions, and fuel economy over the previous model. All this combined with a sleeker style, more refined interior, and a somewhat affordable price tag meant that this car was now a formiddable sports machine.

Recent Changes

2002 model year was marked with special edition model. It came with special pearl white paint and blacked out wheels.

engine- 1.3L rotary transmission- 5 speed

Styles and Major Options

All models came with a 1.3 liter rotary, either naturally aspirated, or turbocharged.

Pricing

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MODEL Trims
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Gas Mileage

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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website.

Trim
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Reliability

While much improved over the old car, the new RX-7 still had its share of quircks. The car tended to flood very easily, and there have been many reports of overheating and premature Apex seal failure causing a loss of compression and, eventually engine failure. Though it should be noted that there are many extremely well maintained models that have proven reliable, even with over 150,000 miles.

Safety

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Photos

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Colors

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Main Competitors

Nissan 300zx Toyota Supra Nissan Skyline Honda NSX Mitsubishi 300GT

Hybrid Models

No such thing!

Unique Attributes

The RX-7 uses the rotary based engine which is quite unlike the normal cylinder engine. It uses three rotors instead of pistons, each one lubricated with oil squirters for optimum reliability

Resale Values

Well mantained examples hold their value exremely well

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Criticisms

Some complain of the lack of low end torque in rotary equipped vehicles. Though anemic on the low end, rotaries powered cars tend to compensate for this with massive high RPM power and an astronomical red line of over 7,000 rpm.

Generations

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Third generation (1993–1995)

The last generation of the RX-7(in the States). It feature new smoother styling and an ever more powerful rotary engine. The rotary engine's light weight helped it achieve good balance which aided in it's handling.

Second generation (1986–1991)

The second generation, grew heavier, retaining it's signature fantastic handling by adding a fully-independent rear suspension. The rear-end was controversial, but an engineering masterpiece. In order to make a 2+2 option available, trailing-arm was chosen over a double-wishbone. To avoid the problems typical of trailing arms (tail squat during acceleration, tail dive during braking) Mazda devised the Dynamic Tracking Suspension System utilizing floating "triaxial" hubs, which induced passive-steering (slight quicker "turn-in" of rear wheels at low speeds and better control during acceleration, braking and high-speeds). This passive-rear steer was popular in the late 80's (see 1988 Honda CRX Si) and was quickly followed by active-rear steering in subsequent Honda and Nissan cars until the present).

Styling of the 2nd gen was smooth, retaining pop-up headlamps with "flash-to-pass" lenses. A 2+2 option was finally available in the US and soon after introduction of the base (14-inch, four-lug wheels), Sport (15-inch alloys, firmer suspension) Luxury (14-inch alloys, sunroof) and GXL (15-inch alloys, adjustable CPU-controlled suspension, power windows, cruise), the 180hp, 183ft/lbs of torque "Turbo II" hit the streets. (The "Turbo I" was only available in Japan, the Turbo II in all markets.) A convertible model, with signature BBS wheels was introduced in 1988. In 1989 a "minor change" included round tail-lights and improvements to the 13b bringing power up on normally aspirated models from 146hp and 138ft/lbs of torque to 160hp and 140ftlbs of torque. The Sport became the GTUs the Luxury model was eliminated, but the GXL carried on with leather and 2+2 options. The Turbo now made 200hp and 196ft/lbs of torque and was shod with a 16-inch version of the ultra-light BBS of the convertible. In 1991 the line was simplified to the coupe, convertible and turbo. No RX-7's were manufactured in 1992, dealers selling off their stock of the 2nd gen until the more hard core and expensive 3rd gen finally replaced it.

First Generation/Origins (1979–1985)

The RX-7 started out as a light, but not very powerful sports coupe. It used a 12a version of Mazda's rotary engine, which had been available in previous vehicles sold in many markets, including the US. The domestic "rotary experiment" or RX-7 was only available as a two seat coupe here, while other markets had 2+2 option, (without the stretching of the wheel base as in the Z cars, the RX's primary competitor). The Watt-s linked, live-axle 1st gen was updated in 1981 with more clean front and rear-ends and updated emission controls for the 12a, which generated 100hp and 105ftlbs of torque. In 1984 a 13-b version of the venerable rotary was offered on the optional, top-of-the-line GSL-SE. The first fuel-injected rotary in the US now made 135hp and 133 ft/lbs of torque. While of the weight of the vehicle generally kept increasing, this new mill improved acceleration considerably, while a re-tuned suspension and 14-inch wheels shod with wider tires increased cornering ability significantly. The 1st gen was a highly-evolved, but long-in-the-tooth and fans anxiously awaited the arrival of the updated car.

Worldwide

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Design quirks and oddities

During its production, it was the only rotary powered car on the market

Awards

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External Links

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