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Mazda RX-7
Mazda RX-7 | |
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Mazda | |
aka | |
Production
1979-2002 |
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Class | Sports Car |
Body Style | Two Door Coupe |
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Weight | 3200-3400 lbs |
Transmission | four speed automatic or 6 speed manual |
Engine | 1.3 liter naturally aspirated or turbocharged rotary |
Power | 135-255 HP |
Similar | Toyota Supra Turbo, Mitsubishi 3000GT, Nissan Skyline |
Designer |
Introduction To Mazda's RX-7 Sports Car
The Mazda RX-7 was a japanese vehicle manufactured from 1979-2002. The vehicle was unique in that during its production, it was the only rotary engined car available. The vehicle has been very popular with import car tuners, as well as well as some autocross drivers.
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Recent Changes
In 2002, special edition model with special white pearl paint and black painted wheels was introduced
engine- 1.3L rotary transmission- 5 speed, 6 speed manual, 4 speed automatic
Styles and Major Options
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Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
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Reliability
Although there have been many complaints of overheating and premature engine wear, most well maintained examples can be reliable with over 150,000 miles. See Carsurvey.org for more reliability information and reviews
Safety
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Photos
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Colors
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Main Competitors
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Hybrid Models
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Unique Attributes
The RX-7 uses the rotary based engine which is quite unlike the normal cylinder engine.
Resale Values
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Criticisms
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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
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Awards
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See also
External Links
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