Mazda RX-7

Lore & Background

The first-generation RX-7, codenamed SA (early) and FB (late), is a two-seater coupé with a rear hatchback. It featured a 12A carbureted rotary engine as well as the option for a 13B rotary engine with electronic fuel injection in later years. In Japan, it was introduced in March 1978, replacing the Savanna RX-3. The lead designer at Mazda had a son who would go on to design the Mazda Demio and the RX-7's successor, the RX-8. The RX-7's minimal size and weight, and the compact rotary engine installed behind the front axle, helped balance front and rear weight distribution, providing a low center of gravity.

The second-generation RX-7, carrying the internal model code FC, was offered as a two-seater coupé with a 2+2 option available in some markets, as well as in a convertible body style. It was powered by the 13B rotary engine, offered in naturally aspirated or turbocharged forms. The third-generation RX-7, model code FD, was offered as a two-seater coupé with a 2+2 version offered as an option for the Japanese market. It featured a sequentially turbocharged 13B REW engine.

The first-generation RX-7 had a live axle 4-link rear suspension with Watt's linkage, a 50:50 front and rear weight distribution, and weighed under 1100 kg. It was the lightest generation of the RX-7 ever produced. 12A-powered models accelerated from 0–97 km/h (60 mph) in 9.2 seconds. Because of the smoothness inherent in the Wankel rotary engine, little vibration or harshness was experienced at high engine speeds, so a buzzer was fitted to the tachometer to warn the driver when the 7,000 rpm redline was approaching.

Reader's Guide

The Mazda RX-7 is notable for its use of the Wankel rotary engine across three generations, a design choice that set it apart from most other sports cars. The first generation (SA/FB) achieved strong sales, with a total of 471,018 cars produced; between 332,850 and 367,878 (seventy to eighty percent) were sold in the United States alone. The RX-7's compact rotary engine, mounted behind the front axle, contributed to balanced weight distribution and a low center of gravity. The first generation was the lightest of the three, weighing under 1100 kg. The second generation introduced turbocharging and a convertible body style, while the third generation featured sequential turbocharging. The RX-7's production spanned 24 years, with more than 800,000 units manufactured. Its rotary engine technology and evolving design across three distinct generations established the RX-7 as a distinctive entry in the sports car market.

Did You Know?

• The third-generation RX-7 featured a sequentially turbocharged 13B REW engine.
• More than 800,000 RX-7s were manufactured over its lifetime.