First built in 1978 the Mazda RX-7 is a true sports car that was popular from the moment it hit the market. The RX-7 was very popular from the start because it was released during a time when affordable sports cars first came off the production lines. The RX-7 was known for its unique engine, the twin rotor Wankel rotary engine, which is a light engine that was placed right behind the front axle. A perfect car for racing, the RX-7 featured a sporty front midship and rear wheel drive design, the car also made the RX-3 a thing of the past. The easy handling of this car also made it a perfect fit for those that wanted to race such a car.
The RX-7 was sold in America as a two-seat coupe, though a four-seat model was available in Japan and Australia. The RX-7 was perfect for racing, but also made a great car for transportation as it provided a smooth ride with very little vibration or noise. The RX-7 was perfect for just about anyone who was attracted to the sporty design, a testament to this was the fact that the car made the Car and Driver magazine's ten best list five times!
There were three generations of the RX-7, series one through three were the first generation and it was modeled after the Lotus Elan. The first series was sold in 1979 and 1980 the second series was sold from 1981 through 1983, and the third series was sold from 1984-195. Options on these cars varied from country to country.
The second generation of the Mazda RX-7 was inspired by the Porche 944 and had two series. The fourth series was made from 1986-1988, and the fifth series was manufactured and sold from 1989-1991. This generation was completely different from the first with a different look and feel. Engine management was a critical change here, as well as lighter rotors and a higher compression ratio.
The third generation of the RX-7 was the finest of all the generations in the minds of most people. The body design was aerodynamic and very modern looking. This was the first mass produced sequential twin turbo system that was exported from Japan, and this system boosted power to an impressive 255 horsepower though it was up to 276 horsepower by the time production ceased in 2002.
The FD RX-7 was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1993. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1992 through 1995. The handling in this car is still said to be one of the best of any mass produced sports car ever. The RX-7 was and is simply a great sports car.
