Late in 1992, Mazda introduced to the American market the next generation of
the RX-7, titled the Efini RX-7, for the 1993 model year. While this new
RX-7 had a look more similar to the original RX-7, but with modern
technology having had it's way with the curves of the car, yielding a sharp,
aerodynamic looks to this new beast, and like the original, no convertible
was offered. The hood and roof line were low and very smooth, with no
openings in the hood helping to lower the coefficient of drag. The mirrors
were elevated on thin arms, similar to that of the first generation car and
the concave lines of the hood were copied along the roof line, and down
across the rear of the car.
The biggest news of this new RX-7 was not so
much the appearance, but the drivetrain. This was the first RX-7 to offer
only one engine option, but with the output of the new engine, there was
seldom any question of the choice. The only engine offering was coded the
13B-REW, for 1.3 liter Rotary Engine, and the W stands for sequential Twin
turbo, which is a commonly used abbreviation for Japanese twin turbo cars.
This engine was rated at 255 stock horsepower with a redline RPM of eight
thousand. While the interior was a bit cramped, and it was not the most
useful car in non-sunny weather situations, this was by far the most
popular, and greatest performing car in the RX-7 lineup, and in the Mazda
lineup as well. The redesigned body and suspension setup yielded amazing
abilities in acceleration and cornering, and the gauges and feel of the car
alike gave the driver quality feedback as to what was going on under the
hood, and under the wheels, of this third generation RX-7. The transmission
featured a very sporty, close ratio feel, with very little throw to the race
oriented shifter, and precision internal gearing.
This third installation
of the RX-7 saga came available in four model lines: Base, Touring, Popular
Equipment Package, and the Racing spec package. The base model, being base
only in name, came packed with the 255 horsepower Twin turbo engine, and
cloth seats. The touring model came with the added items that would be
wanted by someone who wants a car that can scoot right along, and still have
all of the creature comforts. To assist in this sort of luxury RX-7, it
came equipped with a Bose AM/FM/CD Sound System, leather seats, power
sunroof, driving lights, cruise control, rear cargo cover, and rear wiper;
and this line also offered an automatic transmission. In 1994, the sunroof
was replaced with a glass moon roof, and 1994 was also the last official
year for the touring model. The Popular equipment model, which joined the
lineup in the 1994, was similar to the touring model, and it came equipped
standard with leather seats, sunroof, and cruise control. As mentioned, in
1995 there was no longer a touring model, but that year offered customers
more of a customizable model line, where the buyer could order items and
configure the car more closely to his or her desires. The Racing spec
package was exactly what it advertised. This model came with far fewer
bells and buzzers than the other models, but did come with two oil coolers,
a front strut tower brace, suede-textured cloth seats, stiffer suspension
than the other model lines, and rear spoiler. When initially offered, it
was called the R1 model, but some of the buyers complained of the suspension
being too stiff and rigid for daily driving, so in 1994, they went to the
R2, which had a retuned suspension setup to allow for both great performance
handling with less compromise of a smooth, comfortable ride.
Sadly, due to
the rising cost, and lackluster sales of the 1995 model, Mazda decided to
cancel the efforts to create future RX-7s, and the last RX-7 to enter
American borders wore the vehicle identification number of
JM1FD3338S0400526. Over the next few years, several RX-7 concepts would
show their face at auto shows world wide, but to no avail, as the RX-7 has
still not been reintroduced to any world market. The 2004 model year
brought Mazda and rotary enthusiasts the all new Mazda RX-8 which had a look
similar to that of the RX-7, and of course, the rear wheel drive rotary
drivetrain, although no factory turbo option was available. However, with
rumors of the re-release of the Toyota Supra and the possible entrance of
the Nissan Skyline lineup to the American market, rumors of the return of
the RX-7 are once again on the horizon, but enthusiasts will be forced to
wait, eagerly, to see what Mazda has in store for the famous RX-7 named in
the future.
