Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX -7 is a sports car from Mazda, which was produced from spring 1978 to summer 2002. The special features of the RX - 7, the equipment with a Wankel engine as well as pop-up headlights on every model.

RX-7/Savanna ( SA22C, 1978-1981 )

In March 1978 Mazda brought the RX-7 SA2 on the market. At the criticisms as consumption and durability of the rotary engine sat at the then- head of development Kenichi Yamamoto and improved these properties sustainably. In the first generation of the 2 -rotor Wankel engine achieved an output of 77 kW (105 hp) at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 147 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

When the Mazda RX -7 appeared, the time of the Wankel engine was almost finished. Mazda had to 1978 almost every model is also available with Wankel engine in the program. This year should be phased out by the Mazda Wankel engine 929 all models. The high consumption, the increase in gasoline prices since the oil crisis and the bad reputation of the NSU engines had confused the buyers. Other manufacturers had long since separated from the rotary engine. The legendary NSU Ro80 was already in the spring of 1977, the last time the band. Mercedes had the developments also set mid-1970, although we had been there the spectacular Mercedes -Benz C111, a crowd-puller at many auto shows, developed.

Nevertheless, this should not be the end of the Wankel engine, because the RX -7 was a commercial success in the field of sports cars. In Germany, the RX -7 was to be had for relatively cheap sum of 22 186 DM. He has become a serious competitor to the Porsche 924, which was 6,000 DM more expensive. On the main market, the U.S., the price difference between the RX-7 and 924 was even greater with 7195 to $ 11,995 (1979). About 471,000 copies of the first generation were built until 1985. He is the most successful Wankel vehicle at all.

The chassis was not spectacular ( MacPherson struts at the front and a clean led rigid axle with coil springs rear). Nevertheless, the driving behavior can be described as very good and easy to control, due to the Wankel engine, which is built very small and light, made ​​possible by a very low center of gravity and the near-perfect weight distribution front to rear axle of 52:48 percent allowed. With a weight of only 1050 kg true sports car values ​​can be achieved at least for that time: 10 seconds to 100 km / h and 192 km / h top. Boring the engine to 7000 rpm is pleasant thanks to the vibration-free run, because unlike reciprocating engines occurs in the two- disc rotary engine ( with 2 × 573 cm ³ chamber volume ) no droning on. However, the motor at low speeds behave far less pleasant.

RX -7 ( FB2, 1981-1985)

The study conducted in the spring of 1981, change was mainly due to an increase in performance of the Wankel engine. The revised version now reached a power output of 85 kW ( 115 hp) at 6000 rpm and a torque of 152 Nm at 4000 rpm. Furthermore, were also installed rear disc brakes and upgraded the interior. The models from 1981 to 1983 can be seen at the Rotary wheel. From 1984, there were larger wheels in size 205/60R14 and again upgraded interior.

The targeted opponent was the Porsche 924, which was also visually easy to recognize. The RX -7 SA was sold in the U.S. over 600,000 times. The driving performance thanks to its low weight and good Cw - value are handsomely even today. There were not many cars that were with only 85 kW ( 115 hp ) will be able to reach over 200 km / h top speed and accelerate in less than nine seconds to 100 km / hr. The rather favorable price in the U.S. and the smoothness and reliability of the mentioned there Wankel "Rotary Engine " contributed to the success of the car.

In the subsequent models RX -7 FC and FD you followed the trend and was larger, heavier and more complex, but also so much more expensive. Thus, the circle of buyers and a limited sales declined significantly. With the Mazda MX -5 Mazda but reminiscent of the so- successful concept of light, agile and inexpensive sports car and revived the roadster segment new.

RX -7 ( FC3S, 1985-1991)

In October 1985, the new and revised RX -7 FC3S with the Japanese name was introduced to the Japanese market and was a short time later at the dealership. Available he was in Japan in the equipment variants GT, GT -R, GT Limited and GT -X.

In the Japanese market only the turbocharged version of the revised 13B Wankel engine was offered. This engine produced 136 kW (185 hp) and was later also available in Germany, but here with 132 kW (180 hp). This was around the famous Japanese engine, but which brought by a pre-catalyst, a revised main catalyst and a modified cold-running control less power.

The developers at Mazda devoted themselves in this engine particularly charging. Thus, the twin-scroll technology was used to improve the response. As a turbocharger put Mazda on a Hitachi HT18 - loader which is oil and water cooled.

Mid-1989, the FC series has been revised. The new version now made ​​in Japan 151 kW ( 205 hp). The main technical modifications were to increase the compression ratio to 9.0:1, use of harder timing gears for runners, introduction of an electronically controlled oil supply for lubrication of the sealing strips, improving gas management of twin-scroll turbocharger, changes in the engine electronics, improve the flow in the intake manifold, stronger interpretation of the transmission and differential. The chassis has been slightly modified, in particular the stabilizers and stabilizer mounting parts were affected by the change.

Beginning of 1991 was released in Japan, the special version of the FC - series, limited to 300 cars with the designation InfiniIV. The engine power was this version at 158 ​​kW ( 215 hp). Infini model series are coveted collector's items in many RX -7 lovers.

In February 1986, Mazda introduced the new RX -7 in Europe, the then standards that applied to normal cars, should be far behind. The model designation was in Europe FC. The new design of the body was strong, similar to Porsche cars, especially the 944 series. The engine delivered a sucker version 110 kW ( 150 hp). Later, in 1987, followed turbocharged engines with 132 kW (180 hp) and 1989 with 147 kW (200 hp). After 1987 no more Saugversionen were offered on the German market.

The car was equipped compared to the previous model with a significantly more complex Suspension: Independent suspension on all wheels and a steering-linked rear suspension and larger 15 -inch wheels ( from 132 kW/180PS 16-inch wheels), the more power were justice.

The 110- kW models accelerate in 8.5 seconds to 100 km / h and reach a top speed of 210 km / h In the 132- kW model, the acceleration is seven seconds to 100 km / h top speed increases to 230 km / h The 147 -kW model was offered from mid-1989 as a convertible, which was (according to the NSU Wankel Spider 1964 ) second and so far last standard convertible with Wankel engine. It reaches a top speed of 235 km / h The coupe takes approximately six seconds from 0 to 100 km / h and is indicated with a top speed of 240 km / hr. The time for the quarter mile was specified in a test of " Road & Track " in 1990 with 14.5 seconds and was thus at the level of the former Corvette.

With the compact and lightweight 2- rotor Wankel engine, which is mounted behind the front axle, they reached a very good weight distribution and thus an excellent handling. The road handling of the RX - 7FC could measure up all sports cars of that time. The chassis then had light alloy wishbones and four-piston brake calipers, which ensured good deceleration values ​​.

The successor to the RX-7 FD took over from the beginning of 1992 the RX -7 FC in Germany from.

RX -7 ( FD3S, 1991-2002 )

The RX -7 FD presented the consistent further development of the RX -7 FC dar. With an improved again and still turbocharged 13B- REW rotary engine was in the last stage of a power output of 206 kW (280 hp) at 6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 314 Nm achieved at 5000 rpm. The RX -7 FD was the most powerful model of the RX -7 series and convinced with special details like an extra large brakes and bucket seats.

In Germany, this RX -7 was only available from spring 1992 until early 1996, before new emissions regulations made ​​the sale of new cars of this type impossible.

Lastly, the RX -7 was offered only in Japan. Among other things, the then relatively high original price of 80,000 DM meant that only a few vehicles were sold in Germany. Since this was the last and most powerful series of RX -7, the model is a sought-after collector's item today. In Japan, the RX -7 was also represented, among others, the model range of the brand efini.

Mazda built six versions of the FD3S:

• Option 1: 10/1991-08/1993
• Option 2: 08/1993-03/1995
• Variant 3: 03/1995-01/1996
• Variant 4: 01/1996-12/1998
• Variant 5: 12/1998-10/2000
• Variant 6: 10/2000-08/2002

The last classic RX -7 was sold as a special version of Spirit R.

Swell

• Automobile review, catalog number 1979 ( technical data).
• I love FD3S RX- seventh Neko Mook. ISBN 4-87366-999-5 (in Japanese ).
• Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946-2002. Krause Publishing, Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87341-605-8, pp. 506-521.
• Brian Long: RX -7: Mazda's Rotary Sportscar. Veloce Publishing PLC. ISBN 1-904788-03-3.