Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, rotary engine-powered sports car that was manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1978 until 2002 across three generations, all of which made use of a compact, lightweight Wankel rotary engine.

The first-generation RX-7, sometimes referred to as the SA (early) and FB (late), is a two-seater 2-door hatchback coupé. It featured a 12A carbureted rotary engine as well as the option for a 13B rotary engine with electronic fuel injection in later years.

The second-generation RX-7, sometimes referred to as the FC, was offered as a 2-seater coupé with a 2+2 option available in some markets, as well as in a convertible body style. This was powered by the 13B rotary engine, offered in naturally aspirated or turbocharged forms.

The third-generation RX-7, sometimes referred to as the FD, was offered a 2+2-seater coupé with a limited run of a 2-seater option. Some markets were only available as a 2-seater. It featured a sequentially-turbocharged 13B REW engine.

First generation (SA, FB)

Series 1 (1978–1980)

Series 1 (produced from 1978 until 1980) is commonly referred to as the "SA22C" from the first alphanumeric of the vehicle identification number. Mazda's internal project number for what was to become the RX-7 was X605. In Japan, it was introduced in March 1978, replacing the Savanna RX-3, and joined Mazda's only other remaining rotary engine-powered products, called the Cosmo which was a two-door luxury coupé, and the Luce luxury sedan.

The lead designer at Mazda was Mata Saburo Maeda (前田 又三郎, Maeda Mata Saburo), whose son, Ikuo, would go on to design the Mazda2 and the RX-7's successor, the RX-8.[2] The transition of the Savanna to a sports car appearance reflected products from other Japanese manufacturers. The advantage the RX-7 had was its minimal size and weight, and the compact rotary engine installed behind the front axle helped balance the front and rear weight distribution, which provided a low center of gravity.

Model codeSA22 / FB Also?called Mazda Savanna RX-7Production1978–1985 471,018 produced

Designer Matasaburo Maeda (1976) Body and chassis Body?style2-door coupé

Powertrain Engine

• 1146?cc 12A twin-rotor
• 1146?cc turbo 12A twin-rotor
• 1308?cc 13B-RESI twin-rotor

Transmission

• 4-speed manual
• 5-speed manual M5MD
• 3-speed automatic
• 4-speed automatic

Dimensions Wheelbase2,420?mm (95.3?in) Length4,285?mm (168.7?in) Width1,675?mm (65.9?in) Height1,260?mm (49.6?in) Curb?weight1,043–1,134?kg (2,300–2,500?lb.