The History Of The Rx-7

The Mazda RX-7 was first introduced in 1978 as a 1979 model. Having conquered most of the reliability problems faced by the earlier, carbon-apex-sealed engines, the RX-7 was to become the standard-bearer for the rotary engine in the U.S. market. Featuring good performance at a reasonable price, one of the major selling points of this car was its engine. Featuring 105 bhp from its carbureted 12A (1.2 L displacement) engine, the first generation RX-7 was light, and a blast to drive. In 1983, Mazda introduced a larger version of the rotary engine, designated the 13B (1.3 L displacement). This was installed into the top-end version of the first generation car, called the GSL-SE. This engine produced approximately 135 bhp, and "special edition" cars received other upgrades, as well (4-wheel discs, Limited Slip Differential). These models were sold alongside the standard models starting in the 1984 model year.

In 1985, Mazda introduced the second generation RX-7 as a 1986 model. Numerous upgrades were made 'standard' at this point, including a standard 145 bhp EFI 1.3 L engine (the 13B) and 4-wheel disc brakes. For the first time in the U.S., a 180 bhp turbo model was made available. (One was formerly available in other markets, hence the first turbo model in the U.S. was known as the Turbo II.) In 1988, Mazda 'freshened' the RX-7, with minor exterior changes, the most obvious of which was the rear lights changing from the matrix of four lights on each side, to the 'rounded' lights on each side. Additional external changes included a revised front fascia, and body-coloured rub strips. The normally aspirated (NA) 13B was bumped up to 160 bhp, the turbo to 200 bhp. Several options and packages were changed, as well. For instance, pre-1988, the aero-effects package consisted mainly of small plastic pieces placed strategically around the body (behind front wheelwell and on the rear lip of the car behind the hatch). After the 'freshening' a much larger rear spoiler became available and appeared as standard equipment on the Turbo II. The easiest way to identify cars made before and after this 'freshening' is by the rear tail lights. The 86-88.5 cars featured two brake lights, reverse and side blinkers arranged in a rectangular matrix. Latter years replaced these with two round sets of lights on each side. Over the course of the second generation's production, many models were available. A brief listing follows: Base (sometimes known as SE) - Distinguished by 14" 'phone-dial' type alloy wheels until 1989. Equipped with cloth seats, 2-caliper front brakes GTU - Lightweight 'sporty' model, (usually) included aluminum hood, 4-piston brakes and transmission from Turbo II. Starting in 1988, this became the 'base' model, eliminating the 'base' model. GXL - 'Luxury' model, included 15" wheels, AAS (Auto-Adjust suspension), rear wiper, power windows/locks Turbo II - The 'fastest' model, including a 190 hp turbocharged 13B, 16" wheels, 4-caliper front brakes, power windows/locks, lightweight (slotted) hood, vehicle-speed sensitive power steering GTUs - Lightweight 'sporty' model after the 1989 freshening, received most of the performance-related upgrades from the Turbo II Convertible - Came standard with wire-mesh-style wheels, and (surprise!) a removable top. Unfortunately, never released as a turbo model in the U.S.

In 1992, Mazda released the third generation of the RX-7 as a 1993 model. This model came only as a twin-sequential-turbocharged rotary engine, the 13B-REW (standing for 13B, Rotary Engine Twin Turbo. Apparently, W is often used as shorthand for 'double' in Japanese). This engine was rated at 255 bhp peak output and was redlined at 8000 RPM, creating a performance car which has very few compromises. Interior room and practicality were characteristics not very high on the third generation design team's priority list. Excellence in handling, acceleration, and driver communication were. The results are phenomenal. The third generation RX-7 comes in 4 trim levels: Base - Your basic RX-7, but still not to be trifled with, featuring the standard 255 bhp engine, and cloth seats Touring - Comes standard with the BoseŽ sound system, leather seats, CD player, power sunroof, driving lights, cruise control, rear cargo cover, and rear wiper. Available with automatic transmission PEP (Popular Equipment Package) - Available in '94 and later, comes with leather seats, sunroof, and cruise control R1/R2 - Racing-spec package. In '93, the R1 came standard with two oil coolers, front strut brace, suede-textured cloth seats, stiffer suspension and rear spoiler. In '94, the R2 superceded the R1, as customers were complaining the ride was too harsh in the R1 (don't ask me...) Note: The 1994 Touring Edition came with a glass moonroof instead of a metal sunroof. In addition, the 1995 lineup did not include a touring model, instead, using a more a la carte method, allowing buyers to pick and choose which options where included. Future: Unfortunately, Mazda has decided to discontinue the RX-7 line in the U.S. in 1995. No new cars were brought in after this model year (although you can still find an occasional 'new' 1995 model at Mazda dealers). The last RX-7 officially imported into the U.S.A. bore VIN JM1FD3338S0400526. Rumors abound regarding the possibility of a new 'sporty' car featuring a rotary engine, potentially like the RX-01, but it is not at all clear where this stands with Ford's acquisition of a controlling share at Mazda. Apparently, Mazda's Japanese RX-7 receives a horsepower upgrade (to 265) and some small cosmetic changes in the 1996 revision, including other wheel styles, and a revised rear taillight cluster. In addition, in following years (1997 and on), they made changes to the ECU, revising it to a 16-bit system, changed the shape of various engine piping, and further bumped the horsepower, running very close to the Japanese 'limit' of 280 published horsepower. Update, added May 1998: Automobile trade magazines have confirmed that Mazda has announced production a 1999 rotary-powered car. Most speculation focuses on the possibility that the RX-01 concept car will actually be going into production. No confirmed details are available yet on the production car, however, the RX-01 was shown with a 13BMSPRE (These abbreviations are getting silly, no?), standing for 13B, Mazda Side Port Rotary Engine, using a new location for the ports, bumping normally aspirated power up to 225 bhp! The RX-01 show car was a 2+2. We're anxious for details on what new and exciting rotary products Mazda will offer over the next few years...