MotoGP World Championship… • 10:00pm
  • Media
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Check out the latest SPEED podcasts on iTunes
  • Mobile
This could be your avatar!
Username
Password
Register
speed_staff's avatar
Author:
SPEED Staff
Login For More
Rate this article:
  • 0/5 Stars
  • Related Photos
SPEEDtv.com Store
REVIEWED: “Rust In Peace” By Malcolm Tucker
Malcolm Tucker delves into the photographic archives of the celebrated motoring historian Mike Worthington-Williams
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
"Le Mans", Starring Steve McQueen
The greatest racing film of all time! Dramatization of a man's tentative participation in the Le Mans race
Our Price: $14.99
Visit Button
Buy Button
“Monaco Grand Prix"
A photographic portrait of the world's most prestigious motor race.
Our Price: $75.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Signed Bobby Allison Coca-Cola 1/24
1/24-scale die-cast replica is now available and personally autographed by Bobby Allison on the windshield!
Our Price: $54.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Man-Made Thunder
Examine how the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has transformed from a performance-based sport into a personality-driven enterprise.
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Footer Bg
  • Zoom More Photos Button
  • Camera Icon
101 Cars: Mazda RX-7
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
08/25/2008 - 08:50 AM
Charlotte, North Carolina
 
The ride is firm, the steering responds right now, and the close-gated shifter feels like it came from a race car. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson.com) ยป More Photos

Hard-core driver types complained that the second-generation RX-7 (1986-1992) was too soft around the middle and looked too much like a Porsche 924. Mazda responded with the curvaceous, close-coupled, and seriously fast third-gen RX. Its skin looks like it's stretched so tight around the chassis and cockpit that it fairly pings when you touch it. The twin-turbo rotary puts out 255 horsepower, plenty for a car that weighs just 2,800 pounds. The ride is firm, the steering responds right now, and the close-gated shifter feels like it came from a race car. There were electrical and engine service issues, and they're kinda cramped inside. But these are driving machines, and their performance holds up a decade later. This RX-7 didn't sell well because people didn't like the small cabin and stiff ride. Come on, people - make up your mind.

Specifications
Engine: 1.30-liter twin-turbo, twin-rotor rotary
Horsepower: 255
Price New: $32,900 (base, 1993)
Value Now: Now you'll spend at least half that for a good one; rare R1 model, add 40 percent.
Mazda RX-7 Photos



Claim to Fame

CLAIM TO FAME: The world's only twin-turbocharged, rotary engine car, ever.


Behind the Wheel

BEHIND THE WHEEL: Good ones that haven't been blown up, raced to death, or neglected are getting hard to find, but do sell among car club pals. Do some web crawling for this one.


Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW: Bruce Meyers drove the Manx prototype in the inaugural Baja 1000, finishing first in class and second overall.


The Perfect Drive

THE PERFECT DRIVE: Laps on both the small, technical Streets of Willow Springs, as well as Willow's main, big, scary-fast track.



Read the REVIEW and Get Your Copy of 365 Cars You Must Drive

Catch 101 Cars You Must Drive on SPEED! Monday nights at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT.
Check out the 101 Cars Countdown!

Did you own the Mazda RX-7? Share your story with us!

View All Comments