Mazda RX-7: the evolution of one of the most iconic sports cars

Throughout motoring history we have come across numerous vehicles that marked a before and after, and that today are cult objects. We are not exaggerating when we say that the Mazda RX-7 fully deserves that status, as it has been one of the Japanese sports cars most acclaimed by motoring enthusiasts. Today, we bring you closer to the history of this distinctive vehicle thanks to this video, which thoroughly reviews every one of the generations of the Mazda RX-7.

Japan has always been characterised by being one of the countries capable of producing sports cars with a value for money that is very hard to match. During the 80s and 90s, many manufacturers began launching a range of sports cars with different configurations but a common goal: to entertain their driver and offer a unique experience.

First generation: the start of a new era

It was 1978 when Mazda decided to put on sale a sports car set to revolutionise the market. It replaced the Savanna RX-3, from which it inherited the tradition of a rotary engine. Thanks to the position of its engine behind the front axle and its low weight and dimensions, the first RX-7 had an outstanding balance.

The 1.1-litre, two-rotor engine produced a total output of 105 CV and 145 Nm of torque. These figures were sent directly to the rear axle, moving a mass of just 1,065 kilograms.

Its commercial life lasted until 1980, more than enough time for the Japanese firm to win over every sports car enthusiast. In this way, Mazda opened one of the most important life cycles in the entire history of the motor industry.

Second generation: faithful to the essence

After launching several versions of the first generation, Mazda decided to give the starting signal for the second generation of its flagship sports car. In this one, the Japanese engineers took the opportunity to add significant improvements, such as an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.3, adjustable suspension and a turbo version for those seeking a more sporty experience.

The rotary engine was retained in this second generation of the RX-7, capable of developing 150 CV and 182 Nm of torque in the naturally aspirated version. These figures rose to 180 CV and 247 Nm of torque thanks to a turbocharger, but the engineers at Mazda did not stop there.

Before ending production of the Japanese sports car’s second generation, Mazda decided to launch the GTUs variant. It was characterised by a lower weight, having removed the electric windows, rear wiper and air conditioning. At the same time, it featured four-piston brakes and ventilated discs at the rear, with the aim of stopping the 160 CV that its rotary engine delivered.

Third generation: making history with real class

Mazda brought to life the most acclaimed generation of the RX-7 in 1993, also becoming the last RX-7 produced by the Japanese firm. It kept intact the essence seen in the first generation but complemented it with important mechanical advances. At the same time, its styling also underwent major changes that made it the most sporty and aggressive version of all RX-7s.

The rotary engine remained the main protagonist of the Mazda sports car, but on this occasion it relied solely on forced induction to keep increasing performance, leaving naturally aspirated engines aside. This complex engine was made up of two turbos, which came into action in sequence. The first began to blow from 1,800 rpm, providing strong, rapid acceleration at the low end of the tachometer.

The second turbo came into action at the top of the rev counter, thus allowing very linear and progressive acceleration. In this way, the 255 CV the RX-7 produced were far more usable, a figure that progressively increased over the years, until finally the special Spirit R edition brought the Mazda RX-7’s life to an end.

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