This is the beautiful, short story of the Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 is one of those sports cars that has won over many hearts throughout its history. That is why we review its thrilling feats since 1978.

This Japanese model was launched on the market in 1978. 42 years ago, it was the first sports car from Mazda and would eventually become the best-selling rotary-engined vehicle in history. Furthermore, on the track it propelled Mazda towards unprecedented success in its history.

Car manufacturers had previously offered rotary engines in their cars. But with the oil crisis of the early 70s and the brands abandoned this type of engine. Mazda was one of them across almost all its models. In saloons, estates or hatchbacks. But the Japanese engineers, against the current, built the RX-7. A very low coupé, with a wedge-shaped nose and a prominent rear hatch with a rotary engine is extinction.

Two first generations

The first generation was produced on the FB platform and went on sale first in the Japanese market and subsequently in Europe. Specifically, a year later. It weighed just over 1,000 kg and its mid-front mounted engine delivered between 100 and 135 CV. This engine, known as the 12A of 1,146 cm3, was later fitted with a turbo that raised the power to 160 CV.

The second generation, born in 1985, was produced under the FC platform. The design of this new model was inspired by Porsche as can be seen in the images. The 13B 1.3-litre engine was already standard in the other markets. Initially a naturally aspirated 150 CV engine was offered, but they soon launched turbo versions with 180 and later 200 CV. The latter achieved a top speed of 240 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6 seconds.

Third and final generation

In 1992 Mazda would present the last generation of the RX-7, which would last a decade before finally disappearing. Built on the FD platform, the new model already had the performance of a modern authentic sports car. A new twin-turbocharger increased the power of the 13B engine to 239 CV in the European version.

Its acceleration was already 5.3 seconds and the top speed was limited to 250 km/h. The 1,300 kg two-seater stopped being manufactured in most of Europe in 1996 due to emissions regulations. In other markets, a few more units were built and the engine was improved to 280 CV. However, this last one was only for Japan.

In 2002 the history of the Mazda RX-7 came to an end. One of the most exceptional sports cars in history concluded with 24 years of life and three generations behind it. In all that time, more than 811,600 units were produced, undoubtedly the largest number of units produced of a rotary-engined car.