Talk:Mazda RX-7

Technical (though pedantic) error
I believe that the following line is technically incorrect:


 * "The compact and light-weight Wankel engine, also known as a rotary engine is situated slightly behind the front axle."

Specifically, that it is not that the Wankel engine is known as a rotary engine but is rather a form of rotary engine (a class which also includes, for example, turbines). It is, however, probably the most common form of rotary in automotive use, if not the only remaining form. Perhaps the following alternate version would be better:


 * "The compact and light-weight Wankel engine, the most common automotive form of rotary engine, is situated slightly behind the front axle."

As I said, pedantic, but technically an error. Des Curly 23:07, 22 March 2007 (UTC)

Similar
I feel the inclusion of two nearly identical cars (Mitsubishi 3000GT and Dodge) in the similar section is redundant. Especially as neither of these are all that similar to the RX-7 as they are much heavier, front or 4wd with a transverse engine and at least in my opinion less sporty. I think there are a number of cars that would be better suited to this section: Porsche 944, Mitsubishi Starion, even something like the Nissan 240SX is more similarly configured. I feel an arguement can be made that the 3000GT deserves a spot as it was intended at least to compete with the RX-7. Any comments?Daniel J. Leivick 20:19, 28 October 2006 (UTC)

Fourth Generation
As of 2006, the fourth generation Mazda RX-7 is only a concept. Some images of the industrial design are available —Preceding unsigned comment added by User: (talk • contribs)
 * I don't believe Mazda has released even concept designs, several magazines have releases their artists conceptions. SchmuckyTheCat 04:45, 6 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Around August '09 a Mazda engineer confirmed to a Japanese tuner magazine that a new production(not concept) RX-7 was in the design stage which would go on sale around 2012, and that it would be using the 16x as well as deviating greatly from their last rotary the RX-8(which it will sell side-by-side with) -- if i find the magazine again I'll cite it  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 97.102.33.14 (talk) 03:11, 31 December 2009 (UTC)

I'm fairly certain the Series 8 was never released in Australia because of changes to the compliance laws and how much it would have cost to comply with Australian standards.

Good info but inappropriate
I moved this section to the talk page. It seemed to have been copied directly from another page, judging by the "Go Backs." Good info though we can merge some of the valuable details in later. Lets try to keep it encyclopedic though, no need for gear ratios, and turning circles for each model year.--Daniel J. Leivick 19:02, 26 January 2007 (UTC)
 * The Mazda RX-7 (also called the Ẽfini RX-7) is a sports car produced by the Japanese automaker Mazda since 1978. The original RX-7 competed in the affordable sports car segment with the likes of the Nissan Fairlady Z. The styling was inspired by the Lotus Elan 2+2. It featured a unique twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine and a sporty front-midship, rear-wheel drive layout, making it well balanced and appropriate for racing.  The RX-7 was a direct replacement for the RX-3 (both were sold in Japan as the Savanna) and subsequently replaced all other Mazda rotary cars with the exception of the Cosmo.


 * The original RX-7 was a true sports coupé design, as opposed to a sports car like the Triumph TR6 or a sedan with sporting intentions. The compact and light-weight Wankel engine, also known as a rotary engine is situated slightly behind the front axle. It was offered in America as a two-seat coupé, with four seats being optional in Japan, Australia, and other parts of the world.


 * The RX-7 made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list five times. In total, 811,634 RX-7s were produced.

First generation (SA/FB)
1978

Model Year Summary : The worlds market for inexpensive and fun sports cars was quickly dying out......yet Mazda took one of the boldest steps in the auto industry by introducing the revolutionary Mazda Rx7 sports car. First unveiled to the public in Japan on March 30, 1978, and in the United States on April 24th as a 1979 model, the Rx7 took the world by storm. The Rx7 was both inexpensive and a LOT of fun to drive.....to add to its new image and appeal Mazda powered this spunky new car with the revolutionary 12A Rotary Engine. Although the 12A was a less powerful engine than others Mazda had developed, Mazda was taking into account the fact that its other engines may have had high performance, but guzzled gas and were more expensive. Based on Mazda's RX-3, but totally redesigned, the Rx7's exterior was far different. The engine was placed behind the front axle, which made it a front mid-engine vehicle(this design has been re-used in the new Mazda Prototype the RX-01). As a bonus, the Rx7 had a near 50/50 weight distribution between its front and rear tires. The suspension was compromised of MacPherson struts and a live rear axle on coil springs with four trailing links and a Watts link. Mazda made three transmissions available. These transmissions were the standard 4-speed manual, the optional 5-speed manual(w/overdrive), and the optional 3-speed automatic. The first Rx7 's came only with the 4-speed manual and only a driver-side mirror. In the USA, the Rx7 was only sold as a 2-seater, however the Japanese version had a backseat standard. The reason for this is that the US version had to have a rear collision brace behind the front seats in order to pass US safety tests. Dash instrumentation included a centrally-located tachometer, which soon became a trademark of the Rx7. A 130-mph speedometer on the right, and a cluster of a clock, fuel and temperature guages on the left. Two models were offered, they were the S and the GS. The S was well-equipped for a price of $6,395. But for $600 more, you could get the GS which contained a 5-speed tranny, rear anti-roll bar, and wider 185/70R13 tires. There were many popular options but the most purchaced were the $250 alloy wheels and a tail spoiler. Mazda initially planned to make only 1,500-2,000 Rx7's bound for the US, however to their surprise, America got Rotary Fever, and the amazing Rx7 sold 19,299 in 1978 and a whopping 54,853 in 1979.

Year Specifications: General Specifications

Suggested Retail Price (S Model): $6,395 Suggested Retail Price (GS Model): $6,995 Options Available:  Alloy Wheels $250 Air Conditioning $525 3-Speed Automatic $355 Sunroof $275 California Emissions $75

EPA Gas Mileage: 17 City / 26 Highway Curb Weight: 2,420 lbs Wheelbase: 95.3 inches Track f/r: 55.9 inches / 55.1 inches Length: 168.7 inches Width: 65.9 inches Height: 49.6 inches Ground Clearance: 6.1 inches Fuel Capacity: 14.5 US Gallons

Engine Specifications Engine Type: Twin Rotor 12A Displacement: 1146cc/70ci Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Output(hp): 100bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 105lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel Supply: Two stage, 4 barrel carburetor

Drivetrain Specifications Transmission:  4 Speed 5-Speed  3 Speed(Auto) Ratio: 1st 3.674  3.674  3.458 Ratio: 2nd 2.217  2.217  1.458 Ratio: 3rd 1.432  1.432  1.000 Ratio: 4th 1.000  1.000 Ratio: 5th   0.825 Final Drive Ratio 3.909 3.909  3.909

Steering Specifications

Type: recirculating ball Overall Ratio: variable 17-20:1 Turns (lock to lock): 3.7 Turning Circle: 31.5 feet

Suspension Specifications

Front, type: Independant MacPhearson strut type, with anti-roll bar and tension rods, coil springs. Rear, type: Live Axle, 4 Trailing Arms,Watt linkage, coil springs, anti-roll bar (on some models only) Front Anti Roll Bar: 23mm Rear Anti Roll Bar: (S)None (GS)18mm

Weight Specifications

3-speed Automatic Transmission : 2,410 lbs. 4-speed Manual Transmission : 2,350 lbs. 5-speed Manual Transmission : 2,385 lbs.

Go Back

1979

Model Year Summary : No vehicle or model line-up changes different from 1978.

Year Specifications: General Specifications

Suggested Retail Price (S Model): $6,395 Suggested Retail Price (GS Model): $6,995 Options Available:  Alloy Wheels $250 Air Conditioning $525 3-Speed Automatic $355 Sunroof $275 California Emissions $75

EPA Gas Mileage: 17 City / 26 Highway Curb Weight: 2,420 lbs Wheelbase: 95.3 inches Track f/r: 55.9 inches / 55.1 inches Length: 168.7 inches Width: 65.9 inches Height: 49.6 inches Ground Clearance: 6.1 inches Fuel Capacity: 14.5 US Gallons

Engine Specifications Engine Type: Twin Rotor 12A Displacement: 1146cc/70ci Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Output(hp): 100bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 105lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel Supply: Two stage, 4 barrel carburetor

Drivetrain Specifications Transmission:  4 Speed 5-Speed  3 Speed(Auto) Ratio: 1st 3.674  3.674  3.458 Ratio: 2nd 2.217  2.217  1.458 Ratio: 3rd 1.432  1.432  1.000 Ratio: 4th 1.000  1.000 Ratio: 5th   0.825 Final Drive Ratio 3.909 3.909  3.909

Steering Specifications

Type: recirculating ball Overall Ratio: variable 17-20:1 Turns (lock to lock): 3.7 Turning Circle: 31.5 feet

Suspension Specifications

Front, type: Independant MacPhearson strut type, with anti-roll bar and tension rods, coil springs. Rear, type: Live Axle, 4 Trailing Arms,Watt linkage, coil springs, anti-roll bar (on some models only) Front Anti Roll Bar: 23mm Rear Anti Roll Bar: (S)None (GS)18mm

Weight Specifications

3-speed Automatic Transmission : 2,410 lbs. 4-speed Manual Transmission : 2,350 lbs. 5-speed Manual Transmission : 2,385 lbs.

Go Back

1980

Model Year Summary : The first generation Rx7 hardly changed in 1980. However Mazda made the radio antenna about 8 inches longer, the ignition system was converted to electrical, which did away with the old points system, and they also added rubber below the rear bumper's rubber strip. Added in 1980 was the option for full vinyl upholstery. Later in the year, a Leather Sport package was made available. This package added an LS badge, full leather upholstery, sunroof, and gold-colored alloys.

Year Specifications: General Specifications

Suggested Retail Price (S Model): $6,395 Suggested Retail Price (GS Model): $6,995 Suggested Retail Price (LS Model): Information Unavailable on LS Options Available:  Alloy Wheels $250 Air Conditioning $525 3-Speed Automatic $355 Sunroof $275 California Emissions $75

EPA Gas Mileage: 17 City / 26 Highway Curb Weight: 2,420 lbs Wheelbase: 95.3 inches Track f/r: 55.9 inches / 55.1 inches Length: 168.7 inches Width: 65.9 inches Height: 49.6 inches Ground Clearance: 6.1 inches Fuel Capacity: 14.5 US Gallons

Engine Specifications Engine Type: Twin Rotor 12A Displacement: 1146cc/70ci Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Output(hp): 100bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 105lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel Supply: Two stage, 4 barrel carburetor

Drivetrain Specifications Transmission:  4 Speed 5-Speed  3 Speed(Auto) Ratio: 1st 3.674  3.674  3.458 Ratio: 2nd 2.217  2.217  1.458 Ratio: 3rd 1.432  1.432  1.000 Ratio: 4th 1.000  1.000 Ratio: 5th   0.825 Final Drive Ratio 3.909 3.909  3.909

Steering Specifications

Type: recirculating ball Overall Ratio: variable 17-20:1 Turns (lock to lock): 3.7 Turning Circle: 31.5 feet

Suspension Specifications

Front, type: Independant MacPhearson strut type, with anti-roll bar and tension rods, coil springs. Rear, type: Live Axle, 4 Trailing Arms,Watt linkage, coil springs, anti-roll bar (on some models only) Front Anti Roll Bar: 23mm Rear Anti Roll Bar: (S)None (GS)18mm

Weight Specifications

3-speed Automatic Transmission : 2,410 lbs. 4-speed Manual Transmission : 2,350 lbs. 5-speed Manual Transmission : 2,385 lbs.

Go Back

1981

Model Year Summary : The first generation had its largest facelift in 1981. For many reasons, Mazda added more aerodynamic front and rear bumpers, and wider trimming which blended into the bumpers much more efficiently. A redesigned and in my opinion much better looking front spoiler was added. For emissions sake a pair catalytic converters were added and a "split-air" exhaust system was added. This system pumped fresh air from the air pump to either the exhaust ports or the second catalytic converter, to reduce emissions. Also, a "shutter valve" in the intake manifold was designed to shut off the gas and air from the rear rotor while the car was decelerating. This raised the city and highway gas mileage by about 20%!!! New, redesigned alloys was another exterior change for 1981. The GSL model replaced the Leather Sport package..the GSL included rear disc brakes, aluminum wheels, and a sunroof, and it made leather interior an option. The price for this model was an all-time high of $11,400.

Year Specifications: General Specifications

Suggested Retail Price (S Model): $8,595 Suggested Retail Price (GS Model): $9,095 Suggested Retail Price (GSL Model): $10,495 EPA Gas Mileage: 21 City / 30 Highway Curb Weight: 2,345 lbs (5speed) : 2,380 lbs(Automatic) Wheelbase: 95.3 inches Track f/r: 55.9 inches / 55.1 inches Length: 170.1 inches Width: 65.7 inches Height: 49.6 inches Ground Clearance: 5.7 inches Fuel Capacity: 16.6 US Gallons

Engine Specifications Engine Type: Twin Rotor 12A Displacement: 1146cc/70ci Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Output(hp): 100bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 105lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel Supply: Downdraft, Two stage, 4 barrel carburetor

Drivetrain Specifications Transmission: 5-Speed  3 Speed(Auto) Ratio: 1st 3.674  3.458 Ratio: 2nd 2.217  1.458 Ratio: 3rd 1.432  1.000 Ratio: 4th 1.000 Ratio: 5th 0.825 Ratio: Reverse 3.542  2.181 Final Drive Ratio 3.909 3.909

Steering Specifications

Type: recirculating ball Overall Ratio: variable 17-20:1 Turns (lock to lock): 3.7 Turning Circle: 31.5 feet

Suspension Specifications

Front, type: Independant MacPhearson strut type, with anti-roll bar and tension rods, coil springs. Rear, type: Live Axle, 4 Trailing Arms,Watt linkage, coil springs, anti-roll bar Front Anti Roll Bar: 23mm Rear Anti Roll Bar: 15mm

Weight Specifications

3-speed Automatic Transmission : 2,360 lbs. 5-speed Manual Transmission : 2,335 lbs.

Go Back

1982

Model Year Summary : No vehicle or model line-up changes.

Year Specifications: General Specifications

Suggested Retail Price (S Model): $8,595 Suggested Retail Price (GS Model): $9,095 Suggested Retail Price (GSL Model): $10,495 EPA Gas Mileage: 21 City / 30 Highway Curb Weight: 2,345 lbs (5speed) : 2,380 lbs(Automatic) Wheelbase: 95.3 inches Track f/r: 55.9 inches / 55.1 inches Length: 170.1 inches Width: 65.7 inches Height: 49.6 inches Ground Clearance: 5.7 inches Fuel Capacity: 16.6 US Gallons

Engine Specifications Engine Type: Twin Rotor 12A Displacement: 1146cc/70ci Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Output(hp): 100bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 105lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel Supply: Downdraft, Two stage, 4 barrel carburetor

Drivetrain Specifications Transmission: 5-Speed  3 Speed(Auto) Ratio: 1st 3.674  3.458 Ratio: 2nd 2.217  1.458 Ratio: 3rd 1.432  1.000 Ratio: 4th 1.000 Ratio: 5th 0.825 Ratio: Reverse 3.542  2.181 Final Drive Ratio 3.909 3.909

Steering Specifications

Type: recirculating ball Overall Ratio: variable 17-20:1 Turns (lock to lock): 3.7 Turning Circle: 31.5 feet

Suspension Specifications

Front, type: Independant MacPhearson strut type, with anti-roll bar and tension rods, coil springs. Rear, type: Live Axle, 4 Trailing Arms,Watt linkage, coil springs, anti-roll bar Front Anti Roll Bar: 23mm Rear Anti Roll Bar: 15mm

Weight Specifications

3-speed Automatic Transmission : 2,360 lbs. 5-speed Manual Transmission : 2,335 lbs.

Go Back

1983

Model Year Summary : Very few noticable changes were made in 1983. However, Mazda did remove the 85-mph speedometer and replaced it with a much more realistic 130-mph speedometer when the US govenment removed a needless limitation on speedometers. Very few engine modifications were made except that the oil cooler was moved from under the radiator to under the oil filter. A Limited Edition model was released in '83. The Limited was based on the GS and every one was painted "Chateau Silver" with red pinstriping and special 14x5.5 inch wide alloys with 195/60HR15 tires. Many automotive writers and magazines began referring to the Rx7 as aging, but they complimented it at the same time by naming it the "Best for the Money" in its class and saying it was slower but also cheaper.

Year Specifications: General Specifications

Suggested Retail Price (S Model): $8,595 Suggested Retail Price (GS Model): $9,095 Suggested Retail Price (GSL Model): $10,495 Suggested Retail Price (Limited) No Information Available EPA Gas Mileage: 21 City / 30 Highway Curb Weight: 2,345 lbs (5speed) : 2,380 lbs(Automatic) Wheelbase: 95.3 inches Track f/r: 55.9 inches / 55.1 inches Length: 170.1 inches Width: 65.7 inches Height: 49.6 inches Ground Clearance: 5.7 inches Fuel Capacity: 16.6 US Gallons

Engine Specifications Engine Type: Twin Rotor 12A Displacement: 1146cc/70ci Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Output(hp): 100bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 105lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel Supply: Downdraft, Two stage, 4 barrel carburetor

Drivetrain Specifications Transmission: 5-Speed  3 Speed(Auto) Ratio: 1st 3.674  3.458 Ratio: 2nd 2.217  1.458 Ratio: 3rd 1.432  1.000 Ratio: 4th 1.000 Ratio: 5th 0.825 Ratio: Reverse 3.542  2.181 Final Drive Ratio 3.909 3.909

Steering Specifications

Type: recirculating ball Overall Ratio: variable 17-20:1 Turns (lock to lock): 3.7 Turning Circle: 31.5 feet

Suspension Specifications

Front, type: Independant MacPhearson strut type, with anti-roll bar and tension rods, coil springs. Rear, type: Live Axle, 4 Trailing Arms,Watt linkage, coil springs, anti-roll bar Front Anti Roll Bar: 23mm Rear Anti Roll Bar: 15mm

Weight Specifications

3-speed Automatic Transmission : 2,360 lbs. 5-speed Manual Transmission : 2,335 lbs.

Go Back

1984

Model Year Summary : As public intrested in the now aging Rotary Rocket dwindled, Mazda tried to revamp its creation by making an almost completely mechanically-different RX-7 which was named the GSL-SE. The GSL-SE's exterior was very similar to the past models, but Mazda had a surprise waiting under the hood....the GSL-SE held a 13B rotary engine instead of the aged 12A. The 13B used the new 6PI, "six port induction" for a broader torque spread and a new fuel injection system which Mazda called EGI, "Electronic Gas Injection". Mazda also added DEI, "Dynamic Effect Intake" which utilized the basic "surge" phenominon peculiar to the rotary engine to maximize its fuel intake through the new 6PI system. The 5-speed manual transmission was still standard but it was upgraded with a stonger clutch, and the automatic was scrapped as an option!. On the exterior Mazda vamped up the Rx7 with new 12-spoke 14-inch aluminum wheels. These rims used 205/60VR14 size tires. Mazda helped cure the loose tailend of the Rx7 by dropping the rear trailing arms by about 20mm. Also, to aid in stopping, the brakes were upgraded by making the front and rear disc brakes vented....this was made a standard option. As proof that Mazda made the right decisions during its redesign, Motor Trend ran tests between the Rx7, Toyota Supra, and the Nissan 300ZX and recorded the Rx7 at an amazing 0.88g on the skidpad. That score even beats the second generation Turbo II! Unfortunately, with these improvements the price was raised some to about $16,100, but it was well worth it. The other models received the option of a 4-speed automatic, and power steering was made standard on the GSL-SE, while being optional on all the other models. It was determined that the rear suspension alteration should be applied to all the Rx7 models.

Year Specifications: General Specifications

Suggested Retail Price (S Model): $8,595 Suggested Retail Price (GS Model): $9,095 Suggested Retail Price (GSL Model): $10,495 Suggested Retail Price (GSL-SE Model): $16,125 EPA Gas Mileage: 21 City / 30 Highway (Non GSL-SE) EPA Gas Mileage: 16 City / 23 Highway (GSL-SE) Curb Weight: 2,345 lbs (5speed) : 2,380 lbs(Automatic) Curb Weight: 2,590 lbs (GSL-SE) Wheelbase: 95.3 inches Track f/r: 55.9 inches / 55.1 inches Length: 170.1 inches Width: 65.7 inches Height: 49.6 inches Ground Clearance: 5.7 inches Fuel Capacity: 16.6 US Gallons

Engine Specifications (Non GSL-SE) Engine Type: Twin Rotor 12A Displacement: 1146cc/70ci Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Output(hp): 100bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 105lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel Supply: Downdraft, Two stage, 4 barrel carburetor

Engine Specifications (GSL-SE) Engine Type: Twin Rotor 13B Displacement: 1308cc/80ci Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Output(hp): 135bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 133lb-ft @ 2750 rpm Fuel Supply: Electronic Fuel Injection

Drivetrain Specifications Transmission:  5-Speed (GSL-SE) 5-Speed (Non GSL-SE) 4 Speed (Auto) Ratio: 1st 3.622  3.674  3.458 Ratio: 2nd 2.186  2.217  1.458 Ratio: 3rd 1.419  1.432  1.000 Ratio: 4th 1.000 (estimated)  1.000  0.800 (estimated) Ratio: 5th 0.758  0.825 Ratio: Reverse 3.493  3.542  2.181 Final Drive Ratio 4.076 3.909  3.909

Steering Specifications (Non GSL-SE)

Type: recirculating ball Overall Ratio: variable 17-20:1 Turns (lock to lock): 3.7 Turning Circle: 31.5 feet

Steering Specifications (GSL-SE)

Type: recirculating ball, power assist optional Overall Ratio: variable 17-20:1 or 15.83:1 with power assist Turns (lock to lock): 3.4 Turning Circle: 32.8 feet

Suspension Specifications

Front, type: Independant MacPhearson strut type, with anti-roll bar and tension rods, coil springs. Rear, type: Live Axle, 4 Trailing Arms,Watt linkage, coil springs, anti-roll bar Front Anti Roll Bar: 23mm Rear Anti Roll Bar: 15mm

Weight Specifications

4-speed Automatic Transmission : 2,300 lbs. 5-speed Manual Transmission (Non GSL-SE): 2,335 lbs. 5-speed Manual Transmission (GSL-SE): 2,640 lbs.

Go Back

1985

Model Year Summary : No changes. The Rx7 line-up remained the same for 1985, as Mazda prepared for it's long awaited unveiling of the second generation Rx7.

Year Specifications: General Specifications

Suggested Retail Price (S Model): $8,595 Suggested Retail Price (GS Model): $9,095 Suggested Retail Price (GSL Model): $10,495 Suggested Retail Price (GSL-SE Model): $16,125 EPA Gas Mileage: 21 City / 30 Highway (Non GSL-SE) EPA Gas Mileage: 16 City / 23 Highway (GSL-SE) Curb Weight: 2,345 lbs (5speed) : 2,380 lbs(Automatic) Curb Weight: 2,590 lbs (GSL-SE) Wheelbase: 95.3 inches Track f/r: 55.9 inches / 55.1 inches Length: 170.1 inches Width: 65.7 inches Height: 49.6 inches Ground Clearance: 5.7 inches Fuel Capacity: 16.6 US Gallons

Engine Specifications (Non GSL-SE) Engine Type: Twin Rotor 12A Displacement: 1146cc/70ci Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Output(hp): 100bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 105lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel Supply: Downdraft, Two stage, 4 barrel carburetor

Engine Specifications (GSL-SE) Engine Type: Twin Rotor 13B Displacement: 1308cc/80ci Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Output(hp): 135bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 133lb-ft @ 2750 rpm Fuel Supply: Electronic Fuel Injection

Drivetrain Specifications Transmission:  5-Speed (GSL-SE) 5-Speed (Non GSL-SE) 4 Speed (Auto) Ratio: 1st 3.622  3.674  3.458 Ratio: 2nd 2.186  2.217  1.458 Ratio: 3rd 1.419  1.432  1.000 Ratio: 4th 1.000 (estimated)  1.000  0.800 (estimated) Ratio: 5th 0.758  0.825 Ratio: Reverse 3.493  3.542  2.181 Final Drive Ratio 4.076 3.909  3.909

Steering Specifications (Non GSL-SE)

Type: recirculating ball Overall Ratio: variable 17-20:1 Turns (lock to lock): 3.7 Turning Circle: 31.5 feet

Steering Specifications (GSL-SE)

Type: recirculating ball, power assist optional Overall Ratio: variable 17-20:1 or 15.83:1 with power assist Turns (lock to lock): 3.4 Turning Circle: 32.8 feet

Suspension Specifications

Front, type: Independant MacPhearson strut type, with anti-roll bar and tension rods, coil springs. Rear, type: Live Axle, 4 Trailing Arms,Watt linkage, coil springs, anti-roll bar Front Anti Roll Bar: 23mm Rear Anti Roll Bar: 15mm

Weight Specifications

4-speed Automatic Transmission : 2,300 lbs. 5-speed Manual Transmission (Non GSL-SE): 2,335 lbs. 5-speed Manual Transmission (GSL-SE): 2,640 lbs.

This article's published manufacture dates are innacurate
The RX-7's production did not stop in 1995 yet the article does not specify this.

Someone with more knowledge of the RX-7 FD should edit the article with correct production dates. The RX-7 FD continued to be produced in Japan long after 1995.

Community-Oriented External Link Suggestions
Many who come to this page are RX-7 enthusiasts looking for help. I'd suggest at least two links added to the external links section, mainly for point 4 under "What should be linked?" in WP:EL: "4. Sites with other meaningful, relevant content that is not suitable for inclusion in an article, such as reviews and interviews."

First, perhaps the most active online RX-7 community: "RX7 Club Discussion forums for all RX-7 generations"

Second, for the most active community-maintained RX-7 how-to library: "RX-7 How-To Pages A community-maintained RX-7 service and modification manual."

A potential issue with the how-to pages is point 12 under "Links normally avoided" in WP:EL: "'Links to open wikis, except those with a substantial history of stability and a substantial number of editors.'"

The page is a semi-open wiki, quite relevant to this topic, quite active considering the narrow focus, and it's been stable for over a year. For background, I am an active member of the forum, and an admin for the how-to pages. I ask fellow neutral editors to please consider these suggestions.

--- Also: 2nd-generation RX-7 buyers guide —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.81.105.213 (talk) 13:06, 19 November 2008 (UTC)


 * I think links to external sites would be very valuable to users coming to this page for the exact reason stated above. Being an RX-7 owner and active member of the community I would like to see links to 1300cc.com, NoPistons.com and RotaryCarClub.com.  In my opinion these sites are incredibly valuable to current or potential owners of these cars. MirageJKL (talk) 19:38, 2 February 2009 (UTC)


 * The problem is that WP:EL recommends against links to discussion forums/groups. NoPistons.com and RotaryCarClub.com would fall under this category.  1300cc.com looks very unprofessional and unfinished.  I see at least a couple "Sorry, this is not finished" notices on that site.  I have nothing against any of those sites, but I don't think they should be included in the external links section.  There is already a link to the open directory, which should be sufficient for those sites.  swa  q  19:57, 2 February 2009 (UTC)


 * That's very unfortunate. Definitely missing out on a lot of info.  Thanks for the quick response 98.207.117.222 (talk)  —Preceding undated comment was added at 02:24, 3 February 2009 (UTC).

Is it a sports car?
I'm trying to settle an argument with a former colleague of mines that she says it's a Sports Car. Do all sports cars have not only a backseat in them? (Despite it's appearance that it does not) Do all sports cars have a Hatchback in them? Ryou-kun16 (talk) 23:58, 1 January 2008 (UTC)


 * It is a sports car. It is one of the purest sports designs of the last part of the 20th century.  Hatchback is irrelevant. SchmuckyTheCat (talk)

Well, it actually is a hatchback as its older predecessors never had the design/look of a sports car (I.e. SA Model). And it's also classified as a Hatchback. Ryou-kun16 (talk) 18:27, 25 February 2008 (UTC)
 * I'm pretty sure just about every source you could find would call all generations of RX-7 sports cars or perhaps a GTs. No reason it can't be a sports car and a hatch back, plenty of other similar vehicles are both: Porsche 944, Renault Alpine and Toyota Supra all come to mind. --Daniel J. Leivick (talk) 23:22, 25 February 2008 (UTC)

Add RX-7's rival (Request)
Since the RX-7's rival is the Toyota Supra, should this be added? 70.45.182.210 (talk) 19:30, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Probably not, unless you have a reliable source that mentions this. But even then it's borderline trivia and I don't think it's important to mention in the article unless there is some special significance to it.  swa  q  20:44, 16 April 2008 (UTC)

Rear Seats in America
The optional "occasional" rear seats were offered in America as an option on the second generation. It was very rarely taken, but few did. I have one in my shop right now. I'll get pictures of it installed in the car it came out of when I'm done removing the sound deadening tar from the floor pan. I am unsure as to whether or not the option was available on the third generation in the states as I personally have yet to see one "in the wild", so to speak. Andrew Michael Medina (talk) 17:05, 6 December 2008 (UTC)
 * In the US, rear seats were not available in the 3rd gen RX-7. They did not meet DOT crash standards.204.95.48.184 (talk) 23:12, 4 January 2009 (UTC)

The rearseat was installed on Japanese models because a 2+2 is cheaper in roadtax than a pure 2-seater —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.31.213.37 (talk) 17:00, 21 March 2009 (UTC)

Non-OEM pictures of FC and FD
The pictures used for the FC and FD sections are non-OEM, the FC is close but has aftermarket wheels and the FD has what looks like a Mazdaspeed A-Spec front bumper. Though still from Mazda, it was not offered on any production version. --Dinnercoat (talk) 17:37, 17 August 2009 (UTC)
 * Fixed, although it might be nice not to use a convertible for the FC as they weren't that common. --Leivick (talk) 06:36, 19 August 2009 (UTC)

Top Speed
Doesn any body know its top speed? The onlt place ive found any figure is GT4 were the newest one (cant remeber the name of it, sommut like spirit R, or something like that) reached 180 mph un-tuned. Obviously a video game is not valid proof so does any body know of any? Spinodontosaurus (talk) 17:29, 30 November 2009 (UTC)
 * AFAIK, Mazda doesn't publish a top speed for stock vehicles. The records at the Bonneville Salt Flats
 * for an FD (1992-1995 North American model years) is 242MPH, set in 1995
 * For an FC (1986-1991 North American model years) is 238MPH, set in 1986
 * For an FB (1977-1985 North American model years) is 183MPH, set in 1978
 * These were absolutely not stock vehicles but purposely built for setting land speed records for each generation of RX-7. Stock could probably attain 60%-70% of that. SchmuckyTheCat (talk)

I would say 170mph is a conservative guess for the best ones (GT4, although it is a game, has very accurate top speeds. And the Spirit R Type A can go 180mph on that). Spinodontosaurus (talk) 22:25, 6 December 2009 (UTC) 70% would be 170mph (169.4 to be exact). That is very respectab;le considering even the 4 rotor Furai can do 'only' 185mph. Spinodontosaurus (talk) 14:55, 2 March 2010 (UTC)

main picture
The current picture looks a bit n00bish. A picture of the | Spirit R type A would be better. Any one know were we can get one? Spinodontosaurus (talk) 17:57, 10 December 2009 (UTC)

I don't know about the picture looking 'n00bish' but I do know that all series 6 and series 7 rx7s were produced with a rear spoiler (Albeit slightly different between the various models). This picture, however; does not. Maybe the following picture would be more appropriate?Simon John Marshall (talk) 19:23, 19 July 2011 (UTC) http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/editorial_images/non_imported/Mazda_rx7_front.jpg

Problem Second Generation (FC)'s Main Picture
There's a problem with the FC's Main Picture, this one:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tuned_%2786-%2788_Mazda_RX-7_%28Orange_Julep_%2710%29.jpg

The car we see in that picture isn't just "tuned", in fact, it doesn't even have a Wankel Engine at all. What you see under that hood is a V8.

That picture should be replaced as soon as possible, since all RX-7's had Wankel Rotary Engines. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Mushiki (talk • contribs) 18:22, 5 August 2010 (UTC)

Listed kerb weights hilariously wrong.
These kerb weights, as listed, are a complete joke. A spirit R type A did not get down anywhere close to 2500lbs (Motortrend weighed one at exactly 2880 here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGxWdAG7fIw - with fuel and liquids though), and neither did the US market version. In fact, the lightest of the bunch, the Bathhurst R, is listed here at 2200 lbs! What a joke. Perhaps the actual race version did get that low, but the homologation vehicle? It weighed in at 1218kg, which was down from the original models 1310kg - which I assume is a 'loaded model' - things like leather or sunroof add weight. I'm pretty sure 1218kb is around 2680lbs, so someone needs to clean this mess up - from top to bottom. Note the Bathhurst R, at 1218kb, is listed everywhere online as the "highest stock power to weight ratio RX-7" so there is zero possibility that any of these models weigh just "2500lbs." (Such a nice round number, isn't it, pulled from someone's ass clearly.)

It's hard to find testing/legitimate reviews of the US versions, but they weigh around the previously quoted 1318kg. BTW - both these numbers were originally listed here at wiki - until someone came along and ruined the section with (Gran Turismo?) 'gaming numbers' and zero, I mean ZERO citations. As an RX-7 enthusiast, I'd love to see this section properly written and cited.

To start with, the US model '95 (last year sold there) is listed here http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/rx-7/1995/features-specs.html?style=2790 with a kerb weight of 2824lbs. Or, roughly 1284 kg. As we can clearly see, the "2500lbs" quoted in the box just doesn't make sense. There's no way these cars were that light. Please someone with more knowledge of how wiki works get on this - ASAP please?

If it's not fixed in a few weeks, I'm deleting the entire section due to lack of citations. Either prove the car was as light as a feather, or have the "GT5 with racing modifications" numbers thrown away. I've given 2 serious, reliable sources that prove the numbers are DREADFULLY WRONG. Meanwhileatwiki (talk) 23:52, 22 March 2014 (UTC)

A month later and not one person has commented or even sought to fix the problem. I'm deleting this wholesale before the weekend if it's not fixed (A: I'm not searching down each stupidly small number production variant, if you want to know the weight and other statistics of a Bathhurst type 435399235 B version XY - then look it up yourself (the info here isn't correct anyway!) and B: I don't know how to work with the boxes given, so they're all getting thrown out UNLESS CORRECT INFORMATION IS CITED - I've proven the numbers that exist are wrong, so change them, then we'll get to whether they are correct) - FFS the math isn't even correct - 1050kg IS NOT 2200lbs, not close actually, and even if it were, no production RX-7 from the 90s came close. Meanwhileatwiki (talk) 21:54, 23 April 2014 (UTC)

The number of 1983 Mazda RX7 Limited Edition - How many were made, and how many are in the world to day?
I own one that came out of Arizona and has never be driven in snow. The one I have is rust free and I keep it in a garage with a canvas underneath it so the concrete floor does not draw moisture and rust the underneath of the car. In the winter I jack up the car and set it on stands to take the weight off the tires, and I place a charger on the battery to keep the battery charged over the winter.

Thank you,

Bill Diersen 26 Marigold Court Appleton, WI 54914

The number of 1983 Mazda RX7 Limited Edition - How many were made, and how many are in the world to day?
I own one that came out of Arizona and has never be driven in snow. The one I have is rust free and I keep it in a garage with a canvas underneath it so the concrete floor does not draw moisture and rust the underneath of the car. In the winter I jack up the car and set it on stands to take the weight off the tires, and I place a charger on the battery to keep the battery charged over the winter.

Thank you,

Bill Diersen 26 Marigold Court Appleton, WI 54914 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.25.217.185 (talk) 21:37, 3 June 2014 (UTC)

1989 Mazda rx7 Turbo II
Hey guys I have an 89 turbo II rx7 and I got it from a guy that had it sitting dwn for a year. Its starts every single time but won't hold any load.. Im 23yrs old and I don't know about rx7 period but I got 1 anyways. I changed the fuel pump and filter and I took the air pump and the mas air flow sensor off and its it still does the same thing,starts fine then I can go up to 3,000 rpms on idle then if I go over it it stalls and wants to shut off.. When on any gear as soon as I hit the throttle it does the same,stalls and if I let go its fine.. Please HELP

Mike Ortiz is my name and email is mortiz_2207@yahoo.com

Thanks and I hope someone had the same problem and solve it — Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.163.74.18 (talk) 01:11, 2 November 2015 (UTC)

External links modified
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FB Lead Image
I recently changed the lead image for the FB's infobox. However, there are actually a few candidates I was considering and I wanted to ask you guys which one y'all prefer. The 4 pictures I was thinking of changing it to are https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1980_Mazda_RX-7_SE_Limited_(17888386539).jpg (the current one) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1981_MAZDA_RX-7,_licence_GV-78-NX,_pic5.JPG https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1984_Mazda_RX-7_(FB_Series_3)_coupe_(23525716940).jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mazda_RX7_(38794806682).jpg

So do you guys still prefer the current one? Or do you think it should be one of the other 3? (or even another image entirely if you've got one you think is better) TKOIII (talk) 16:08, 11 October 2019 (UTC)

Efini RX-7 (Mazda RX-7 deluxe version)
Efini RX-7 (Mazda RX-7 deluxe version)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C6%90%CC%83fini https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/cars/detail_025_rx7.html Needs to be added. Sorry by my ignorance of made correct adition to this. 2.136.173.47 (talk) 15:09, 11 August 2022 (UTC)

RX7 FD concept car model
I just uploaded this picture that I took at the Petersen of the FD RX7 concept car (the model of the final winning design) by Wu-huang Chin. I was wondering if other editors think this should be included in the FD section.

File:Mazda RX-7 FD concept car in the Petersen Museum Vault.jpg

TKOIII (talk) 22:26, 5 December 2023 (UTC)