The Mazda RX-7 was a sports car that Mazda produced between the years of’78 and 2002. One unique feature of this particular car is that it featured the Wankel engine. The RX-7 replaced the RX-3 and eventually replaced all of Mazda’s rotary engine vehicles except the Cosmo.

The rotary engine in the first of the RX-7s was only 1150 cc. The motor featured a twin rotor engine and the vehicle was rear wheel drive. Wankel invented his engine in Germany, but Mazda is one of the few car manufacturers to ever successfully use these engines. The company faced an uphill climb as they went through the fuel crisis of the’70s with the engine that burned more fuel.

Rotary engines are lighter in weight that other gasoline engines. They can be built from aluminum and are popular in use of air craft, but their use in land vehicles has been very limited. Mazda owners often brag about the smooth running rotary engines.

While the rotary engine is easier to modify to meet fuel emissions standards, Mazda had problems with these modifications causing the engine to require even more fuel. Fortunately, by’84, the fuel economy was up to an estimated 29 mpg on the highway and’ mpg for the city. In the RX-8, fuel economy is comparable to other vehicles of its size and weight.

Mazda sold the RX-7 as a sports coupe. The RX-7 had a mid mounted engine and offered great stability. In America for a while there was an option of dealer installed rear seats, however in Japan there was the option of purchasing the vehicle with rear seats already installed.

The second generation RX-7 introduced in the mid to late 80s was styled to look much like a Porsche. Additionally, the RX-7 convertible was introduced in’88. Production of the convertible continued until’92. The convertible was rated as one of the best convertibles ever produced.

The RX-7 started its third generation in’92, but sales of the RX-7 stopped in the United States sometime in’95. Only a limited number of RX-7s were shipped to the Stated during’92, but the vehicle continued to be sold in several other countries around the world.

The RX-8 has been introduced by Mazda to replace the RX-7. The RX-8 was first seen in car shows in 2001 but not sold in the United States until 2004. Standard equipment in the RX-8 are seating for four. Mazda continues to use the rotary engine in the RX-8.

Andy Zain is the admin of Mazda RX-7 Forums , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Mazda RX-7. Get the information you need when you visit Mazda Forums

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