YOU CAN'T HATE ON THE RX-7 AFTER WATCHING THIS!
What is it that makes the Mazda RX-7 so damn fine? Is it the pretty sporty JDM looks? Is it the performance? Is it the sound it makes? The engine? Well, it's arguably a combination of all of those points, but the most iconic aspect has to be its wankel rotary engine... #NoPistons bebeh!
The wankel rotary engine was invented in 1951 by Dr Felix Wankel, and was designed to be an alternative to the common piston internal combustion engine. It offered numerous benefits to weight and performance, and could rev significantly higher than most other engine designs as well.
In the 1960s, Mazda paid huge interest to this new engine technology, licencing the technology from NSU. In 1967, Mazda dropped this brand new engine into the Mazda Cosmo which was not even close to what we consider a badass JDM sports car. But, hey, it was a start!
The next car to receive the new "engine from the gods" was the Mazda RX-3 Savanna, the first out of the Mazda rotary lineup to be designed as a sporty model, and its success was astronomical!
This was a turning point for the Japanese carmaker, and they decided to scribble on the drawing board to make something even more insane. Something like the Mazda FB RX-7.
Mazda wanted to make a statement with the design of the RX-7, and took inspiration from the Lotus Elan which featured rounded curves, a long hood, a low centre of gravity and, of course, pop-up headlights! The Mazda FB RX-7 made a 101hp from its high revving rotary engine and, later, they offered it with a turbo. This modification pumped the power from 101hp right up to 160hp... Naughty naughty!
Oh no, Mazda wasn't done just yet! They immediately went on to design the second generation of the highly successful RX-7. This was the 1986 ABFC model, which featured a similar design look to the Porsche 924 and Porsche 944. The FC RX-7 was available in two engine options right from the start, a naturally aspirated 12A and the glorious 13B turbo! The 13B pushed out 189hp, which is a lot even by today's standards!
Now, for the big moment! The next Mazda RX-7 generation arrived in 1992 with the introduction of the Mazda FD RX-7. Not only was this by far the best and most recognisable Mazda RX-7s ever made, it is one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars of all time!
Take a look at the video below by the YouTube channel, Adam C3046, on the Best Of Mazda RX-7 FD Sound Compilation 2020!
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