Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 (also called the Savanna and Efini RX-7) is a Mazda sports car first built in 1978. The original RX-7 competed with other affordable sports cars of the era, such as the Datsun/Nissan 280Z, and was well-received by the media. It features 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), but also indirectly replaced nearly every other rotary car made by the company since all but the Cosmo had been retired the previous year.

Related Topics:
Savanna - Efini - Mazda - Sports car - 1978 - Datsun/Nissan 280Z - Wankel rotary engine - Front-midship - Rear wheel drive - Racing - RX-3 - Cosmo

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The RX-7 is a true sports coupe design, as opposed to a sports car like the Triumph TR6 or a saloon with sporting intentions. The relatively light Wankel engine was situated slightly behind the front axle. It was offered in America as a two seat coupe, with four seats being optional in Japan, Australia, and other parts of the world. The handling and acceleration of the car were noted to be of a high calibre for its day. The car went from 0–60 mph in 9.2 s, and could get 0.779 lateral Gs on the skidpad. The engine produced 100 hp (75 kW) @ 6000 rpm, allowing the car to reach speeds of over 120 mph (190 km/h). Because the engine was so smooth, with no excess vibration or harsh noise at high rpm, a buzzer was fitted to the tachometer to warn the driver when the 7000 rpm redline was approaching.

Related Topics:
Sports coupe - Sports car - Triumph TR6 - Saloon - Wankel engine - Axle - America - Japan - Australia - Acceleration - Tachometer

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The RX-7 made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list five times.

Related Topics:
Car and Driver - Ten Best list

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