Monday, September 16, 2013

1986-1992 Mazda RX-7


In between Mazda's unexpected and brilliant first-generation "FB" RX-7 (1978–1985) and its legendary and brilliant third-generation "FD" RX-7 (1993–1995) there was the nice, capable but not brilliant "FC" RX-7 (1986–1992). But not being brilliant shouldn't keep a car from being appreciated as, in the context of its time, being one of the best.

The second RX-7 brought with it several significant developments, including an independent rear suspension, rack and pinion steering and a new turbocharged model. Even a convertible was offered starting with the 1988 models. Normally aspirated models started the model run with 146-hp available from the company's "13B" rotary engines, which grew to 160 hp in 1989 models. The Turbo models started with 182 hp and grew to 200 with the introduction of the Turbo II model for 1989.

Unlike the first-generation RX-7, which could seem primitive and raw, the second one was always smooth, composed and thoroughly modern. It was also better built than the first RX-7 and far more practical in daily use than the more narrowly focused third-generation car. But it seems sweet-naturedness can take a car only so far.

Read more: PopularMechanics.com 




The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car produced by the Japanese automaker Mazda from 1978 to 2002. The original RX-7 featured a 1146 cc twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine and a front-midship, rear-wheel drive layout. 

The RX-7 replaced the RX-3 (both were sold in Japan as the Savanna) and later replaced all other Mazda rotary-engine cars except the Cosmo. The original RX-7 was a sports car with pop-up headlamps. The compact and lightweight Wankel engine (rotary engine) is situated slightly behind the front axle, a configuration marketed by Mazda as "front mid-engine". 

It was offered as a two-seat coupé, with optional "occasional" rear seats in Japan, Australia, the United States, and other parts of the world. These rear seats were initially marketed as a dealer-installed option for the North American markets. The RX-7 made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list five times. 811,634 RX-7s were produced






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