History

• The 1990 Mazda RX-7
  
  The RX-7 replaced the compact RX-3, which was marketed as a sports car from 1971 to 1978. The RX-7 was produced from 1978 to 2002. Early models were equipped with the 1146cc Wankel rotary engine. Only 150 RX-7s were initially exported to the U.S. and sold out within days. Soon the waiting list grew until more could be delivered. During the first eight months of production, nearly 29,000 were sold.
  
  

First Generation

• The RX-7 wasn't exactly a technological marvel, but it was dressed in a pretty package. Its MacPherson front suspension, recirculating ball steering and solid rear axle were outdated. The American public never warmed up to Mazda's Wankel rotary engine mainly because it powered tepid sedans bought by grandmothers. But its sporty good looks with a long hood, pop-up headlamps and truncated rearend made it easy on the eyes. And the $14,850 price tag didn't hurt compared with the $19,000 Datsun 280ZX.
  
  

Specifications

• The RX-7 sat on a 95.3-inch wheelbase, somewhat long with an overall length of 168.7 inches to accommodate the 2+2 fastback-style configuration to include a small rear seat. It weighed only 2,558 pounds. Early models were powered by the 100-horsepower 1146cc rotary four-cylinder engine. Mazda mounted the engine directly behind the front wheels, giving it a 51/49 weight distribution.
  
  

Performance

• The RX-7's lightweight construction and concealed headlamps to reduce drag provided some impressive performance numbers. It clocked 0-to-60 mph in 8.5 seconds and the quarter-mile in 16.9 seconds at 84 mph. Top speed was timed at 115 mph.
  
  

Inside

• The instrument cluster featured the speedometer with an optimistic 130-mph maximum speed readout, a tachometer and fuel, water temperature and voltage gauges. The steering wheel was wrapped in thick leather while the seats were vinyl/velor. The cockpit was roomy, but the rear bench seat would not even make the smallest person happy.
  
  

Second Generation

• The restyled and ultra-sleek 1995 Mazda RX-7
  
  The 1986 to 1992 RX-7 took styling cues from the Porsche 944, and it worked well for Mazda. The pop-up headlamps remained, the lines were softer and the windshield more rakish. Design elements brought to mind the 944, but not so much that it was a copycat. Suspension and steering were updated, and disc brakes were standard. Engine options included the 1.3-liter powerplant generating 146 or 160 horsepower, with the turbocharged versions delivering 182 or 202 horsepower depending on the option package.
  
  

Strong Bow Out

• The beefed-up late third-generation "Punisher" RX-7
  
  The third and last-generation RX-7 from 1992 to 2002 sported the true 21st century concept of what a sports car should like with clean lines giving way to a more beefy look by the end of its run. Power was cranked up to 276 horsepower for the 1.3-liter engine. First generation cars recorded 471,018 in sales; second generation, 272,027; and third generation at 68,589 for a total of 811,018 cars for the entire production run.