Positioning:
Iconic Japanese sports car, celebrated for its rotary engine and handling dynamics
Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
Engine Type:
Sequential Twin-Turbocharged Rotary Engine
Handling:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, lightweight construction, and exceptional cornering ability
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a low-slung coupe silhouette
Engine:
Rotary (13B-REW), Twin Turbo System, Fuel Injection, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication
Transmission:
6-Speed Manual (R154 equivalent if applicable, though Mazda specific) and Automatic Transmission Variants (if offered for 2001)
Drivetrain:
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), Differential, Axles, Driveshaft
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension, Bushings, Springs, Dampers, Alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic System, ABS, Parking Brake, Disc Brake Components (Front and Rear)
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Column, Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams, ECUs
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Frame, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Glass
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System
Interior:
Seats, Dashboard, Trim Panels, SRS (Airbag) System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement (specific to rotary), Fluid Checks and Top-offs
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Engine Rebuilding (Apex Seals, Rotors), Transmission Overhaul, Brake Service, Suspension Overhaul, Electrical Component Repair
Refurbishment:
Detailed procedures for restoring worn or damaged components
Rebuilding:
In-depth instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic fluid changes to complete engine and chassis overhauls
Detail Level:
Includes detailed diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, and step-by-step instructions
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using specialized diagnostic tools and procedures
Engine Type:
Twin-Rotary, 2-Rotor, 1308cc (Nominal Displacement), 654cc x 2 (Rotor Displacement)
Aspirated Induction:
Sequential Twin Turbochargers
Horsepower Hp:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (US Spec)
Torque Lb Ft:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Twin Turbo Control System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Rotary Specifics:
Apex Seals, Side Seals, Corner Seals, Eccentric Shaft, Rotor Housings
Type:
Mazda Type R (6-Speed Manual)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (less common in performance variants)
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulically Actuated, Multi-Plate Clutch
Gear Ratios:
Detailed in manual, specific ratios for each gear
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4/GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Consult manual for exact Mazda specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-Type T-IV or equivalent (Consult manual for exact specification)
Length:
Approx. 4295 mm (169.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1230 mm (48.4 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2505 mm (98.6 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) depending on trim and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle compliance plate
Trunk Volume:
Limited, designed for sports car functionality
NHTSA Rating:
Not directly applicable for the 2001 model year due to testing protocols of the era; structural integrity is high.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard)
Traction Control:
Available on certain trims (e.g., Bathurst R, Type RZ)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
3-Point Inertia Reel Seatbelts
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system with CD player, AM/FM radio. Cassette player common.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges with tachometer, speedometer, boost gauge, oil pressure, coolant temperature.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Original Connectivity:
Limited; primarily focused on analog systems and basic electronics.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (Rotary engines are sensitive to oil quality and level).
Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
Specific to rotary: 12,000-15,000 miles (Typically three per rotor - Leading and Trailing plugs, check manual for exact type and interval).
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Timing Belt:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have a timing belt; they use a chain or direct drive for the eccentric shaft).
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Consult manual for specific Mazda recommendations and the importance of oil quality for apex seals).
Coolant:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine PSF or Dexron III/Mercon ATF.
Rotary Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals is a primary concern, leading to compression loss. Proper maintenance and avoiding overheating are crucial.
Sequential Turbo System:
Failure of the solenoids or vacuum lines controlling the sequential turbo system can lead to poor boost performance.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume oil as part of their lubrication system (via oil injectors). Excessive consumption can indicate seal issues.
Cooling System:
Overheating can be detrimental to rotary engines, stressing seals and housings. Ensure radiator, fans, and hoses are in top condition.
Mazda Rotary:
Mazda's long-standing commitment to the rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo Sport.
Rx Series:
Successor to the RX-3, RX-4, RX-5, and RX-7 FC (Second Generation).
Fd Generation:
Introduced in 1992, the FD RX-7 represents the zenith of rotary sports car development for Mazda, renowned for its design and performance.
Production Years:
1992-2002 (Global)
Production Location:
Mazda Hiroshima Plant, Japan
2001 Year Significance:
Represents the final production year for the FD RX-7 in many key markets before discontinuation.
Car And Driver ಶಸ್:
Car and Driver's Ten Best list multiple times during its production run, including for the FD generation.
Japanese Car Of The Year:
While not specifically for 2001, the FD RX-7 was highly acclaimed in its launch years.
Automotive Journalism:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists worldwide for its driving dynamics and innovative rotary engine.