Vehicle Class:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance car buyers, owners seeking to maintain or restore their vehicle
Key Competitors:
Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Mitsubishi 3000GT, Chevrolet Corvette
Defining Feature:
Sequential twin-turbocharged rotary engine (13B-REW)
Design Philosophy:
Lightweight chassis, balanced weight distribution, advanced rotary technology
Engine Mechanical:
Rotary engine components, intake manifold, exhaust system, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, sensors, engine control unit (ECU) related components
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (R154/T-5 derivative common), clutch system, driveshafts, differential, axles
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering rack, power steering system
Brakes:
Brake calipers, rotors, master cylinder, brake lines, ABS components (if equipped)
Body Exterior:
Body panels, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk, glass, weatherstripping, trim
Body Interior:
Seating, dashboard, center console, door panels, carpets, headliner, airbags (component identification)
Electrical Systems:
Lighting, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, audio system components, power windows/locks
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan assembly
Part Identification:
Detailed exploded diagrams with part numbers for all assemblies and individual components
Assembly Disassembly Guides:
Visual guides illustrating the order of component installation and removal
Component Breakdown:
Clear delineation of sub-assemblies within major systems
Depth Of Coverage:
Component-level identification and interrelationship. Focuses on what parts are used and how they fit together, not necessarily installation procedures or torque specs.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3 L (654 cc x 2 rotor faces)
Induction:
Sequential Twin-Turbocharged
Horsepower Hp:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (early FD) to 280 hp @ 6500 rpm (later FD, depending on market and specific model year updates)
Torque Lb Ft:
217 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (early FD) to 231 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (later FD)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Apex Seal Life:
Variable; critical component requiring proper maintenance and driving technique
Oil Type:
Specific rotary engine oil blend recommended, often synthetic with appropriate viscosity (e.g., 10W-30, 20W-50 depending on climate and modification)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) for the rotary engine (check specific manual)
Spark Plugs:
Typically requires specific multi-electrode or high-performance plugs; 4 ignition sources (2 leading, 2 trailing)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (Less common in performance variants)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by model year, but are designed for sporty performance
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically 75W-90 viscosity (check specific manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II/III or equivalent (check specific manual)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific model year in modern standards, but generally considered a robust sports car chassis.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on most models)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) often standard or available
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced safety cage and crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD player, premium Bose audio systems were optional.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS) on many models
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory
Air Conditioning:
Standard
Power Windows Locks:
Standard
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Rotary engines are more sensitive.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 30,000-60,000 miles, dependent on plug type and condition.
Timing Belt Alternatives:
Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they utilize a timing chain or gears for the eccentric shaft.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol-based)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Apex Seal Wear:
Premature wear of apex seals can occur due to poor lubrication, overheating, or detonation. Requires engine rebuild.
Overheating:
Can be an issue due to the compact nature and heat output of the rotary engine; requires diligent maintenance of the cooling system.
Turbocharger Reliability:
Early sequential turbo systems can be complex and prone to failure if not maintained properly, particularly vacuum lines and solenoids.
Emissions Control Systems:
Air pump and pre-catalytic converter issues are common on some early models.
Fuel Injector Clogging:
Can affect performance and fuel economy.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, starting with the Cosmo and RX series.
Previous Generations:
FC (1985-1992), FB (1978-1985), RX-3 (1971-1978), RX-2 (1970-1974), RX-1 (1971-1972), Cosmo Sport (1967-1968)
Third Generation Fd:
Introduced in 1992 (as a 1992 model), the FD RX-7 represented a significant redesign focusing on advanced aerodynamics, a lighter chassis, and refined twin-turbo rotary performance.
Production Period:
1992-2002 (FD generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.
Road And Track:
Frequently lauded by automotive journalists for its handling, performance, and innovative rotary engine.
Handling Dynamics:
Consistently praised for its exceptional chassis balance, steering feel, and agility.