MAZDA RX-7

    Incredibly enough, here's a new concept for you... NO PISTONS!

     Seems wild doesn't it? But it's true! Mazda have made an incredible machine that goes against what everyone else would call normal for a car!

Let me introduce you to the rotary engine created by Felix Wankel and developed by Mazda over the last 20 years.

  In fact, Mazda has managed to run this rotary engine at Les Mans with victory proving it's reliability. There's no substitute for results.

  And the best past of a rotary engine is, beside it's efficiency, is the fact that you less than half of the moving parts you'd need in your normal piston engine. This translates into less parts to break down, and less expenses.

    Fact is, the rotary engine is conceived in such a way that it only needs one major review every 70 000 miles. This is opposed to the piston engine where you can expect major reviews to occur every 15 000 miles to every 30 000 miles, with expensive parts being replaced. Well be prepared for something new with the rotary!

    Also, change the oil every 3 000 miles. The Wankel is made differently and also has a different combustion process that includes the burning of a little bit of oil. In the end, this turns out to be a positive aspect as it keeps you on your toes and ensures that your engine is getting fresher oil.

    About the efficiency? Well, a 1.3cc engine that outputs over 265 HP is enough proof of efficiency to you?

    The engine is a 13B sequential twin turbo rotary. It's based on a system invented by Felix Wankel which Mazda have been developing for over 18 years while attempting to win the famous Les Mans 24 hours event. It has little to do with the standard piston engine as they were "replaced" with 2 rotors, both only 654cc accounting for a total 1308cc displacement. This 1.3 litter outputs 285 Bhp on the later versions.

    Mazda Wankel production engines follow a fairly simple numbering system. The numbers roughly indicate rated displacement in litres times ten (13B = 1.308L, or 1308cc), and the letter indicates a significant design revision. It's father was the 700 Bhp R26B that powered the Mazda 787B Les Mans competition car. The main difference is the number of rotors.

    For ease of use Mazda supplied this impressive power plant with two turbos that act sequentially.

    The first acts at a low 1800rpm and the second joins in at 4000rpm providing smooth delivery of power. This set-up is able to output 90% of maximum torque at only 2800 rpm making it extremely responsive to the driver's right foot command.

    Maximum engine speed is 9000rpm where a limiter acts to prevent over revving, but at 7500 rpm an electronic buzzer let's you know it's time to feed another gear.

    The attention to weight placement and weight reduction was taken into consideration by using lots of aluminium or plastic replacing heavier materials that would only compromise this car's handling ability.

    The use of an aluminium strut bar over the engine helped to lower the centre of gravity. The spare wheel is made of aluminium again to lower the centre of gravity. Plastic ducting for the intercooler and air intake was used to reduce overall weight. 

    And that was only the engine, the outside is more appealing than many cars will ever be. The Cd (Drag Coefficient) is only 0.34, being quite lower than a few other sports cars of today. The front mouth was designed to allow fresh air into the engine bay cooling the radiator, intercooler, and feeding the air intake.

    Everything is based on a space age monocoque designed to keep all the weight as low to the ground as possible. It's rigidity has been improved by attaching a strut with a wing-shaped cross section beneath the floor. Due to this, lap times have been increased in over one second.

    The sleek shape is enhanced by retractable headlights. These are always fun to use wherever you go although a sleek headlight kit can be purchased  to enhance drag reduction.    Side vents help to cool the engine bay and front brakes.

    Later versions have been added a front lip to prevent turbulence underneath the car's body, thus adding to stability at high speeds.

    The beautiful rear ends in a spoiler designed to reduce drag and help stability at the same time. A design that is over 10 years old still remains attractive and unique today separating this car from all the other production cars out there.

    The three light rear optic is so impressive at night

    You can see the high breathing nature of the rotary engine inciting the use of a wide exhaust system that goes all the way up to the engine itself. This helps the turbos to spool up really quickly.

    Getting in is easier than getting out, but with only 135mm minimum ground clearance you're garanteed to feel the road.

    That's what the interior is about, it really makes you become one with the car and road. Everything on this car was designed to lower it's center of gravity which translates in better handling

    The small drop that gets you stuck in the seat makes you know you're behind something different. A massive center column that hides the drive shaft, helps you stay in place and comfortable.

    The short moving gear stick is in an incredibly convenient position and makes you feel like you're at the elm of a rocket ship.

    As soon as you're behind the wheel and the door is closed, you feel tucked in safely and you know that no mater how hard you turn you won't be fighting to stay in the seat. That's how good your held in place by your surroundings.

    Your hands reach the steering wheel and...immediately you notice the instrument display. The rev counter is the largest thing on the panel, informing you that's all you have to worry about (which is almost true). Speedometer reads 180 mph at the end, through you're mind you wonder if you can get there.

    If you're going to challenge the speedo needle then make sure you keep an eye out for the always-in-a-rush fuel needle. The higher your speed, the fastest the fuel needle gets to E.

If you're thinking I didn't need to mention that, then I'll mention I've managed to get rid of 55 litres of fuel in less than two hours. And I'm pretty sure this record can be broken

    The way everything is set up around just keeps you realising how wrapped up you are.Don't expect ultra-heavy high quality plastics. This is a sports car and weight is of importance.

    Look at the top of the range sports cars, they are now coming without a stereo or speakers. CD/Radio/MD isn't an option even if you beg and overpay.

Performance:

    People tend to think a 1308cc(1.3L) rotary engine is slow and even after briefing them about this car's capabilities they get surprised when they find themselves at 60 Mph in just under 5.4 seconds after launching from a stopped position.

    And when you think the ride is over, grab hold to something as 100 Mph only takes a short while! You'll be there in less than 13.5 seconds.

    You only have time to witness the needle going past that mark in a hurry. Thinking the ride is over at 100mph is also a mistake, you will be exceeding 160 Mph in less than 30 seconds!

Official Mazda Numbers:

    So what do you get? An incredible, reliable, fast, and unique sports car at an affordable cost that Mazda could have marketed a little better.

    It's also a very rare car which will make you stand out of the croud. But to own a car like this, you need to understand cars and love them.

    If you are the kind of person that only cares about getting in and out of the car after being taken from A to B regardless if that is just around the next corner, then I suggest you get yourself an average car and let the rare and exotic RX-7 be apreciated by those who will trully value it!

     Final note: If you want an exotic car that will stop and turn like no other, then this is for you! But...

"With great power, comes great responsibility." - from Spiderman

Did you spot the RX7 in the movie Hannibal??