1991 Mazda RX-7

Mazda produced the RX-7 from 1978 through 2002. The front/mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car was powered by a rotary 12A carbureted Wankel engine and was available as a 2-seater coupe. The second generation was offered with 2+2 optional seating in certain markets.

Production of the first generation continued through 1985, with approximately 471,018 examples built.

The third generation of the Mazda RX-7 appeared in 1992 as a 1993 model, making 1991 the final year for the second-generation RX-7. Power was from a naturally aspirated, fuel-injected 13B-VDEI rotary engine delivery 148 PS in North American configuration. The optional turbocharger, known as the Turbo II in the American market, brought horsepower to 182 hp.

The second generation, fifth series models were produced from 1989 through 1992. Differences included changes to the style, lighter rotors, a higher compression ratio of 9.7:1 for the naturally aspirated engine (the turbos had 9.0:1 compression), and modifications to the engine management system. The 1990 Mazda RX-7 was introduced with styling changes and 14 additional horsepower to the twin-rotor engine, now rated at 160 horsepower. The turbocharged version was rated at 200 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, while a four-speed automatic was optional.

1991 was the final year for the second-generation production, and the RX-7 remained unchanged from the prior year. Pricing began at $34,000.

This third generation of the Mazda RX-7 came with an updated body design created by chief designers Yoichi Sato and Wu-Huang Chin. It was powered by the first mass-produced sequential twin-turbocharged system to be exported from Japan, initially delivering 252 horsepower. By the time production ceased in Japan in 2002, power had risen to 275 horsepower.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020