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2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R

For the final production year Mazda have released a limited edition of the RX7, the Spirit R. The third-generation RX-7, first launched in 1991, has a particularly distinctive exterior design. Its lightweight, compact and high-output rotary engine enables the driver to feel superb driving pleasure. Epitomizing Mazda's spirit of sports car, RX-7 has won popularity among the customers since its 1978 launch. Mazda envisions the production of the current RX-7 model (FD-3S) to come to an end in August 2002.

The Spirit R series is available in three models: the Type A, a two-seater with a five-speed manual transmission; the Type-B, a four-seater with a five-speed manual transmission; and the Type-C, a four-seater with a four-speed automatic transmission. All three models are equipped with common interior and exterior features, such as BBS-manufactured 17-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and interior panels with a special soft coating, while each model shows off its own equipment to make a difference from the other.

The Type-A Spirit R is a two-seater model fitted with the Recaro-made exclusive red full bucket seats. These lightweight seats reduce the overall chassis weight of the vehicle by approximately 10 kg. Braking performance is enhanced through the use of large drilled type ventilated disk brakes for all four wheels and high rigid stainless mesh brake hoses. The Type-A Spirit R model is the ultimate RX-7, boasting the most outstanding driving performance in its history.

The Spirit R is available with five outer panel colors including Titanium Gray Metallic.

by Mazda

by Mazda

Coupe

If ever there were a sad day in Mazda's history, it would be in 1995 when Mazda realized that tightening emissions regulations and an unfavorable yen made selling the RX-7 in North America no longer possible.

But across the ocean, the third-generation RX-7 continued to thrive until 2002, becoming quicker, more nimble and more focused with each successive model. Ultimately knowing it would have to cede to the more affordable and emissions-friendly RX-8 the following year, Mazda built a final batch of approximately 1,500 special-edition RX-7s for its home market, which arguably became the most-desirable version of all: the Spirit R.

Lighter, with bigger brakes, Kevlar racing buckets, a sharper suspension and more aerodynamic styling, the Spirit R was everything dreams are made of to fans of the twin-turbo FD RX-7.

One day, out of nowhere, a large crate of Spirit R parts - everything from the lightweight aluminum fenders to cans of paint - showed up at Mazda's facility, addressed from longtime RX-7 program manager Takaharu Kobayakawa. Months of in-house construction subsequently took place in Irvine, California, to finish this car. It is the only left-hand-drive RX-7 Spirit R in the world.