Power: the Series I RX-7 came with the 12A engine producing 77kW at 6000rpm with 147Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Carburetion was a Nikki four barrel downdraft carburetor.
Transmission: Power was fed through a five-speed box with fifth an 0.825 overdrive.
Aerodynamics: A claimed Cd of 0.36, with the use of pop-up headlights saving 6 percent in drag.
Weight distribution: The engine was sufficiently small to allow it to be mounted in a front/mid location behind the front axle giving the car an excellent weight distribution of 51/49 front/rear.
Performance:Mazda claimed a top speed of 200kph for the coupe; tests showed a more realistic 180kph. Acceleration to 110kph took 11.4 seconds, and the standing quarter was dispatched in 17.6 seconds.
Price (AUD): $14,850 (RX-7 Series 1).
Models:
-RX7 SA22C Coupe Feb 1979 - Oct 1980 (Chassis # SA22C 541117-650000)
Engine 12A Rotary 2 X 573cc (1146cc) carby, 77.2Kw. 5 speed manual. 13" alloy wheels. Front ventilated disc brakes and rear drums. Integrated A/C., electric boot release, pop up headlights.
-RX7 SA22C Coupe Nov 1980 - Sept 1983 (Chassis # SA22C 650001-700000)
Engine 12A Rotary 2 X 573cc (1146cc) carby, 84.6Kw. 5 speed manual (std.), 3 speed T-Bar auto (opt.). Power windows. 13" alloy wheels, four wheel disc brakes (front ventilated), wide body side mouldings.
-RX7 SA22C Limited and Sports Coupe Oct 1983 - Dec 1985 (Chassis # SA22C 700001->)
Engine 12A Rotary 2 X 573cc (1146cc) carby, 84.6Kw. 5 speed manual (std.), 3 speed T-Bar auto (opt.). 14" alloy wheels, four wheel ventilated disc brakes. Brake cooling front skirt slits. Limited model: power windows, elec. ext. mirror, headlight washers, sunroof and optional two tone paint.
-RX7 FC 1031 Sports & Limited Coupe Feb 1986 - June 1986
Engine 13B Rotary six-port 2 X 654cc (1308cc) EGI, 110Kw. 5 speed manual (std.) 4 speed ECAT (opt.). 15" alloy wheels, four wheel disc brakes with 4 piston front calipers. Limited: power windows, elec. mirrors, auto adjust suspension, electric sunroof and cruise control.
-RX7 Turbo FC 1031 Coupe June 1986 - June 1989
Engine 13B Turbo Rotary four-port 2 X 654cc (1308cc) EGI with intercooler, 133Kw. 5 speed manual only. 16" alloy wheels. Front bonnet air scoop. Turbo boost gauge, auto adjust suspension.
-RX7 FC1031 Convertible March 1989 - Nov 1991
Engine as RX7 Coupe. 5 speed manual only. Electric convertible roof
-RX7 FC 1032 - 2 door Coupe & Convertible July 1989 - Nov 1991
Engine 13B Rotary EGI 654cc X 2 (1308cc) 120Kw. 5 speed manual floor (std.) 4 speed auto ECAT (opt. - Coupe only). Elec. sunroof windows & ext. mirrors. Re-styled 15" alloy wheels with 60-series tyres. RX7 Convertible has Elec. convertible roof, headrest speakers, CD player, sports steering wheel, rear spoiler deleted.
-RX7 Turbo FC 1032 Coupe July 1989 - Nov 1991
Engine 13B Turbo Rotary EGI with intercooler 654cc X 2 (1308cc) 146Kw. 5 speed manual only. 16" alloy wheels with 55-series tyres. Bonnet air scoop, Turbo boost gauge, ABS, CD player
-RX7 SP FD1033 limited edition Sports Coupe Bathurst model
Engine Upgraded 13B Rotary 654cc X 2 EGI twin sequential turbos with enlarged intercooler, 204Kw. Revised 5 speed manual. BBS 17" alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, high rise rear spoiler, carbon fibre engine components, special 'SP' badging.
