Engine - 13B 1.3L Rotary Sequential twin turbo
Suspension-F&R Strut
US 1993-1995
Japan 1992-2001

Introduction
     Compared to the last RX7, the FD is lighter, sleeker, and more powerful. Being Mazda's flag ship, it did not disappoint. It's 1.3 liter rotary power plant made a unique choice when compared to others with similar abilities. Available to the US with 255 HP, provided by it's sequential turbo system. The car has been known as "pure sports" with it's uncompromising approach to performance.

The Car
    This car just shouts sports car. From it's styling,  low roof line,  performance,  and sporty interior. Touted as Japan best sports car, it's early demise in the US market was due to the low demand in sports cars during it's production. No other car could perform like the RX7 at the time. It was the lightest car when compared to top class in japanese sports cars. Lighter than even the aluminum NSX. Of course this lightness not only translates in straight line speed, but also in handling. Even though both it's horsepower and torque were less than it's rivals, the FD has very little keeping up on the track.

    The engine is greatest strength of this car. It's power, when compared to it's size and weight is unmatched. The size of the barrel shaped engine allows it to be placed behind the front axle line. Making it "front mid-engined." This allows a lower polar moment of inertia. Increasing response and handling. It's 50:50 weight distribution and low unsprung weight are the very blue prints of a great handling car. The smoothness and power delivery provided by it's wankel engine can not be found in piston equivalents.

Opinion
    No doubt, the FD is a great sports car. In terms of handling and power, it is up there with the very best. The FD also has the distinction of being unreliable and having ridiculous fuel consumption. This may not deter the sports driver, but even a car driven for pleasure alone has to be somewhat reliable. It's cooling system is inadequate for sports driving and should be the first on the tuner's list of upgrades. It's maze of vacuum lines leads to many annoying leaks and can be avoided by simply removing all unnecessary lines. When mantained properly the car can provide a reasonable service life. Maybe Mazda should have had a better cooling system in the car in the very beginning. But, if you are willing to do some work and be conservative with your boost you will find a very well balanced car. When driven at a good pace at your favorite roads, you will soon find the the FD is very deserving of it's tittle as " Pure Sports."