FD3S:USDM Model Year History
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Dubbed as one of the most breathtaking designs in automotive history, the third generation will forever be the epitome of what a rotary powered car can be. Designed for speed, and speed alone, the third gen RX-7 boasted top speeds in stock form of 160mph, a Rev limit of 8,500 or 9,000rpms (depending on the transmission type), and a fully independent suspension system that begged to be pushed hard into turns. Also on board was the worlds first true sequential twin turbo and a short throw shift system which did nothing less than add to the pure fun and excitement of owning this amazingly unique vehicle.
1993 Model Year Summary
The most impressive, and Montego Blue RX-7 with Tan Leather Interior last complete body redesign of the RX-7 the US would ever see occurred in 1993. The vehicle was unveiled to the public at the Los Angeles Auto Show on January 2, 1992. Designed only for speed, the new RX-7 was unstoppable, the competition was no match for its new technology. This amazing feat of engineering won the 1993 Motor Trend Import Car of the Year award. Only offered as a 2-seater the 3rd gen design is one of the most breathtaking shapes in automotive history. The new design was composed of a Space-monocoque unit body. The suspension was redesigned to be 100% fully independent, utilizing double A-arms in front and in back. All brakes were now vented 11.6" rotors with ABS standard. The 13B rotary was now Cross Cut Of Touring Package BOSE Systemforce-fed by the first twin sequential turbo system on earth. Mazda released three versions of the 3rd generation RX-7. They were....the Base, Touring, and R1. The base was stripped of all the "frills" however Cruise control and Leather interior were options. The touring contained a Bose stereo(Pictured at Left), fog lights, sunroof, leather seats(like those pictured at top right), and a rear wiper. The R1's however were the racing package of the 3rd generation. Their standard equipment included Z-Rated Bridgestone Expedia S-01, stiffer suspension, suede-like seats to prevent body slippage in hard corners, front and rear spoilers, no cruise control whatsoever, an extra oil cooler, and a front strut bar. A beautifully unique color, Competition Yellow Mica (shown at right) wCompetition Yellow Mica '93 RX-7as introduced for only the 1993 R1. With all this power and beauty the RX-7 could rival any car that was three to five times more expensive than itself by listing at a low $33,000.
General Specifications
- Suggested Retail Price : $32,900
- EPA Gas Mileage: 17 City / 25 Highway
Curb Weight:
- 2,789lbs Base Model with 5 Speed Manual
- 2,857lbs Base Model with 4 Speed Automatic
- 2,800lbs R2 (5 Speed only, no Automatic available)
- 2,862lbs Touring Model with 5 Speed
- 2,923lbs Touring Model with 4 Speed Automatic
- Wheelbase: 95.5 inches
- Track f/r: 57.5 inches / 57.5 inches
- Length: 168.5 inches
- Width: 68.9 inches
- Height: 48.4 inches
- Ground Clearance: 4.5 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 20.0 US Gallons
Engine Specifications
- Engine Type: Twin Rotor 13BREW(Twin Turbo Charged)
- Displacement: 1308cc/80ci
- Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
- Output(hp): 255bhp (at) 6500 rpm
- Torque: 217lb-ft (at) 5000 rpm
- Fuel Supply: Electronic fuel injection
Drivetrain Specifications Transmission: 5-Speed Manual 4 Speed Automatic Ratio: 1st 3.483 3.027 Ratio: 2nd 2.015 1.619 Ratio: 3rd 1.391 1.000 Ratio: 4th 1.000 0.694 Ratio: 5th 0.719 Ratio: Reverse 3.288 2.727 Final Drive 4.100 3.909
Steering Specifications
- Type: rack and pinion with power assist
- Overall Ratio: 15.0:1
- Turns (lock to lock): 2.9
- Turning Circle: 35.4 feet
Suspension Specifications
- Front, type: Fully Independent, double wishbones, coil springs, and anti roll bar.
- Rear, type: Fully Independent, double wishbones, coil springs, and anti roll bar
- Front Anti Roll Bar: 30.0mm (tubular)
- Rear Anti Roll Bar: 19.1mm (tubular)
1994 Model Year Summary
The 1994 body changes were mostly in response to consumer feedback, and as a reaction the the RX-7's notoriously harsh ride. The interior trim was improved to have less rattles, softer shocks were added, and bump stops were added for a more smooth and cushioned ride. The exterior paint was also thickened and improved so it wouldn't chip as easily from stones, etc. All these changes together gave Mazda enough reason to change the R1 to the R2. Further line-up changes also appeared....late in the production year for 1994 the fully loaded touring model was dropped and was replaced with the Popular Equipment Package(PEP). The RX-7's price also increased to around $34,000 to $36,000. As an added change in the lineup Mazda prepared to offer a new color in the spectrum. A beautiful pearl white was available as the 1994-1995 "Special Color" and replaced Competition Yellow Mica which was only available in the 1993 lineup.
General Specifications
Suggested Retail Price : $34,000
- EPA Gas Mileage: 17 City / 25 Highway
Curb Weight:
- 2,789lbs Base Model with 5 Speed Manual
- 2,857lbs Base Model with 4 Speed Automatic
- 2,800lbs R1 (5 Speed only, no Automatic available)
- 2,862lbs Touring Model with 5 Speed
- 2,923lbs Touring Model with 4 Speed Automatic
- Wheelbase: 95.5 inches
- Track f/r: 57.5 inches / 57.5 inches
- Length: 168.5 inches
- Width: 68.9 inches
- Height: 48.4 inches
- Ground Clearance: 4.5 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 20.0 US Gallons
Engine Specifications
- Engine Type: Twin Rotor 13BREW(Twin Turbo Charged)
- Displacement: 1308cc/80ci
- Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
- Output(hp): 255bhp (at) 6500 rpm
- Torque: 217lb-ft (at) 5000 rpm
- Fuel Supply: Electronic fuel injection
Drivetrain Specifications Transmission: 5-Speed Manual 4 Speed Automatic Ratio: 1st 3.483 3.027 Ratio: 2nd 2.015 1.619 Ratio: 3rd 1.391 1.000 Ratio: 4th 1.000 0.694 Ratio: 5th 0.719 Ratio: Reverse 3.288 2.727 Final Drive 4.100 3.909
Steering Specifications
- Type: rack and pinion with power assist
- Overall Ratio: 15.0:1
- Turns (lock to lock): 2.9
- Turning Circle: 35.4 feet
Suspension Specifications
- Front, type: Fully Independent, double wishbones, coil springs, and anti roll bar.
- Rear, type: Fully Independent, double wishbones, coil springs, and anti roll bar
- Front Anti Roll Bar: 30.0mm (tubular)
- Rear Anti Roll Bar: 17.3mm (Base and PEP Model) and 15.9mm (R2)
1995 Model Year Summary
In 1995...the last year America would see the RX-7 being sold off Mazda's car-lots....very few changes were made. However the suspension was further softened to improve the acclaimed harsh ride by installing softer bushings in the suspension. Mazda sold the 1995 model through 1996 until they decided to discontinue exporting RX-7's to America. In April of 96, Mazda formally announced they would stop importing RX-7s to North America, however the RX-7 continued to be sold elsewhere around the world.
General Specifications
Suggested Retail Price : $34,000
- EPA Gas Mileage: 17 City / 25 Highway
Curb Weight:
- 2,789lbs Base Model with 5 Speed Manual
- 2,857lbs Base Model with 4 Speed Automatic
- 2,800lbs R1 (5 Speed only, no Automatic available)
- 2,862lbs Touring Model with 5 Speed
- 2,923lbs Touring Model with 4 Speed Automatic
- Wheelbase: 95.5 inches
- Track f/r: 57.5 inches / 57.5 inches
- Length: 168.5 inches
- Width: 68.9 inches
- Height: 48.4 inches
- Ground Clearance: 4.5 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 20.0 US Gallons
Engine Specifications
- Engine Type: Twin Rotor 13BREW(Twin Turbo Charged)
- Displacement: 1308cc/80ci
- Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
- Output(hp): 255bhp (at) 6500 rpm
- Torque: 217lb-ft (at) 5000 rpm
- Fuel Supply: Electronic fuel injection
Drivetrain Specifications Transmission: 5-Speed Manual 4 Speed Automatic Ratio: 1st 3.483 3.027 Ratio: 2nd 2.015 1.619 Ratio: 3rd 1.391 1.000 Ratio: 4th 1.000 0.694 Ratio: 5th 0.719 Ratio: Reverse 3.288 2.727 Final Drive 4.100 3.909
Steering Specifications
- Type: rack and pinion with power assist
- Overall Ratio: 15.0:1
- Turns (lock to lock): 2.9
- Turning Circle: 35.4 feet
Suspension Specifications
- Front, type: Fully Independent, double wishbones, coil springs, and anti roll bar.
- Rear, type: Fully Independent, double wishbones, coil springs, and anti roll bar
- Front Anti Roll Bar: 30.0mm (tubular)
- Rear Anti Roll Bar: 17.3mm (Base and PEP Model) and 15.9mm (R2)
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