The Mazda RX Series is a legendary line of sports cars produced by Mazda. Unlike most sports cars, the RX series is powered by a Wankel rotary engine, making it famous for its high-revving performance, lightweight design, and excellent handling. The most well-known models are the RX-7 and RX-8.

Basic Information

• Manufacturer: Mazda
  
• Production: 1978–2012
  
• Class: Sports Car
  
• Layout: Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
  
• Engine Type: Rotary (Wankel)
  

Popular Models

Mazda RX-7 (SA22C/FB)

• Production: 1978–1985
  
• Engine: 12A Rotary
  
• Power: 100–135 hp
  

Mazda RX-7 (FC3S)

• Production: 1985–1992
  
• Engine: 13B Turbo Rotary
  
• Power: 146–200 hp
  

Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)

• Production: 1992–2002
  
• Engine: 13B-REW Twin-Turbo Rotary
  
• Power: 252–280 hp
  
• 
  Widely regarded as the most iconic RX model.
  

Mazda RX-8 (SE3P)

• Production: 2003–2012
  
• Engine: 13B-MSP RENESIS Rotary
  
• Power: 192–232 hp
  
• 
  Features four doors with rear-hinged "freestyle" rear doors.
  

Engine

The RX series uses a rotary engine, which differs from a traditional piston engine.

Advantages

• 
  Lightweight and compact.
  
• 
  Smooth, high-revving performance.
  
• 
  Excellent power-to-weight ratio.
  
• 
  Unique engine sound.
  

Disadvantages

• 
  Higher fuel consumption.
  
• 
  Consumes engine oil by design.
  
• 
  Requires diligent maintenance.
  
• 
  Apex seal wear can occur if not properly maintained.
  

Transmission

• 5-speed Manual
• 6-speed Manual
• 4-speed Automatic
• 6-speed Automatic (RX-8)
  

Performance (RX-7 FD)

• Engine: 1.3L Twin-Turbo Rotary (13B-REW)
  
• Power: Up to 280 hp
• Torque: Approximately 314 Nm
• 0–100 km/h: Around 5.0 seconds
• Top Speed: Approximately 250 km/h (155 mph)

Features

• 
  Lightweight chassis
  
• 
  Near 50:50 weight distribution
  
• 
  Independent suspension
  
• 
  Rear-wheel drive
  
• 
  Limited-slip differential (selected models)
  
• 
  Turbocharged rotary engine (RX-7)
  

Motorsports

The RX Series has competed in:

• 
  IMSA GT Championship
  
• 
  24 Hours of Daytona
  
• 
  Drift competitions
  
• 
  Time Attack
  
• 
  Drag Racing
  
• 
  Circuit Racing