The Mazda Motor Company of Japan is known throughout the world for its technological success in using rotary engines, for both racing and production cars. Their first flagship sports car RX-7 established worldwide fame as the "rotary rocket", following its introduction in 1978. The RX-7 underwent another major change in October 1991, and was released as the "Efini" is French for infinity. Mazda hopes this 3rd generation RX-7 becomes the fastest mass-produced sportcar with unmatched acceleration. To achieve this, weight reduction was made a major goal during this design. Overall length and height were reduced, and even the glass area became smaller when compared to the previous model. The body shell uses a light and rigid, space/monocoque frame construction. The muscular styling has an excellent drag coefficient of 0.30. Under the curvy hood lies the twin-rotor, type 13-B REW rotary engine with intercooler and sequential twin turbochargers, rated at a striking 255 horsepower. The engine is mounted just behind the front axle, which is termed forward-midship format, providing an ideal weight distribution of 50:50 between front and rear wheels. Suspension is four wheel double wishbone, supported by forged aluminum arms, with an incorporated stabilizing toe control. The RX-7 has once again succeeded in blending Mazda's automotive technology in the stunning style of a true sportcar. |
