Car Style - The Mazda RX-7 FD

Mazda's rotary rocketship from 1978 to 2002 has been the RX-7. The final generation of the RX-7 before the RX-8 came along was the FD. Its production lasted from 1992 to 2002. The FD RX-7 boasted engines ranging from 252hp to 276hp from the 13B-REW engine. I was first introduced to this car from "The Need for Speed: SE." It was the cheapest-priced car in the game with a price tag of about $35K USD. It was also where I regarded the RX-7 as an exotic. Of course, I knew a lot less about cars then than I do now. This blog post is a description of how I think this car looks style-wise.

--- Car Style: The Mazda RX-7 FD ---

Here is a look at the Mazda RX-7 FD:

^ from: carsinthefastlane.com - A later model version of the Mazda RX-7 (FD generation).

Fluidity and charm, rather than outright aggressiveness, defines the overall style of the RX-7. It prefers to impose with its power and performance rather than be a boastful character. The FD RX-7 models mark the third and final generation of the RX-7 before the RX-8 came along. To many people, the Mazda FD is one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and I agree. The FD is powered by the 13B-REW Wankel engine, a twin-turbo engine with a displacement of 654cc x 3 displacement from its three-rotor Wankel engine. There have been many individual versions of the RX-7 FD that have come along. Perhaps my favorites of the FD RX-7s are the RX-7 GTC and almost any of the RE Amemiya RX-7 FD's. The most unusual of the RX-7 FD models (especially aftermarket ones) are the ones that have Porsche-like headlights.

Exterior.

Its beauty begins up front. I've never been crazy about retractable headlights. They do, however, look nice when the lights are up. The turn signals and hazard lights up front are more stylish on more recent RX-7 FD's than some of the first FD RX-7s. The front bumper is flanked by a pair of fog lights in the front air dam and two little openings on either side up front. Later model RX-7s have the fog lights in the two openings, as opposed to in the front air dam. The front hood/bonnet is smooth and elegant. Of course, if you wanted to make it more aggressive, you could always go aftermarket and get a replacement hood for it. Some who even want permanent headlights get headlight kits for it. Regardless, this car pleases up front beautifully.

The side profile continues the elegance of this car's design. The only real aggressive hints are with the miniscule side ducts aft of the front wheels and some of the elegant bodywork. A modest and sporty set of five-spoke wheels compliment all four tires. The side profile also boasts an elegant roofline and a fluid rear spoiler as part of its design. The side view mirrors add extra elegance and aerodynamic charm.

The FD RX-7 boasts a lovely rear view. The brake lights and their overall design are nothing short of gorgeous on this '90s sports car. The most aggressive element at the back is the rear spoiler.

Interior.

Again- older cars are TOUGH to get a proper gauge on interior views on. I always try to base my interior views on original, unmodified interiors. Having said this, the view behind the steering wheel is pretty sporty. Many argue the car's interior still looks quite modern though this car was in production between 1993 and 2002. The way the air conditioning vents and the center console look, it seems like the interior is focused more on the driver's side than all-around comfort for the other passenger. Everything seems contoured more towards the driver on the dashboard than the other passenger. The RX-7 FD has a couple of nice seats.

Somehow, the RX-7 FD has back seats, but they seemed mostly there for novelty. You may likely push the seats back to access those rear seats.





I was just never fully excited about the RX-7 as I have been with the Toyota Supra. I don't, however, dislike the RX-7. The FD RX-7 is truly one of the most beautiful modern Japanese sports cars ever. I'm not going to put this car over the Toyota 2000GT as far as all-time favorite Japanese sports cars go, but it is definitely a beautiful car.

I hear the RX-7 could make a comeback in a few years phasing out the RX-8 (which I've done a "Car Style" post in the past). So it will be interesting to see the RX-7 make a proper return and revival. Perhaps will look as lovely as the FD RX-7 and be even more a great performer as the FD RX-7.

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