Mazda RX-7 Turbo

Since the late 50s Mazda was already working on the Wankel engine. The fact that the RX-8 was no longer available in the world does not mean that one has relinquished. You could still purchase it as a new car in Japan.

The RX-7 was also such an example for further development. Originated as relatively harmless sports car with average performance, it inspired by favourable pricing a larger public particularly in the USA. Advantage here: One does not look quite so strictly on consumption.

Then, in Japan the reins are tightened. Addition to a new chassis with replacement of the rear rigid axle the engine gets some more displacement and especially a turbocharger precise suitable for two chambers, oil and water cooled. However, one had further to fiddle about, in order to elicit the engine the final performance.

In one of the videos below you will see a fast lap of the Japanese version of the RX-7, the are not so seriously affected by the exhaust gas detoxification such as the European. But even this could be quite impressive in the circle of more than twice as expensive cars. Tester wondered about the driving performances which, however, required more effort than usual by the driver.

This is due to the aerodynamic shape and when accelerating at the low weight. And because an engine with two chambers is always more lightweight than an eight-, not to mention a twelve-cylinder, benefiting not only the kerb weight, but also the weight distribution. After all, a Japanese Wankel engine has also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The engine in the video below had plenty of power under the engine bonnet and its transmission seemed not notchy for the viewer. Even from a turbolag one felt not much. For this you would have to sit in the car. At the end is also said nowhere what was the consumption on the really fast lap, but probably almost beat the strongest of the cars yet. 08/14