Is the Mazda RX7 turbocharged?
3 Answers
The Mazda RX7 is turbocharged. It is a mid-size 5-door, 5-seat SUV with body dimensions of 4705mm in length, 1872mm in width, and 1645mm in height, featuring a wheelbase of 2750mm and a fuel tank capacity of 69 liters. Both front and rear tires are sized at 235/60R18. The Mazda RX7 is equipped with a 2.3T engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 173 kilowatts and a peak torque of 350 Newton-meters. It adopts a front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout, with a front suspension utilizing MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension employs a multi-link setup with a stabilizer bar.
I really love Mazda cars, and as a car enthusiast, I'll tell you that the RX-7 indeed has turbocharged models, but not all of them are turbocharged. The initial SA/FB series used a naturally aspirated rotary engine, purely driven by natural aspiration, with moderate horsepower, making it suitable for daily city driving. Later, by the late 1980s during the FC era, Mazda introduced turbocharged versions like the FC3S Turbo II, which featured a single turbocharger, faster engine response, and horsepower jumping to around 200, making it particularly thrilling to drive on highways. The most famous is the 1990s FD series, where most models came with a twin-turbo system—the first turbo activates at low RPMs to reduce lag, and the second turbo kicks in at high RPMs to significantly boost power, delivering close to 300 horsepower with a more aggressive driving feel. This design made it a classic in drifting competitions, with the unique howl of the rotary engine paired with the turbo's whistle being utterly captivating. If you're looking for an RX-7 in the used car market, remember to check the engine version; when driving a turbo model, it's best to warm it up for a few minutes to protect the engine and extend its lifespan.
I've driven several older RX-7 models, and the turbocharged versions truly enhance the driving experience. The early naturally aspirated models had smooth acceleration but lacked power. The Turbo II in the FC series, with its single turbocharger, delivered an exhilarating burst of power, creating an intense push-back sensation when you hit the gas. The twin-turbo setup in the FD era was even smarter, eliminating lag and making it perfect for quick turns and overtaking. The rotary engine's small displacement paired with a turbo not only improved fuel efficiency but also unleashed horsepower at high speeds, producing a unique engine sound on long drives. I still remember how, on the track, the FD Turbo's responsiveness outperformed many naturally aspirated sports cars, with no sluggishness in corners. However, turbo models require more maintenance—regularly cleaning the intake pipes to prevent carbon buildup is a must. When buying used, prioritize factory turbo versions to avoid issues from aftermarket modifications. Overall, the RX-7's turbo design was an innovative move, cementing its status as one of Mazda's iconic models.
