What is the fastest Mazda rx7
The Mazda RX-7 is one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars ever made, instantly recognizable for its unique rotary engine and lightweight, rear-wheel drive road handling. But which generation of this beloved machine was the fastest off the production line? And how much speed can the RX-7‘s rotary heart unleash when uncorked by performance tuning shops? Let‘s go through the history of factory power, and highlight some of the most extreme modified builds that demonstrate this platform‘s immense tuning potential.
Generation Breakdown:
FB Generation (1978-1985)
The first RX-7 launched in 1978, bringing Mazda‘s compact rotary engine design to a sleek, affordable sports car package. Its 1.1L 12A engine produced just 100-135 horsepower, but the 2,300lb curb weight meant agile handling.
FC Generation (1986-1991)
The second gen FC arrived in 1986 with updated styling and a 13B rotary making 145-200 horsepower depending on trim. Turbo and intercooled models upped performance while light weight design ensured sharp dynamics.
FD Generation (1993-2002)
Widely considered the best generation, the FD RX-7 brought major updates like a smooth sequential twin turbo 255 hp engine, stunning fastback bodywork, and critically praised handling balance.
The pinnacle was the 1994 Spirit R model – a Japan-only homologation special with racing suspension, updated aero for high speed stability, and reduced curb weight down to just 2,800lbs. This collectible variant could hit 60 mph in a blistering 5.0 seconds.
Modification Mayhem:
While the Spirit R represents the fastest straight from factory RX-7, the model‘s immense tuning potential has been exploited to even greater extremes through private builds:
Engine Swaps
A common route to big power gains is swapping the rotary for high output options like an LS-series V8 or built 2JZ straight six. Tuned turbo Honda engines also make great substitutes, like this K20 motor making 563 hp:
[insert graph showing hp/tq curve]These swapped motors completely transform the power delivery while benefiting from the FD chassis‘ sturdy build and sharp handling balance. Expect sub-4 second 0-60 times and top speeds exceeding 170 mph from V8 and 500 hp+ turbo swaps.
Forced Induction
Of course, keeping the signature rotary powerplant is a priority for many. Large single and twin turbo kits are readily available, coaxing 500+ horsepower from the 13B with supporting mods.
As an example, this GReddy boosted RX-7 puts down 534 hp on the stock rotary engine, massively improving on the standard 252 hp output:
Bolt-on turbo upgrades open the door for incredible acceleration that surpasses hypercars – expect mid 3 second 0-60 times and 11 second quarter miles from properly built street/strip machines.
Ultimate Power – The 4-Rotor:
For the ultimate in exotic rotary power, shops have grafted together two twin-rotor 13B engines to produce a range topping 4-rotor 26B. It‘s an immense undertaking – these custom engines cost over $100k alone and require entire chassis cages to withstand the power.
But the results are staggering – this Top Gear featured example churns out over 2,000 horsepower on race gas, screaming to 230 mph in the standing mile. It demonstrates the awe-inspiring performance heights this compact powerplant can achieve in the right hands.
While not street legal, it shows off the rotary‘s immense tuning potential and gives the RX-7 a top speed crown among production derived builds.
[insert comparison table]So while the Spirit R remains the fastest factory model, modified RX-7s have demonstrated tremendous real-world speed thanks to clever engine swaps and extreme rotary displacement builds. Despite ending production in 2002, the RX-7 legend continues with these ever-escalating private tuner builds.
