The Mazda RX-7 (also called the
?fini RX-7) is a sports car produced by the Japanese automaker Mazda
from 1978 to 2002. The original RX-7 competed in the affordable
sports car segment with the likes of the Nissan Fairlady Z. The
styling was inspired by the Lotus Elan +2. It featured a unique
twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine and a sporty front-midship,
rear-wheel drive layout, making it well balanced and appropriate for
racing. The RX-7 was a direct replacement for the RX-3 (both were
sold in Japan as the Savanna) and subsequently replaced all other
Mazda rotary cars with the exception of the Cosmo.
The original RX-7 was a true
sports coupé design, as opposed to a sports car like the Triumph TR6
or a sedan with sporting intentions. The compact and light-weight
Wankel engine, also known as a rotary engine is situated slightly
behind the front axle. It was offered in America as a two-seat
coupé, with four seats being optional in Japan, Australia, and other
parts of the world.