Tribute to the Mazda RX-7

The New and Improved Mazda RX-7-Mazda of South Charlotte

Show of hands… who knows how to build a sports car? Mazda does, that’s who! The buzzy little bee that is the Mazda RX-7 was, and still is, in many circles, the epitome of a sports car – and it’s really no wonder. A sports car should be light, small, pushed by the rear wheels and easy (and not too dangerous) to toss around. You can still find the Mazda RX-7 that exemplified this perfectly around Charlotte, NC and in nearby towns like Concord and Matthews. Even with the on-the-way-out carburetor, solid rear axle, recirculating ball steering and drum brakes beneath the sleek sheet metal, the RX-7 still became a popular fun machine the world over.

The Mazda RX-7 is Light as a Feather, Quick as a Fox

A fellow named Ed Chapman said it best, “add lightness, then simplify”. Lightness and handling are things that Mazda understands. In the final year the Mazda RX-7 was produced in 2002, Mazda strapped under the hood a 2.6 rotary engine, capable of producing 276 HP @ 6500 RPM and 218 lb-ft of torque @ 5000 RPM. The RX-7 could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just around 5.7 seconds, reaching top speeds around 155 mph. While the fuel consumption in the city was only close to 15 mpg, the 2002 Mazda RX-7 was able to reach close to 31 mpg on the highway.

The Mazda RX-7 Impresses on the Track

Plenty of club-level racers hit that red line plenty of times, as the Mazda RX-7 quickly gained popularity on the track and in timed events. Mazda even pushed the RX-7 at Le Mans in 1979, though it missed qualifying by less than a second. The year after that, a Mazda-backed RX-7 took an impressive 21st place overall – and that against competition with engines very much larger. The Mazda RX-7 made a name for itself on famous circuits all over the world, winning race after race. While the RX-7 made the rounds at Le Sarthe, the engineers at Mazda were watching and learning – and working toward the incredible 787B model, with its 26B Wankel motor, which won the 24 Hours at Le Mans in 1991. This is the only time a Japanese automaker has won Le Mans, and it was with the only non-piston engine ever to do so. Imagine cruising (not over the speed limit!) your own circuit between Charlotte, North Carolina and the Fort Mill and Rock Hill, South Carolina area – and getting that special feeling that only a Mazda RX-7 can give you.

The Mazda RX-7 Handles Nicely on the Road

The Mazda RX-7 has the agility and balance of a dancer, rapid turn-in, great steering and a rear end that loves to play along, which means that the Mazda RX-7 is simply one of those cars that make driving around Matthews and Concord in the Charlotte, NC area just plain FUN. If you are curious, but haven’t been behind the thick and grippy wheel of one yet, you should take any chance you get to drive one – you won’t be sorry. In fact, you will probably find yourself looking to buy one ASAP. For tons of charm and character, enormous driving fun – and don’t forget those sexy pop-up headlights – try one today!

Written By: Robert Cole

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Tags: Charlotte, Concord, CX-9, Matthews, Mazda 6, Mazda CX-5, Monroe, NC, Rock Hill
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