Richard Petersen of Houston,TX
RX7's are wonderfull sports cars. It is ashame that Mazda
discontinued the sale of one of the world best and pure sports car.
Maybe Mazda should make it affordable by eliminating bells and
whistles like power windows, power door lock, power sunroof, power
steering. These things add weight and cost to the car. If a
customer
wants lots of toy bells and whiltles, they should got to a
Mitsubishi
dealer and try 3000GT, but for pure driving pleasure and a very
tossable car, RX7 is the only one to drive. Minus the fancy bells
and
whistles that could break down, the Wankel engine is much more
durable
and reliable than the piston counter part. My 79 RX7 with 273,000
miles is still running to day. On the other hand, my wife has gone
through a few Honda Civics. I only had to replace clutch twice,
alternator, radiator, no timming belt/chain to replace, and
exhaust.
It has been a fantastic and fun car. I am hoping to be able to buy
another new one and drive rotary forever.
Steve Feiman; Renton, WA
I am a racing fan. Mazda won the Le Mans in 91 and has more
success
than anyone in the SCCA and IMSA. I now own a 82 and 93 because of
their racing heritege. Both are what sports cars should be: light
weight, oustanding acceleration and handling, excellent durability
and longivity. It's sad that RX-7's are no longer available in the
States.
Paul Cervantes
Greetings: As an owner and lover of a mint 1989 RX-7 GTU, I'd like
to
comment on the failure of the 3rd generation RX-7 in the United
States. Quite simply, its failure was a result of a price tag that
was
almost double that of the last 2nd generation cars of 1991. (As
most
of you know, there was no 1992 model) The real question is why did
the
price go up so high so fast? This question should be addressed to
Mazda U.S. Sure, 2 turbos added to the cost,but look at the rest of
the car in terms of sheetmetal, fit and finish and options. The
interior of a 93-95 has nothing on a 2nd generation GXL.
In the end, the 3rd Gen. RX-7 was a casualty of a changing market
and
corporate greed. Don't get me wrong, I love the 3rd Gen. cars, I'm
just viewing them in an objective light. Final point, the 2nd Gen.
cars were true road cars. They could, and still are, driven and
driven
HARD as daily drivers without a hint of trouble. Here in Southern
California, high mileage RX-7 prowl the roadways. The 3rd Gen.
model
is really a poorly disguised race car. Many of the cars sold in
California were quickly blown up or wrecked by owners who really
had
NO idea what they were driving. Ask the guys at Tri-Point
Engineering:
They can tell you story after story...
In the end, the fate of the RX-7 lies in the hands of Mazda U.S.
They
didn't stop bringing the cars in 'cause the didn't like selling
them,
but rather because they weren't selling. I'll buy a new RX-7
provided
that it is offered in a non-turbo and at finish level that is on
par
with Mazda's other cars. Anything less will be disgrace to the RX-7
marque.
Dan Keen
I am an avid fan of the rotary engine. I was first inspired by the
ability of the rotary design to produce such large amounts of
horsepower with such a small displacement area. Granted the rotary
engine has yet to solve the issues of it's low end torque problems,
turbo hesitation problem at 3000 rpm and low fuel mileage. Rumor
on
the internet has it that the newly redesigned rotary engine which
be
placed in the upcoming Mazda RX-01 solves all these problems. But,
regardless of this few set backs the Mazda RX-7 is the future of
what
is to come. With far less moving parts than a piston engine and
much
easier to work on (once you lift the engine out), the rotary engine
is
the future of the internal combustion engine. Some items of
interest
some people may not have heard about was the actual changes to the
new
rotary design (actual new designation still pending by Mazda) to be
placed in the Mazda RX-01. These changes are: a dry sump oil
system
(no oil reservoir pan), and the exhaust peripheral housing has been
moved to the side of the combustion chamber to improve the "long
flame" combustion problem with the rotors. The new engine is
rumored
to have been tuned to almost 230 hp without the help of turbos!
Imagine what this might new beast will yield if Mazda decides to
connect a turbo or two to this engine?! A figure of over 300 hp
would
be easily achieved. Another little tid bit about rotary engines.
Did
you know that a 20B rotary engine exists? That's right. The
engine
is only available in Japan (due to the 20B having problems passing
US
emissions standards for imports: a similar problem the 3rd
generation
RX-7 overcame back in 1992 before mass production of it began). It
is
a 2 liter 3-rotor rotary engine. The 20B engine produces about 320
hp
with a similar sequential twin turbo (2 Hitachi 125 turbos) set-up
that comes with the 13B 3rd generation RX-7 sold in the US. With
some
tweaking and a few thousand dollars of aftermarket "adjustments"
the
20B was producing over 500 hp and was street legal for the states
but,
only one exists in the continental United States (article in the
July
or August issue of Turbo Magazine). I am looking forward to
seeing
what Mazda will do in the future. With Ford's recent purchase of
Mazda stocks (and company holdings) we the rotary engine fanatics
may
finally see some big money going into the further development of
the
rotary engine. Feel free to write me if you have any further
information concerning the RX-01 development in Japan. The planned
release of the vehicle is for Japan only in 1999 (due to the
headlight
heighth being below US specifications, the US release was hindered
even more). Again thanks for your time in reading this, and I hope
this gives some insight and hope for our unique love of the Wankel
Rotary Engine.
David Morris
G'day ROTARY LOVERS. (from Oz) Mazda rotary powered anythings
create a passion for millions of people throughout the world. From
Grandpa, who owned a Cosmo "sports"/ 110S or an R-100/Familia
right
through to us today. Where the recent 20B powered JC Cosmo & the
(soon
to be extinct) 13B powered FD RX-7 fullfilled the dreams of those
who
owned them & sparked the dreams of those who couldn't.
Say the word "Mazda" to someone. chances are they will think of the
rotary &/or RX-7 etc.Now say Toyota. What do the majority think of
there ? Boring little sardine cans. Enough to make me want to go &
watch paint dry. It's PASSION that makes people do the things they
do.
People are passionate about who they are. INDIVIDUALS ! Thats what
the
rotary engines & there followers have in common. Plain & simple
individuality
The rotary engine will live via the RX-01 (which should get the 4th
generation RX-7 tag) & be on sale for the 99 model year. It will be
affordable & without the twin turbo setup of the third gen, a lot
cheaper to insure. BUT if ever Mazda had a car crying out for the
Rx
treatment, then it's the MX-5/Miata. Fed up with mazda's lack of
direction on the enormous demand for a BMW Z-3 killer. Some RX
shops
in Australia & Japan are now doing drive in-drive out rotary
conversions for custumers. Having 2 rotary models will detract from
each other some Mazda people say. Which must also mean V6 powered
626's take away sales from the MX-6 (same engine) or 323 sales
detract
MX-5/Miata sales (same engine).
Mazda, USA you were the guys that got the MX-5/Miata going in the
first place. Show your position is justified by pushing for an RX
option for it. "MAZDA INTRODUCES THE MX-5R. NEW ROTARY ENGINE
OPTION
ALONG SIDE THE 4 CYL SHOULD LIFT SALES TO NEW HEIGHTS" can you see
the
headlines, the enthusist's cram dealerships to get there hands on
one.
Mazda did it in 68 with the Cosmo/110S & R-100/Familia then again
in
78 with the 1st gen RX-7. Again in 88 with the MX-5/Miata. Now lets
hope they live up to the buying publics expectations for 98 with
the
(cost effective) MX-5r
Danaria Farris
To whom it may concern: I would encourage you to bring back the
RX7.
I bought a used 1993 touring RX7 just this year and it is by far
the
most exciting, powerful, reliable and beautiful car I have ever
known.
I am a college student living in Nebraska. Everyone discouraged me
from buying this car thinking of the harsh winters in Nebraska. But
my
red beauty has pulled me through. Heads turn everywhere I go. SO
MANY PEOPLE have asked me what kind is it? Where did you get it?
The
market potential for this car in the U.S. is wide open. Bringing it
back would not only benefit lucky drivers, but also your company!
Thanks for making such a great car, now just keep bringing them
over!
Eric Johnson: Helena, Montana
Dear RotoHeads: I love Rotary powered cars. I my opinion, the are
the most reliable and durable engines on the market. The handling
of
my 95 RX-7 R1 is beyong compare. I have driven some of the world's
best sports cars including the Accura NSX, Porshe 928S, and Boxter,
but my RX-7 out performed and out handled them. This car is
invisible to the wind; for it is very quiet at high speed. Here in
the Montana, my RX7 conquers all the hills and turns that make
Montana, Montana. The market potential for this car is enormous.
Build
several versions for different kind of drivers and watch sale soar.
For my taste, I like a light weight and as basic as posible sports
car. I don't care too much for power windows, power steering,
power
seats, for they rob the power of the engine and hurt the handling
of
the car. Not to mention, they increase the price tag and more
things
to breakdown. I would be very delighted to see more rotary powered
cars in the United States. PS: My RX-7currently has 157,300 trouble
free miles. Mazda, I love what you built for me. IT JUST FEELS
RIGHT!
Bao Nguyen
I'm a very big fan of the RX-7. I just love the way it looks and
the
speed it produces. I don't care if it's rotary or what, but it's
nice
to have a rotary engine car. I feel in love with the RX-7 (3rd
gen)
for quite a while now. I would take it over a new supra turbo,
corvette, new 300zx, new 325is...new M3....I'll always pick the
RX-7.
I love the smooth tiny look, the little engine, the size...the
panel..just about everything about the RX-7.
Shane Smith
Too whom it may concern,
I have owned Rx-7s all my life. They are truly amazing cars. Right
now
i curently own a 91 convertible. Every one I know loves the cars.
And quite a few have expressed intrest in purching one. Please keep
the rotaries running.
Shane Smith
Craig Scott, Portland Oregon
There is something special about driving a rotary powered car.
I've
own the 1st generation, 2nd generation, 3rd generation, and looking
forward to own more as long as I am alive. But sadly, they don't
ship
them the US. Can I still order from Japan?
Seth Kull
My 87 RX-7 Turbo has over 231,000 miles, but still very reliable
and
very quick. It still loves to rev to 7000RMP. Try that with a
Mustang or Camaro and see if their engines would tolerate it. I
have
beaten guys with 88 Porsche 944 and 86 Nissan 300ZX in handling
and
acceleration. I am planning to keep this baby forever. My dream
is
to buy another rotary car and modified for autocross. Mazda," IT
JUST FEELS RIGHT" Sincerely, Seth Kull, Tampa Florida
Gabriel E. Paul
To whom it may concern:
I am currently a college student finishing my last year of college.
I
own a 1986 Mazda RX-7. It is gorgeous. My real concern is that
Mazda
discontinued its import to the United States in 1995. As a current
RX-7 owner, I love my car, it has been stored and only has 60,000
miles. I will soon be in the market for a new car, though. I
would
love to buy a brand new, third generation RX-7. I guess I will
have
to settle for a used one. Unfortunately for Mazda, they do not
realize that many other people, like myself, are in search of
something so unique, nimble and powerful as the RX-7. I would
gladly
part with the money it would take to buy a new one.
Sincerely, Gabriel Paul
1029 Arnold Street Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858
j carlos ber
the rx-7 has been a dream car since it was first introduced to the
world. it has remained on top with other elite foriegn cars. i have
one of my own - an '89. i have been saving for the '99. to stop
such a
beautiful design from becoming more exotic is like taking the
bottle
from a baby when he's thirsty. please allow one to be made for '99!
jonathan krams
to whom it may concern, my first introduction to the magic of
mazda,
was a silver 84 or 85 gsl-se that my neighbor drove. it was a
stunning
car, though i was only 14 years old. i did not quite understand all
there was to know of the car, but knew there was something
different
about it. a few years later my mother bought a 1986 red second
generation. she timed it perfectly with me getting my drivers
lisence.
at this point i was certain there was something different about
this
car. a few years later, my father(parents divorced) purchased a
cherry
1982 rx7. that made two 7s in one family. the first generation car
in
my opinion was the nicer of the two. this second car would soon
become my car, as my dad would go on to purchase a 1988 car. this
would make 3 rx7s in one family. we should have changed our last
names
to Wankel. there have been two other rx7s in the family since. the
current belonging to my dad is a 79 finely crafted to a
street/track
monster. by far the best one yey. i do miss my first generation. i
am
saving up to buy another one as a second car. the love affair still
lingers, and always will.
Luis Martinez
I Chemical Engineer , and i working in multinational corporation. I
travel a lot in and out side of united state, i love cars, in all
my
trips a get the opportunity to use a car ,i do not see a car like
the
RX7 in preformance, smooth, and beauty. I have one from 1982 , i
buy
went was in college in utah , rigth now the Rx have 200,000 miles,
and
fill like new.
Joe Davidson, New Mexico
Dear Mazda, I am a potential buyer and my soon to be wife wants a
new
one too. Right now we both drive RX7's, but our cars have too many
miles We will be on the market for PURE sports cars. Our RX7's(78 &
84) are remarkable cars; they have brought joy to our lives. In
fact,
I met my future wife on the freeway driving her tan RX7. We both
are
professionals (she's a computer programmer and I and physical
therapist). Althought we own newer cars, 97Maxima, 96 626es,
94LexusSC300 none are as fun to drive as our old but reliable
rotary
RX7's. PASSION FOR THE ROAD, MAZDA!
Mauricio R. Melgar
I have owned a Mazda Rx7 since 1987. Just when I was ready to buy
my
third generation Rx7, they disappered from the market. I hope
Mazda
introduces it again with 3 rotors so it can be faster than any of
its
predecessors!
Tin Nguyen
I am a performance car enthusiast. I love performance cars,
especially
the Mazda RX7. Mazda needs to bring back the RX7 to the United
States.
The RX7 was the best performance car out on the market in the U.S.
until you took it away. The RX7 has everything: looks, speed,
performance and power. On a scale of 1 to 10, it deserves an 11.5
mike crandell
the rx7 is the first sports car that i have driven and i am hooked
I am only 18
IT'S A FUN CAR!!!!!!!!!!
Paul Wearing
I am the proud owner of my 3rd Rx-7. A '79, an '85 GSL-SE and a
'94
which was purchased new. This is perhaps the most fun-to-drive car
ever! The acceleration, braking and overall grip are amazing. We
have recently purchased an A4 Quattro as the family hauler and it
approaches the confidence of the Rx-7 in terms of grip. After all
these years, people still come up to me and ask what is this car?
The
styling is just beautiful and really turns heads. I have not
really
considered a replacement for this car because to equal it, you
would
have to spend $50-60K!! The new rage of expensive sports cars
(Boxster, Z3 2.8, SLK)shows there is a market. I am almost more
interested in the survival of the rotary as much as the RX-7.
Mazda/Ford, bring over that test-model next generation 7 with the
non-
turbo rotary that has been in all the publications. It won't match
my
'94 but I will still buy one! At about 25K, it would be a good
value.
If not, offer a 170 hp, fuel injected 13B in the Miata. I would be
happy to write you a check for either of these cars! Had the
Millenium been available with a 3 rotor, I would have one of those
instead of the Quattro.
COLE E.HOWARD
DEAR MAZDA AND ROTOHEADS: I was on my way back to work from lunch.
Cruising my in red TII. Shucks, I am so nice with obeying the speed
limit, that I pulled in front of cop. Then all of a sudden the cop
throws his flashers on, and motions for me to pull over. I know I
wasn't speeding. Anyway, the cop asks for my license. I can't find
them. He tells me that my tags have expired. Oh shucks, the same
thing
happened the other day, in my GSLSE, but I had the new sticker
(tag)
in the glove box. So, I told the cop that I have the sticker, and
my
license, but can't seem to find either one. Then he sizes me up
for a
crook, and pats me down, before he lets me go through my pockets to
look for my license.
Meantime, a crowd is around, and I look like 'public enemy #1'!! He
tells me that he is going to lock me up, if I don't have license,
an
he just checked, and I don't have the new sticker, and will have
my
car towed.
I told him, that he could lock me up, but please don't tow my car,
I
am a 'car freak'. He had to turn his head, so I wouldn't see him
laugh. He had be playing the super-tough-cop role the whole time.
He
asked me if he could look through my car, since I was in a area
where
they do sell drugs.I said yes. Anyway, the cop let me drive my car
back home with an unregistered tag.
I told him, that I really appreciated that. I was sure he couldn't
lock me up, but he could have given me a ticket, and had my car
towed.
That would have been close to $300 and any damage from the towing..
My TII looked good too..
By the way fellas, stop flaming each other..Shucks, use all the
flaming energy, to find better and cheaper ways to make our cars
faster, better and more fun.
Also, I am trying that 50 free hours with AOL, and I have three
users
names. My main username at AOL is: [email protected] The other 2 are
[email protected] and [email protected]
Safe rotoring to all, -
----------------------------------------------
------------------------ Coleman E. Howard
http://www.erols.com/cehoward 85 GSL-SE
http://www.erols.com/cehoward 87 TII Red
http://www.erols.com/cehoward/fc.html 86 VFR700F2
Poem---
>http://www.erols.com/cehoward/bk.html Clark Accurized 1911A1
Tuned to 3inch at 50 yds 10shot Groups. Tandem AFF Skydive
Super Clean Driving Record
------------------------------------------
Ross McIntosh
We bought an '82 RX-7 just under a year ago. It has been a joy to
drive, bringing back the good old days feeling of wanting to drive
just for fun. Of course that's not PC, but the RX makes me want to
drive several miles, on winding roads, to get to the store a couple
of
blocks away.
Mazda, you screwed up. The turbos are great, but you lost sight of
your target. Bring back a moderatly priced RX-7. Maybe a coupe
version of the Miata, perhaps even a rotary verion of the MX-6,
best
of all a freshly designed two seater costing around 20% more than
the
Miata, with turbos scaled up from there. The RX-7 is too good to
lose.
Cole Howard
Fellas, you all know, I am a 1st and 2nd gen person. I am browsing
through the mags at the supermarket, when I see this mag (Turbo)I
think, and they have the baddest 3rd gen I have ever seen on the
cover. It is bad! How come you 3rd genners haven't seen or
mentioned
it?
Anyway, I read about all the goodies on the car. Shucks, I couldn't
stand it! The car is tricked out with engine, supsension, sound
system, wheels/tires. Man oh man! It was a 93 too.
Then at the end of the article, was a short plead to Mazda to
contiune
making the sports car. Couldn't be said any better than that..
60;P> Safe rotoring,
Teresa Hughes
I currently own a 1986 Mazda RX-7 GXL. I have only owned it for 5
months, but already I am so impressed.
I recently took it in to be serviced. Since it is a used car, I
wasn't quite sure how well it would run. But the comments of the
dealership that worked on it put me at ease, and assured me that
although my car is almost 12 years old with 90,000 miles on it, it
is
a very quality piece of automobile.
The dealership tested the compression of the engine, and said that
it
was excellent, and they were amazed that the condition of the
engine
was that way, because of it's age.
I'm now planning on fixing the small cosmetic details that need
fixing
- since there is nothing else to do to the car to bring it into
mint
condition. Then I plan on keeping as a keepsake, driving only in
summer months for my enjoyment. And I truly enjoy my car, and
would
quickly purchase another RX-7.
Kev Mosher
I am the proud owner of a RX-7 and am looking to purchase a 98
model.
However, there are none to buy! Bring back the RX-7!! Myself and
many of my friends would be grateful!!
Chad Williamson
I currently have a '87 RX-7, I believe it is the superior sports
car
even in today's diversity of sports cars. Iam only 18 right now,
but
all the money I ever make goes into insurance, gas and add ons for
my
RX-7.I would like to own nothing but RX-7's for the rest of my
life.
That may become harder now that shipment to theU.S. has ceased. I
would very much like for them to continue to be sold in the U.S.
Kenneth Konarik
I own a 86 RX-7 and it has turned out to be the best car I have
driven. With the Foregn sports cars dissappearing The RX should not
go
with them. The SUV trend won't last forever and people will always
have the need for speed. The Rotary also has the ability to out
last
any conventional engine out there. I plan to own a RX-7 as long as
I'm driving.
This is to inform you of my E-mail address change to that which I
had
submitted earlier.
Terry Tyrone Miller
I have always loved the RX-7 with it's simple yet refined and
efficient rotary engine. I owned an '87 and now own a '91, that I
will
never part with and I would like to own a '99. Porsche said it
first
but MAZDA did it for me, the RX-7 has no subsitute.
Tom Gee
I purchased a new RX7 GSL-SE in 1985, and still drive it. It runs
as
well and is as tight today as it was in 1985. When I purchased a
new
car several months ago, I would have purchased a 3rd generation RX7
if
one had been available. Instead, I bought a Jaguar XJS
convertible.
BRING BACK THE RX!
David Penner
Ever since I first laid eyes on the Rx-7 I've been in love. I
currently own 2 an 88 SE and an 87 Turbo II. I was out car shopping
and was considering buying a Toyota Celica or maybe a Talon but one
day that graceful shape which we have all come to love caught my
eye,
the sleek and beautiful automobile that is the Rx-7. So I took it
out
for a test drive and was quite impressed. The smooth and powerful
acceleration and it's incredible agility hooked me forever. While
the
SE was fast it wasn't the blazing Mustang eater I wanted. That's
when
I discovered the Turbo II. The Turbo II took my love for the Rx-7
to
new heights. I love having a ten year old car that will go out and
smoke some teenage punk in a Talon or an Eclipse. Even people with
Mustangs and Camaros think twice before tangling with IMHO one of
the
truly great sports cars produced. Now those of us that love our
sevens
can't go out and buy a new one. I would love to have a brand new
Rx-7
hurtle me to new heights of speed and control. But alas Mazda feels
that the market has dried up... which isn't true at all. So to the
powers that be at Mazda. Bring back the Rx-7.. you truly had
something
very special and dear to us and it's a shame that so many of us
might
have to settle for something less than the best.
joe
I just purchased a 93' and I think that to see this car go is truly
unjust without giving a legitimate reason to stopping the
production
of them in the states. if you look at other competition in the
foreign
sports car market, there really isn't any. The supra, which is way
too
expensive for the car it is won't be a problem and for the
Mitsubishi
and Nissan, no chance. I think that the cause of sales to decrease
was
a lack of advertising the car. I have gone to many car shows over
the
years and i rarely ever see an rx7 being showcased. I think it was
in
poor judgement to stop the production of these beautiful cars in
the
states and hope there is a change of heart.
Stefan Ikelman
I own an 82 and a 94, and I'd love to add a 4th generation car to
my
collection. I've owned the 82 for 3 years and 25000 hard driven
miles
(it now has 110,000) and has never let me down! It may not look
like
much anymore, but it's still the most fun, reliable car I've ever
owned! (Besides possibly my early Ford Mustangs). Bring back the
RX-
7!!!
PAUL SAMULSKI
I currently own an 81 model RX7 , this car is the best thing on
earth
!! It has a 12A Mild port with a BIG Exhaust but I plan to either
install a 12A Race bridge port or a 12A TURBO . Rotaries are the
best
engines around and if anyone had not been for a ride in a rotary
then
you don't know what you are missing out on ! I have been into
rotaries
for years and I don't want to see the rotary be an engine of the
past
!!
Bill
I first drove the RX-7 with my friend last year. He had an '84 and
after feeling the rotary engine I have pined for one ever since.
Three
weeks later, I bought a 1987 RX-7. and I think that I will only buy
rotaries from now on! I would hate to think that I could not get my
hands on a 1998 RX-7, so Mazda, bring her back, OK?
Collin Webster
Few cars are as exhilerating as the RX-7. This car is a work of
art,
and was the the only purely sportminded car in the under $50,000
class. I am so captivated with RX-7's that I bought my first one at
the age of 15. There is no other car that I would have taken on the
responsibility of payments to own. It was a 1986 RX-7. Curently, I
onw
a 1988 GTU. And I love it. It is the most fun car to drive. Period.
The third generation is so captivating that I have promised myself
that at some point in my life, I will own one. I only hope that
Mazda
brings them back, or something similar, and I can purchase a new
one
instead of a used one. The rotary is such a wonderful powerplant,
so
small yet so potent, that I will always regard it as the best
powerplant for a sports car.
Steve Mohl
While it's a beautiful looking car and a real performer, it's also
the
biggest piece of shit Mazda has ever produced. After going through
an
engine fire, shitty attitude from MMA, engine replacement in a new
one, etc, etc, etc, etc. There's not enough room in this space to
continue. The way I was treated after purchasing 3 Mazda's, this
web
page is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. Of course, my
opinion is biased. It is a damn shame but I will never touch a
Mazda
again. The way that they treated their customers is so
unprofessional. They must think we're stupid or something. Anyway,
sorry but unless they totally revamp the car and prove it worthy of
what they advertise, they shouldn't
60;P>
Gabriel E. Paul