Page 163 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

More models were offered: a 2 + 2 option (for very small children) in both the base and more luxurious GXL: a base Sports Package with power steering and firm suspension and a Luxury Package with power sunroof and mirrors, premium stereo and mag wheels. “Aero kit” spoilers and air dams reduced aerodynamic drag from a respectable .31 to an even more impressive .29.
Top of the line was the Turbo II model (there had been a Series I Turbo, but it wasn’t sold in the US). The turbocharger bumped horsepower up to 182, brought the 0-60 mph time down to 6.7 seconds and top speed up to 142 mph.
Needless to say, all these additions raised costs, and that meant higher prices. The base car remained an impressive $11,995, but the GXL jumped to $16,645 and the Turbo ballooned to $19,345. The 2 + 2 option added $500 to the Base and GXL. But in recognition that the extra scratch was worth the reach, Motor Trend named the FC RX-7 as its Car of the Year for 1986.
The accolades continued the following year, with the RX-7 making Car and Driver’s Top Ten list, while Road & Track recognized it as the Best High Performance Car in the $17,500 to $22,500 segment. Anti-lock brakes were offered for $1,300, an expensive option that few customers ordered at the time, but one worth finding today.
The base version of the RX-7 for 1988 was called the SE model, while the GXL remained the luxury alternative. A convertible was offered with a 3-position top, but only as a Turbo model. The
TOP: The 182-horsepower RX-7 Turbo II was a major step forward in performance. Mazda celebrated the RX-7’s 10th anniversary with a special Crystal White special edition limited to 1,500 units.
ABOVE: Convertible featured a removable rigid section over the passengers and a folding fabric rear section with heated rear window glass. RIGHT: Twin-turbo FD series was much more distinctive than its predecessor.
Mazda RX-7
convertible bodyshell was reinforced with thicker steel and double skins to compensate for the missing roof, adding 378 pounds to the car’s weight. The only convertible option package included leather seats, headrest speakers and a CD player. A 10th Anniversary Turbo model was priced at an intimidating $24,650. No automatic transmission was offered.
For 1989, the GXL variant received new wheels, a rear spoiler and color-keyed moldings. The base model was now referred to as the GTU. New two-stage variable length intakes on the 13B engine brought base power up to 160 horsepower. Fed by a new Twin Scroll turbocharger, Turbo power jumped to 200 horsepower and performance rose to 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and top speed of 146 mph. An electronic wastegate delivered peak torque anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000 rpm.
Multiple detail changes included a better gear shifter, the ability to hold the automatic in each gear, built-in fog lights for the GXL, Turbo and Convertible and smoked taillights. The Turbo got ABS and all models had improved gauges and more supportive seats.
The only change for 1990 was the addition of an airbag in the steering wheel, while 1991 would mark the FC’s final year. The RX-7 was reduced to three models, Coupe, Turbo and Convertible and a myriad of available options. All had air conditioning, power windows, door locks and an anti-theft alarm. Two option packages were offered. Package A added a sunroof, tilt wheel cruise control, four-piston disc brakes and better driver’s seat. Package B added leather seats and a CD player. The only option on the convertible was an automatic transmission.
FD Generation 1993-95
There were no new RX-7s sold in 1992 and leftover stock from the previous year sufficed until an astonishing twin-turbo replacement was launched the following year to almost universal acclaim. Designed from a clean sheet, it was a pure two-seater aerodynamic coupe, looking like it was fashioned of blown glass with a distinct “double bubble” roof. One of the designers was American Tom Matano, who had already scored a bullseye with the stunning MX-5 Miata roadster, which would sell one million units inside of 20 years.
The new FD RX-7 featured some revolutionary technology. The 255 horsepower, fuel-injected twin-turbo 13B engine displaced 1308 cc and could propel the sleek coupe from 0-60 mph in 4.9
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