The four speed manual was dropped, leaving only a 5 speed manual option left and the automatic versions. These included integrated plastic-covered bumpers, wide black rubber body side mouldings, wraparound taillights and updated engine control components. A number of changes were made to the RX-7’s body for the second series. Mazda introduced the second series of the RX-7 in 1981. The 50/50 weight distribution combined with the “live axle” 4-link rear suspension and the low weight made it a blast in the corners. The Savanna RX-7 was regarded as one of the best handling and performing cars of its day. The 105hp engine combined with the RX-7’s low 1,024kg kerb weight meant that the car could go from 0-100km/h in around 9.5 seconds and would go onto a top speed of 185km/h. It was also the first engine built outside of western Europe or the U.S to finish the 24 hours of Le Mans. The 12A was used in a number of Mazda’s other cars including the RX-2, RX-3 and RX-4. Mazda fitted the RX-7 with a 1146cc 12A engine that produced around 105hp and 144Nm of torque. This was a significant determination when paying the Japanese annual road tax which kept the RX-7 affordable to most buyers, while having more power than the traditional inline engines. Another benefit of the RX-7 was that the rotary engine had financial advantages in Japan as the displacement was below 1.5 litres. It was light, small and the compact rotary engine meant the power unit could be placed behind the front axle, improving the cars weight distribution. The RX-7 also had an advantage compared to its competition.

Compared to Mazda’s previous offerings, the new Savanna RX-7 was a true, hot blooded sports car, which followed the trend of other Japanese manufacturers. The car was designed by a team led Matasaburo Maeda, whose son Ikuo would go on to design the Mazda2 and Mazda RX-8. Mazda’s first RX-7 model was launched in March 1978 and replaced the Savanna RX-3.

Gran turismo 7 mazda