1995 Mazda RX-7 FD3S – The Ultimate Rotary Powered Sports Car
After two generations cementing the lightweight Mazda RX-7’s legacy melding fascinating looks to the high-revving rotary engine’s peaky power delivery, the advanced third generation debuted in 1993 (chassis code FD3S) blowing past familiar expectations. But substantial year-over-year improvements saw the RX-7 apex by 1995 offering uncompromising handling talents now blessed with horsepower levels matching the gorgeous slippery exterior styling.
Already revered among Japanese sports car enthusiasts, this version transformed the RX-7 halo into a legitimate Porsche 911 challenger thanks to over 250 horsepower from an improved sequential twin turbo 13B rotary powerplant. We explore why the 1995 FD RX-7 stands atop the model’s halo timeline.
1995 Mazda RX-7 Addressing Earlier Packaging and Power Deficits
Mazda engineers redesigned their RX-7 formula from scratch in the 1990s. A fresh smooth body design optimized aerodynamics and feature lines dramatically modernizing the wedge profile. Cabin space increased just enough allowing two full-sized passengers reasonable comfort despite the compact wheelbase. But early delivered horsepower from innovative sequential twin turbochargers feeding the 1.3-liter rotary engine left critics longing for more intense acceleration expected among premium competition like Nissan’s 300ZX Twin Turbo.
For 1995, Mazda bored out the rotary combustion chambers slightly while incorporating improved intake and exhaust flow dynamics surrounding the engine. These enhancements along with ECU tuning optimizations yielded nearly 80 more horsepower from the innovative compact powerplant – cresting over 250 horses for models optioned with a new performance package dubbed R2 distinguishing enhanced models for enthusiasts. The resulting thrust pushed acceleration and top speed into supercar territory at a sports coupe price evidencing Mazda’s focus on honing apex hunter competence blending everyday drivability.
Bespoke Chassis Maximizing Rotary Characteristics
While certainly sporting coupe cornering competence, earlier RX-7 generations carried substantial engine weight over driven rear wheels hampering handling tricks like throttle-induced oversteer drifts. Engineers moved the twin turbo 13B rearward and specified near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution eliminating inherent deficits working against the compact rotary powerplant located aft. An advanced multi-link double wishbone rear suspension optimized geometry mitigating lift-off oversteer snap embracing and enhancing FD3S dynamics for experienced helmsmen.
Mazda paired this advanced chassis configuration with four-wheel steering allowing tight inner wheel rotation and optimizing turn-in quickness while enabling stability through high-speed sweepers – technology adopted from the brand’s LeMans winning prototypes. Every component enhanced maintaining momentum carrying big velocities across winding roads. These improvements helped the RX-7 punch far above typical sports car weight figures thanks to handling designed around exploiting rotary power delivery.
Conclusion Of 1995 Mazda RX-7
The pinnacle third-generation Mazda RX-7 culminates through the year 1995 hitting the apex of capability, styling, and charm. While always offering an exclusive choice among enthusiasts, reliability gremlins and competitive horsepower lagged premiere Japanese sports coupes until the FD3S R2 addressed nearly all prior shortcomings. For a fleeting moment, Mazda channeled the rotary engine’s high rpm thrill into a legitimate Porsche challenger before tougher emissions regulations ended FD3S production just four years later.
This ephemeral brilliance cemented into legendary status still chasing unobtanium status among collectors today. Despite enormous FD tuner aftermarket support, a factory fresh 1995 example represents the ultimate and final rotary-powered halo sports car disappearing shortly after hitting sweet spot blending speed, handling finesse, and peculiar presence into an attainable package.
