While often an underdog, Mazda Rally Car has fielded some highly competitive and iconic rally racers since the 1970s. Models like the RX-7, 323 GTX, and Protege highlighted the brand’s engineering capabilities against more powerful opponents. Let’s look back at Mazda’s history of giant-slaying achievement in rallying.
Mazda Rally Car’s Rotary Power on Loose Surfaces
In the late 1970s, Mazda entered its revolutionary RX-7 sports car into top-level rally events. The lightweight, compact rotary engine enabled excellent acceleration and agility ideal for rally.
While underpowered versus large-displacement rivals, the RX-7 made up for it with flawless balance and traction. In the hands of an expert, it could carry huge speed through corners. The RX-7 scored class wins in rallies like the East African Safari Rally.
Mazda also campaigned the rotary-powered Familia in rally sprints. Despite modest power, the little coupe snatched a manufacturer’s title in 1976. Mazda proved the potential of the rotary engine’s unique attributes.
Turbocharging the Underdog
Next, Mazda added turbocharging to its rally racers for more power from the compact engines. The RX-7 and 323 GTX models benefitted greatly from the forced induction.
The turbocharged and all-wheel drive 323 GTX became a potent rival to quicker competitors. It achieved frequent podium finishes despite being dated and underpowered on paper. Mazda’s engineering again overcame performance disadvantages.
The powerful and lightweight RX-7 also excelled with turbocharging. It remained competitive even as large-displacement rally cars gained 500+ horsepower. Mazda’s turbo models became famous for achieving more than their specs suggested.
The Giant-Killing Protege
In the 1990s, Mazda introduced the Protege rally car. The compact front-wheel drive shape didn’t initially strike fear in more powerful opponents. But Mazda optimized it into a giant killer.
Despite modest power, four-wheel drive, and racing heritage of rivals, the Protege scored big rally victories through superb handling and reliability. It won the East African Safari Rally two consecutive years – one of rallying’s most grueling events.
Once again, Mazda engineered an unassuming underdog beyond its apparent limits. The Protege became renowned for toppling competitors that outgunned it on paper.
Pushing the Mazda Rally Car’s Brand Forward
While Mazda has never won a top-level manufacturer’s title, its rally efforts proved the brand’s capabilities. Engineers honed modest platforms into overachievers via clever engineering and tuning.
The rally program also filtered down into engaging street cars like the turbo RX-7 and 323 GTX. Mazda maintained its racing tradition of doing more with less. The company’s rally efforts built enduring admiration among motorsport fans.
Against long odds, Mazda always managed to compete at the rally’s highest levels. The company squeezed every ounce of potential out of its compact, lightweight racers. Mazda’s rally legacy remains one of incredible triumph against adversity.
