Mazda wishes RX-7 a happy 40th – video
Paying tribute to a rotary legend with a tri-generational video.
The rotary is dead for now, but fans of the Mazda RX-7 are still very much alive and kicking. In a nod to the legendary nameplate on its 40th birthday, Mazda UK has assembled all three generations for a video.
Given they're now valuable classics, you could have forgiven Mazda for parking three RX-7s side-by-side and releasing a few photos. Instead, it let the loose with a presenter behind the wheel, for a walk through their significance.
The RX-7 nameplate debuted in 1978 on the 'FB' generation car. With a 1.2-litre twin-rotor engine and a 7000rpm redline, it made just 77kW – but they were some of the buzziest horsepower you'll ever find.
From FB the RX-7 evolved into the FC, and then the FD beloved by a generation of Fast and Furious fans. Power reached 209kW in its final guises, while the motoring media lauded the car's handling balance and snick-snick gearshift.
We're still keen for a follow-up to the RX-7 and RX-8. Come on Mazda, give the people what they want.