Miguel Sánchez
Last January, when we announced the Death of legendary Mazda engineer Kenichi Yamamoto, we tell you the story of the Yabusame. Those archers of ancient medieval Japan who pulled from their own horse on the run. Imagine the pulse they had to have! But, above all, you have to think about the necessary complicity with your mount. They were to be one with their horse, make it respond perfectly to the slightest touch.
This particular riding technique was called "Jinba-ittai", and it was the idea that Mazda engineers were inspired to build the brand's sports cars. Agile, very manageable and equipped with well-balanced chassis. An accumulation of virtues that was synthesized in models such as the 110S or MX-5.
Virtues among which - although there are always detractors - is the rotary motor: that device without cylinders where the four-stroke combustion process is carried out within a single chamber within which, a triangular rotor, is in charge of transmitting the force to the crankshaft. This engine is the one that has powered Mazda Thoroughbred sports cars, doing so with the RX-7: a model as sensational as it is difficult to see, that now you can rent with some luck ...
MAZDA RX-7 FD: THE MOST CELEBRATED EVOLUTION OF THE MODEL
Mazda named with the letter "R”They respond to the motorized ones with the rotary ingenuity. An ingenuity that adapts well to sports vehicles, since it has two attractive characteristics for them: its very good displacement-power ratio and its ability to deliver torque in a joyful and progressive way. Although of course ... Not everything was going to be advantages: many argue that maintenance and the high consumption of oil and gasoline are weak points to take into account.
Specific problems aside, the truth is that there has always been a whole legion of admirers of the models "R". And of all the models… We dare to say that the most beloved is, by far, the RX-7. And more specifically ... His third evolution, known as FD and that, since 1992, has been lining many folders and rooms with its image of an authentic Japanese sports car.
A coupe with two real seats - in the two rear ones the only thing we can think of to accommodate is a pair of backpacks to spend the weekend - that thanks to its stability and good behavior quickly achieved the blessings of drivers with sports whims. Not to mention its clear mechanics, which is based on a 1 liter engine that goes from the 252 to 276CV depending on the version. In those of "Street" launched by Mazda itself of course, then more things could be done ...
A total weight of 1300 kilos gives a power / weight ratio that is not bad at all. And also, in case all this seems little ... aerodynamic coefficient around 0'29 depending on the use or not of ailerons and a twin turbo they add additional incentives. Not bad at all, right? So it is logical that the tests always indicate the same thing: the Mazda RX7 is an extremely fun and efficient sports car.
RX-7: IF YOU CAN'T BUY IT ... YOU CAN RENT IT
Taking a quick look at the second-hand market, we see that the RX-7 is around 40.000 euros. And not only in Spain, since the same figure is rolling in the United Kingdom. However, the problem is not only one of liquidity. Even if Mazda produced almost 70.000 units ... It is not easy to see or get hold of one. At least in Europe.
For this reason, if you want to live the experience of driving one of the most genuine Japanese sports cars in history ... Perhaps it is better that you resort to the rental route. This is exactly what Patrick C., the proud owner of a Mazda RX7, must have thought who offers it for rent during specific days.
A radical bet that only has one problem. Do you remember that a few lines above we told you how difficult it is to find an RX7 in the second-hand European market? Well, renting it in the old continent is not easy either. The unit we are discussing today is rented in Denver, Colorado. Well, so it seems to link curves on the roads of the Colorado National Monument it has to be wonderful ...
In short, it is much easier to find and buy its successor, the RX-8, whose units can still be seen circulating in our country. The RX-8 retains the essence of the 'R' and adds important improvements that you will surely like to know. Currently, and as our colleagues from Power art then it is a most attractive option in the second-hand market ...
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