Mazda RX-7: FB, FC and FD generations and rotary engines

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 6, 2026

The Mazda RX-7 is a rotary-engine sports car built in three generations: the FB (introduced 1978), the FC (1986) and the FD (1991 launch, sold in the U.S. for 1993–1995). Output rose from 101 hp in early U.S. FBs to 255 hp from the FD's sequential twin-turbo 13B. Production ended in 2002 after more than 800,000 sales worldwide.

Type: Two-door, rear-drive rotary sports coupe
Powertrains: RX-7 FD (1995, manual), RX-7 FC Turbo II (1989), RX-7 FB GSL (early U.S.) · 101–255 hp
Current generation: Third generation (FD) (FD), 1993–1995 (U.S.)

Mazda RX-7 engines, horsepower and mpg

FB EPA figures are for the 1985 1.1L manual, the earliest year in EPA's database. Mazda's Japanese-market history lists 130 hp for the launch 12A; the 101-hp figure is Mazda USA's for the early U.S. GSL. Torque ratings were not published in the sources used.

Mazda RX-7 powertrains with Mazda-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
Version	Engine	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Drive	EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
RX-7 FD (1995, manual)	13B-REW twin-rotor rotary with sequential twin turbochargers (1.3L)[1][2]	255	—	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	15/23/181995 MY[2]
RX-7 FC Turbo II (1989)	13B twin-rotor turbocharged rotary (1.3L)[1][2]	185	—	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	15/22/171989 MY[2]
RX-7 FB GSL (early U.S.)	12A twin-rotor rotary (1,146 cc), carbureted[1][2]	101	—	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	15/21/171985 MY[2]

Output is as rated by Mazda; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

How the RX-7 rotary works

Mazda licensed the Wankel rotary design from NSU in 1961 and first used it in the Cosmo Sport. Instead of pistons, each rotor spins inside an oval-like housing, which makes the engine compact enough to sit behind the front axle: the "front mid-engine" layout that gives the RX-7 its balance. Every RX-7 used a twin-rotor engine.

Rotary racing success followed: Mazda says the RX-7 won 100 IMSA races, and a four-rotor 787B won Le Mans in 1991.[4][6][1][3]

Why the FD RX-7 is the collector favorite

The FD turned the RX-7 from a grand tourer back into a pure sports car. Its 13B-REW used two turbochargers in sequence for low-end torque and top-end power, reaching 255 hp, and the team cut weight to meet a target of under 5 kg per PS. It was only sold in the U.S. for three model years.[1][3][2]

Mazda RX-7 generations by year

Every US Mazda RX-7 generation with model years and engines, newest first
Generation	US model years	Engines	Notes
Third generation (FD)FD	1993–1995 (U.S.)	13B-REW rotary with sequential twin turbos, 255 hp	Launched in 1991 (as the Anfini RX-7 in Japan) with a "Plan Zero" weight-cutting program that removed over 100 kg. The U.S. got it for the 1993–1995 model years per EPA listings. Production ended in 2002, with the limited Spirit R as the final edition.[3][1][4][2][5]
Second generation (FC)FC	1986–1992	13B rotary, naturally aspirated or turbocharged; Turbo II rated 185 hp	More upmarket than the FB, with independent rear suspension and passive rear steering, aimed squarely at the Porsche 924/944. A specially prepared RX-7 set a Bonneville class record of 238.442 mph in 1986. EPA lists turbo versions through 1991 and a non-turbo 1992.[4][1][3][2]
First generation (FB)FB	1978–1985	12A twin-rotor rotary (101 hp in early U.S. GSL); EPA also lists a 1.3L for 1985	Mazda introduced the RX-7 in 1978 with the rotary mounted behind the front axle for near 50/50 weight balance, pop-up headlights and a curb weight around 2,500 lbs.[4][1][6][2]

More RX-7 research

See how an RX-7 was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mazda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the RX-7 generations?

FB (introduced 1978), FC (1986) and FD (1991 launch; U.S. model years 1993–1995).

How much horsepower does an FD RX-7 have?

The FD's sequential twin-turbo 13B-REW rotary makes 255 hp.

When did Mazda stop making the RX-7?

Production ended in 2002, with the limited Spirit R edition. U.S. sales ended after the 1995 model year per EPA listings.

How many RX-7s were sold?

Mazda says more than 800,000 RX-7s were sold worldwide across three generations.

What engine is in the RX-7?

A twin-rotor Wankel rotary: the 12A in early FBs and the 13B in later cars, turbocharged in the FC Turbo and FD.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Mazda for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

Mazda RX-7 Heaven: Legendary Rotary Sports Car — Inside Mazda (insidemazda.mazdausa.com)
Mazda RX-7 fuel economy, 1984–1995 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
The Savanna RX-7 Part 2 (2nd and 3rd generation models) — Mazda Motor Corporation (mazda.com)
Mazda US History timeline — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
Final Limited Edition of Mazda RX-7 'Spirit R' (Mar 25, 2002) — Mazda Motor Corporation (newsroom.mazda.com)
Mazda History (1920–1979) — Mazda Motor Corporation (mazda.com)

More Mazda tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.