Mazda RX-7 in the World Rally Championship
Manufacturer:
Mazda
Category: Group B
The Mazda RX-7 Group B car, designed for the World Rally Championship (WRC), holds a unique place in rally history. Mazda entered the Group B era with the RX-7 to showcase their rotary engine technology.
- Development and Debut: The RX-7 Group B was developed to compete against other Group B legends like the Audi Quattro, Peugeot 205 T16, and Lancia 037. Mazda focused on leveraging the lightweight and high-revving nature of the rotary engine.
- Performance: Despite its technological innovation, the RX-7 faced stiff competition and struggled against the dominance of four-wheel-drive competitors. The rear-wheel-drive layout of the RX-7 was a disadvantage on loose surfaces.
- Rally Results: The RX-7 had some notable finishes, including a 3rd place at the 1985 Acropolis Rally driven by Ingvar Carlsson. However, it did not achieve the consistent success needed to compete for championships.
- Legacy: The RX-7 Group B is remembered for its distinctive approach to rallying with the rotary engine. Although it did not achieve major success in WRC, it showcased Mazda's innovative engineering and contributed to the brand's motorsport heritage.
Mazda RX-7 technical specifications
The Mazda RX-7 Group B was Mazda's entry into the fiercely competitive Group B era of rallying, known for its high power outputs and innovative engineering. The RX-7's defining feature was its unique 1.3L twin-rotor Wankel engine, which provided a distinct advantage in terms of weight and power delivery.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 1984-1986 |
| Engine | 1.3L Twin-Rotor Wankel (13B) |
| Power Output | 300 hp (224 kW) |
| Torque | 271 Nm (200 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Suspension (Front) | Independent, MacPherson strut |
| Suspension (Rear) | Independent, multi-link |
| Brakes (Front) | Ventilated discs |
| Brakes (Rear) | Ventilated discs |
| Weight | 960 kg (2,116 lbs) |
| Top Speed | Approximately 225 km/h (140 mph) |
| 0-60 mph | Approximately 5 seconds |
| Wheelbase | 2,431 mm (95.7 in) |
| Length | 4,285 mm (168.7 in) |
| Width | 1,675 mm (65.9 in) |
| Height | 1,260 mm (49.6 in) |
| Fuel Capacity | 110 liters (29.1 gallons) |
