RX-7: Mazda's Rotary Engine Sportscar -Revised 2nd Edition

Mazda launched its first rotary-engined car - the Cosmo - in 1966 and was the only car manufacturer to solve the major problems associated with Wankel's radical engine design so that the unit's potential could be exploited and enjoyed. Launched in 1978, the RX-7 provided effortless and uncannily smooth performance, attributes that endeared the model to enthusiasts through three generations of production. With each reincarnation the RX-7 became more of a Grand Tourer and less of a sportscar (a mantle handed on to the MX-5/Miata); global sales reduced as the car moved upmarket until, in the new millennium, the model was only sold in its native Japan.

Customer Reviews:

RX-7: Mazda's Rotary Engine Sports Car

By M. Halter - August 5, 2005

Very informative and interesting review of the RX-7's history.

the best of 2 or 3 books out there on rx-7

By D. Yuan - August 7, 2009

for true lovers of the rx-7, there are 3 worthy books out there for it. there's this one, and there's 2 written by japanese journalist jack yamaguchi and commissioned by mazda itself, one for the fc, one for fd. these're somewhat hard to find but they provide unbridled detail of these cars' development. they are also gorgeously illustrated, altho the writing can get a bit...er...engrish at times. other than those two, this book by brian long is absolutely the best. it follows his usual formula of a brief history of mazda and the development of the rotary engine, then detailed developmental history and evolution of the rx-7. the rx-7 is the most successful racer in imsa history, so there's also a requisite section on the racing exploits of the rx-7. the 2nd edition of this book also covers all the way up to the end of production of the rx-7

The best RX-7 book ever made

By me here - December 22, 2008

This book in it's second edition hardback form is simply the best book reviewing the complete RX-7 series to the 2002 models. I've been a passionate owner of original and latest series RX-7s and have worked played a lot with them, I could never have hoped to create a better book.

The red cover is the original around 2001 and the blue cover is 2004 covering the introduction of the RX-8 but importantly the last production run of RX-7s. For example, the ultimate, Spirit-R series.

It has information sourced from the right people and the right photos to accompany the detailed and passionate story.