Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A
The Spirit R Type A was Mazda's farewell gift to the RX-7 faithful — the final, most refined version of the third-generation FD3S before production ended in 2002. It represented everything Mazda had learned about the rotary engine and the RX-7 chassis across three decades of development.
The 13B-REW twin-rotor engine with sequential twin turbochargers produced 280 horsepower — Japan's gentleman's agreement power ceiling — at 6,500 rpm, with 314 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. The sequential turbo system used a smaller primary turbo for low-RPM response and a larger secondary turbo for high-RPM power, providing a broad, usable powerband with minimal lag. In reality, the engine likely produced closer to 300 hp at the flywheel.
The Spirit R Type A was distinguished by specific equipment: 17-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, Recaro fixed-back bucket seats, red Recaro seatbelts, suede-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Bilstein dampers, and a strut tower bar. The chassis was the two-seater configuration with the rear seat deleted, saving weight and providing storage space.
The FD3S chassis was a masterpiece. Double wishbone suspension at all four corners, with aluminum components to reduce unsprung weight, gave the car exceptional composure and communication. The 50/50 weight distribution was near-perfect, and the car weighed just 1,260 kg — remarkably light for a twin-turbo sports car. A five-speed manual gearbox was the only transmission.
The FD RX-7's styling, penned under design chief Yoichi Sato, was an exercise in flowing organic forms. Every surface curved into the next, creating a shape that looked fast standing still. The fixed headlights were a departure from previous RX-7s' pop-ups, and the compact proportions gave the car a purposeful, hunkered-down stance.
Only 1,500 Spirit R models were produced across Type A (two-seater), Type B (two-seater automatic), and Type C (four-seater) variants. The Type A is the most desirable. The Spirit R was sold exclusively in Japan, making exported examples particularly sought-after by international collectors.
The FD RX-7 Spirit R Type A is widely regarded as one of the greatest Japanese performance cars ever produced. Its combination of the screaming sequential-turbo rotary engine, perfectly balanced chassis, and lightweight construction creates a driving experience of extraordinary purity.
Rotary engine compression test is absolutely essential. Check for prior engine rebuilds — quality varies enormously. BBS wheels, Recaro seats, and Spirit R-specific trim should all be present and original. Verify JDM provenance and legal import documentation. The sequential turbo system must transition smoothly between primary and secondary turbos. Check for rust in chassis rails and sills.
Produced in 2002 as the final production run of the FD3S RX-7 at Mazda's Hiroshima factory. Only 1,500 Spirit R models were built across three types (A, B, and C). The Spirit R was sold exclusively in the Japanese domestic market.