Mazda RX-7 FD3S Twin Turbo

Mazda RX-7 FD3S Twin Turbo

The FD RX-7 is arguably the most beautiful Japanese sports car ever made. When it debuted in 1992, its flowing, organic curves — designed under the leadership of Yoichi Sato — looked like nothing else on the road. Every surface was sculpted to cheat the wind, and the result was a drag coefficient of just 0.31.

But the FD was far more than a pretty face. Under its sensuous bodywork lurked Mazda's masterpiece: the 13B-REW twin-rotor Wankel engine with sequential twin turbochargers. The sequential setup used a small turbo for low-rpm response and a larger one for top-end power, delivering smooth, linear boost across the rev range. In Japanese market trim (the 'Spirit R' farewell edition), it produced 280 PS — the gentleman's agreement limit.

The FD was a driver's car through and through. Its 50:50 weight distribution, lightweight construction (under 1,300 kg), and communicative steering made it a benchmark for handling. The engine sat entirely behind the front axle (front-midship layout), contributing to its balanced dynamics. It was the car that Mazda's engineers built for themselves.

In the United States, the FD was sold from 1993-1995. Rising emissions standards and Mazda's financial difficulties led to its withdrawal from the US market, though it continued in Japan until 2002. The final Spirit R edition — limited to 1,500 units — is considered the ultimate FD.

The FD RX-7 became an icon of Japanese car culture, featured prominently in Initial D, The Fast and the Furious, and countless video games. Its unique rotary engine note — a high-pitched, turbine-like wail — is unmistakable and unforgettable.