The RX-7 was introduced in Japan in March 1978, replacing the Savanna RX-3, and joined Mazda’s Cosmo and Luce as a rotary engine-powered vehicle. The lead designer at Mazda was Matasaburo Maeda, whose son, Ikuo, would later design the Mazda2 and the RX-7’s successor, the RX-8. Mazda’s internal project number for the RX-7 was X605.
The first-generation RX-7, codenamed SA (early) and FB (late), was a two-seater coupé with a rear hatchback. It featured a 12A carbureted rotary engine, as well as the option for a 13B rotary engine with electronic fuel injection in later years. In 1980, Mazda introduced the limited-run North American model, the Leathersport, which included gold anodised wheels, brown leather upholstery, and a removable sunroof. Approximately 2500 Leathersport models were built.
The second-generation RX-7, internal model code FC, was offered as a two-seater coupé with a 2+2 option in some markets, and also as a convertible. This generation featured the 13B rotary engine in naturally aspirated or turbocharged forms. In 1986, the Turbo II model was introduced, rated at 182 hp and 183 lb⋅ft of torque. The FC was Motor Trend’s Import Car of the Year for 1986, and the Turbo II appeared on Car and Driver magazine’s 10 Best list in 1987.
The third-generation RX-7, model code FD, was offered as a two-seater coupé with a 2+2 version for the Japanese market. It featured a sequentially turbocharged 13B REW engine, producing 255 PS (188 kW; 252 hp) in 1992, and eventually 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). The FD was Motor Trend’s Import Car of the Year for 1993.
In 1981, a Savanna RX-7, driven by Pierre Dieudonné and Tom Walkinshaw, won the Spa 24 Hours race, defeating BMW. In Australia, Allan Moffat drove the RX-7 to victory in the 1983 Australian Touring Car Championship, and achieved podium finishes at the Bathurst 1000 in 1981, 1983, and 1984.
Racing versions of the first-generation RX-7 were entered at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with a 12A-equipped car placing 21st overall in 1980. The RX-7 also competed in the World Rally Championship, finishing 11th on its debut at the RAC Rally in Wales in 1981. The car also saw success in the IMSA Firestone Firehawk Endurance Series, with Peter Farrell Motorsport dominating many races.
The RX-7 appeared on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list in 1983, 1987, 1993–1995. Mazda produced several limited edition models, including the 10th Anniversary RX-7 (1988, 1,500 units), the GTUs (1989–1990), and the Spirit R (2002, 1,504 units). Mazda described the Spirit R as “the ultimate RX-7.”
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