Meet the Iconic Mazda RX-3, the Legend of the 70s

If there's anything as you know, absolute beauty, with perfectly adequate power, and a spinning launch, at an affordable price, then probably the Mazda RX-3 is the one to wear the crown. She's just marvelous, splendid, elegant. In fact, the dictionary isn't enough to describe her. Known for her rotary engine, the Mazda RX-3 is fascinating the world of automobiles till date, since 1971, although now it's discontinued.

Introduction

An iconic sports car, produced by Mazda, from 1971 to 1978, the Mazda RX-3 was one of those pioneer machines featuring the rotary engine that just uplifted the whole automobile experience. First showcased on May 30, 1967, the Cosmo Sport was the first Mazda to feature the two-rotor rotary engine, and in 1971, Mazda launched the RX-3, the heartthrob of many even today. However, the point to be noted is that the name RX-3 was only for the outer world. At home, she's known as Savanna.

Engine & Performance

They say, without Mazda, there would be no rotary engine, and without the rotary engine, probably today's Mazda itself would not exist. Designed by Felix Wankel, the rotary engine would never come true to life if the Mazda engineers would never give serious thought to this. Being lighter and smaller than the conventional piston engine, the rotary engine with a three-sided rotor spinning in a housing, is way smoother and silent than any of the piston engines out there. Due to the superior power-to-weight ratio, the rotary engine works exceptionally well on any occasion, a true carrot for the gearheads. The Mazda RX-3 was powered by a range of engines, depending on the trims and model year, ranging from a 10a to a 12a rotary engine, making 105-125 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque under the hood. The Mazda RX-3 with its top speed of 115 mph, could sprint in 10.8 seconds. It may seem to have a lower top speed compared to most, but due to its low curb weight of 1949 lbs, it becomes quite fun to drive the RX-3 across the town and outskirts, especially on the open roads. The Mazda RX-3 was a rear-wheel drive machine with 4-speed manual transmission.

Trims and Model Years

Launched in 1971, the Mazda RX-3 was available in three body styles- a two-door coupé, a four-door sedan, and a five-door station wagon. Coming with a 10a, the RX-3 Series 1 was equipped with a different suspension setup at both front and rear. While the front had coil springs, the rear was mechanized with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and while disc brakes were equipped at the front, for the rear rotors, drum brakes were assigned.

The following year i.e. in 1972, the RX-3 had gone through a huge change, packing a huge 12a rotary engine under the hood, for its GT model making around 125 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque. Coming with a lower suspension setup, wide tires, and a 5-speed gearbox, the '72 RX-3 GT was the best in drag.

In late 1973, the RX-3 Series II came out of the cave, packing the GT standard 12a engine with REAPS or Rotary Engine Anti-Pollution System. However in '74, a new engine 12b was introduced and equipped with the Series II, and the same engine continued till 1978. Coming with double seals on the side, the 12b could make 130 hp and 115 lb-ft of torque which made the RX-3 sprint to 60 in 10.8 seconds. Unlike 12a, its starter motor was located on the lower left side.

The next generation of RX-3, also known as Series III, was launched in 1976 with the same 12b as we find in the Series II, however, in addition, the Series III also was equipped with a lower spoiler lip at the front to improve the dynamics & high-speed stability. The Mazda Corporate badge now was placed on the grille, replacing the rotor-shaped badge, along with hexagon-shaped rear lights. The same statement was carried forward to 1977 also, with minor changes such as rectangular rear lights. However, in 1977, an optional RX-3 'special appearance package' was added, named RX-3SP to advertise the new 75,000-mile engine guarantee for rotary engines. Coming down, there was no such regular RX-3 available, instead, Mazda only sold the 'off-road' editions for racing.

Racing Career

Since its debut, the RX-3 was adopted as a racing machine, by both Mazda and the consumers. Grabbing first place in the Fuji 500 race in 1971, the Savanna or the RX-3 continued its racing journey while winning one after another. In 1972, the Savanna battled with the Nissan Skyline in the Japanese Grand Prix, winning the touring car category. Claiming over 100 races till 1976, the RX-3 a.k.a the Savanna had stopped the GT-R from winning a single race in 50 consecutive races. To commemorate this occasion, Japan received a special edition named V100. In the USA, the RX-3 had become a familiar winner in the SCCA and IMSA competitions.

Design and Appearance

Since its launch, the RX-3 posed as a baby muscle car. The aggressive front facia, a honeycomb net-covered small grille with the rotor badging in the middle, two pair of round halogen headlights, and of course, the side mirrors placed on the hood, just throw an unignorable appearance, even today. The sloping roof on the coupe just uplifts the aesthetic. On the rear, either round or hexagon or rectangular lights had been given, depending on the model year. Whatever shape had been given, that classy appearance never disappeared. The RX-3 can easily be termed as a compact muscle car, throwing tough competition to the larger counterparts. Due to its small size, and weight-to-power ratio, the RX-3 had been an instant success during the 1973 oil crisis.

A Final Note

Although now discontinued, the RX-3 has always been an iconic performance machine in the automotive industry. With the Savanna, the global automobile society could experience the beauty of the rotary engine, something that failed lots of companies, and even made the NSU go bankrupt. Whether its historic significance or the thrilling driving experience, the Mazda RX-3 continues to inspire generations of Mazda fans.