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20 Times Mazda Built Something Wild with a Rotary Engine

Cameron Eittreim June 13, 2025

Mazda’s rotary engine innovations have fascinated car lovers for generations. With its compact, high-revving design, the rotary engine became a symbol of creative engineering and fearless ambition. From dominating the racetrack to inspiring futuristic prototypes, Mazda’s rotary-powered creations have frequently defied expectations—and sometimes logic. This article highlights 20 of Mazda’s boldest rotary-engine moments, covering both the iconic and the obscure. Prepare to discover how Mazda’s obsession with the rotary engine led to some of the most exciting and unconventional vehicles the automotive world has ever seen.

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1. Mazda Cosmo Sport (110S)

In 1967, the Mazda Cosmo Sport (110S) made history as Mazda’s first production rotary-powered car. Boasting a twin-rotor engine and futuristic, space-age styling, the Cosmo Sport stood out on roads crowded with conventional designs. Its smooth power delivery and refined engineering stunned enthusiasts and critics alike. Today, the Cosmo Sport is a sought-after collectible that symbolizes Mazda’s fearless approach to innovation. Learn more about how this car launched Mazda’s legendary rotary journey.

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2. Mazda RX-3

The Mazda RX-3 hit the scene in the early 1970s, making rotary excitement accessible to a much broader audience. With its affordable price and versatile design, the RX-3 quickly gained popularity among enthusiasts and racers alike. Its lightweight chassis paired with a peppy rotary engine helped it dominate touring car racing, especially in Australia and Japan. The RX-3’s racing reputation endures, earning respect from fans and collectors.
See more about its impact on motorsport.

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3. Mazda RX-7 (First Generation SA/FB)

The first-generation Mazda RX-7, launched in 1978, set a new standard for affordable sports cars. Its combination of a rev-happy rotary engine and a lightweight chassis made it exceptionally agile and fun to drive. With sleek, timeless styling and a cockpit focused on the driver, the SA/FB RX-7 quickly gained a devoted following. This model established the RX-7 as an icon and paved the way for future rotary sports cars.
Read more about the RX-7’s beginnings.

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4. Mazda RX-7 (Second Generation FC)

Arriving in 1986, the second-generation RX-7 (FC) brought major advancements to Mazda’s rotary lineup. With a sleeker body, turbocharged rotary engine, and refined suspension, the FC delivered a more sophisticated driving experience. These upgrades made it a top choice for both everyday enthusiasts and motorsport competitors. The FC’s reputation in rally and drift scenes continues to inspire admiration around the world.
Discover more about this rotary icon’s evolution.

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5. Mazda RX-7 (Third Generation FD)

The third-generation RX-7 (FD), launched in 1992, is widely regarded as the ultimate rotary sports car. With its sleek, sculpted lines and a twin-turbocharged rotary engine, the FD delivered exhilarating performance and an unmistakable presence. Its perfectly balanced, lightweight chassis and advanced suspension systems set new standards for handling and agility. The FD RX-7 quickly became a cult classic and remains a highlight of 1990s performance motoring.
Learn more about this legendary machine.

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6. Mazda 787B

The Mazda 787B achieved immortality in 1991 by becoming the only rotary-powered car ever to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its extraordinary four-rotor engine produced a spine-tingling wail and relentless power, leaving an indelible mark on motorsport history. Mazda’s bold engineering paid off, as the 787B’s triumph showcased both innovation and endurance. Today, the 787B is revered by racing fans and engineers alike as a symbol of what’s possible when daring meets technology.
Read the story behind this unforgettable victory.

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7. Mazda RX-8

The Mazda RX-8 arrived in 2003 as the brand’s final production rotary sports car. Sporting an innovative four-door coupe layout and the advanced Renesis rotary engine, the RX-8 offered something truly different. Its perfectly balanced chassis and high-revving performance created an engaging driving experience for enthusiasts. With its blend of practicality and rotary excitement, the RX-8 introduced Mazda’s unique engine technology to a new era.
Explore details about this modern rotary icon.

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8. Mazda Luce Rotary Coupe

The Mazda Luce Rotary Coupe made its debut in 1969, blending Italian elegance and Japanese innovation. Styled by Bertone, this coupe stood out with its sophisticated lines and premium features. Under the hood, a rotary engine provided smooth, distinctive performance, making the Luce an early example of rotary luxury. Mazda’s ambition to pair cutting-edge technology with upscale motoring was clear in this unique model.
More info on the Luce’s legacy.

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9. Mazda Parkway Rotary 26 Bus

Mazda pushed the boundaries of rotary application in the 1970s by equipping the Parkway Rotary 26 minibus with a 13B rotary engine. This 26-seat bus proved that Mazda was willing to experiment far beyond traditional sports cars. While the Parkway Rotary 26 was produced in limited numbers, it stands out as one of the most unusual rotary-powered vehicles ever made. This quirky creation remains a testament to Mazda’s adventurous engineering spirit.
Read more about this rotary oddity.

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10. Mazda RX-500 Concept

The Mazda RX-500 Concept stunned audiences at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show with its radical, wedge-shaped body and mid-mounted rotary engine. Designed as a futuristic vision rather than a production car, the RX-500 featured innovative ideas like color-changing rear lights to indicate braking or acceleration. Its daring style and rotary heart made it an enduring symbol of Mazda’s creative risk-taking.
See more about this unforgettable concept.

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11. Mazda Eunos Cosmo

The 1990 Eunos Cosmo represented the peak of Mazda’s rotary luxury ambitions. This grand tourer debuted with the world’s first triple-rotor production engine, offering exceptional smoothness and power. Mazda even experimented with a quad-rotor prototype, underlining their technical daring. Inside, the Cosmo was packed with advanced features—touchscreen controls, GPS navigation, and a lavish interior. The Eunos Cosmo stands as a testament to Mazda’s ability to blend rotary performance with true refinement.
More details on this rotary flagship.

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12. Mazda Savanna RX-7 IMSA GTO

The Mazda Savanna RX-7 IMSA GTO was a dominant force in 1980s American motorsport. Armed with a turbocharged rotary engine and bold aerodynamic enhancements, it captured numerous victories in the fiercely competitive IMSA GTO series. Mazda’s consistent wins with the Savanna RX-7 elevated the brand’s profile among racing fans and proved the rotary’s prowess on the global stage. This racing legend remains a highlight in Mazda’s motorsport heritage.
Read more about its racing legacy.

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13. Mazda RX-792P

The Mazda RX-792P was Mazda’s ambitious entry into IMSA’s GTP class in the early 1990s. Powered by a four-rotor engine derived from the legendary 787B, the RX-792P was instantly recognizable for its dramatic styling and unforgettable rotary scream. Though its racing career was brief, the car’s audacious design and raw performance made it a standout in prototype racing. The RX-792P continues to captivate fans with its unique blend of innovation and spectacle.
Learn more about this wild prototype.

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14. Mazda Roadpacer AP

The Mazda Roadpacer AP stands out as one of the most unusual rotary-powered vehicles ever produced. In the mid-1970s, Mazda took a large Holden sedan from Australia and swapped in a rotary engine, aiming to create a unique executive car. While its performance was modest and its lifespan short, the Roadpacer AP’s blend of Aussie size and Japanese engineering makes it a fascinating oddity in Mazda’s rotary history.
Read more about this curious mashup.

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15. Mazda RX-01 Concept

The Mazda RX-01 Concept made its debut in 1995 as a forward-looking rotary sports car. With a compact next-generation rotary engine and modern, athletic styling, the RX-01 hinted at what a true RX-7 successor could be. Though it never transitioned to production, its innovative design language and engineering spirit clearly influenced the later RX-8. The RX-01 remains a favorite among Mazda concept enthusiasts.
Learn more about this forgotten rotary.

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16. Mazda Furai Concept

The Mazda Furai Concept burst onto the scene in 2008, captivating the automotive world with its dramatic Le Mans-inspired design and cutting-edge aerodynamics. Powered by a three-rotor rotary engine fueled by ethanol, the Furai embodied Mazda’s commitment to both sustainability and high performance. Its wild, futuristic looks and genuine track capability made it an instant sensation. Tragically, the Furai was destroyed in a fire during testing, adding to its mystique and legend.
Read the story of this unforgettable concept.

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17. Mazda RX-792P IMSA Prototype

2652f80d57d4e2840fd5deb12db1589b — Photo Credit: Wiki

The RX-792P IMSA Prototype made waves in the early 1990s with its four-rotor rotary engine and lightweight composite chassis. Its bold, aggressive design and signature rotary exhaust note ensured it stood out on the track. Although it didn’t replicate the racing glory of the 787B, the RX-792P’s theatrical presence and technical ambition left a lasting impression with motorsport fans.
More info on this memorable prototype.

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18. Mazda Familia Rotary (R100)

1968mazda Familia Rotary Coupe 11 — Photo Credit: Wiki

The Mazda Familia Rotary (R100) introduced rotary power to the compact sedan market in the late 1960s. This nimble little car helped Mazda expand into global export markets and surprised rivals with its lively performance. The R100 even made appearances in rally and endurance racing, proving that rotary engines could be competitive in smaller, more affordable cars.
See details on this influential rotary sedan.

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19. Mazda RX-4

The Mazda RX-4 of the 1970s brought rotary excitement to a larger, more refined platform. Available as a coupe, sedan, and wagon, the RX-4 offered families and enthusiasts a unique blend of comfort and performance. With its stylish looks and versatile body styles, the RX-4 helped broaden the rotary’s appeal well beyond sports cars. It remains a distinctive chapter in Mazda’s rotary history.
Read more about the RX-4’s impact.

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20. Mazda Spirit R

781b05194a55ae3392aaf6c09ae7f16e4eff10a4 — Photo Credit: Wiki

The Mazda Spirit R, released in 2002, represents the swan song of the legendary RX-7 and a fitting finale to Mazda’s rotary legacy. Limited to just 1,500 units for Japan, it featured enhanced brakes, refined suspension, and exclusive styling touches that set it apart. Enthusiasts worldwide revere the Spirit R as the ultimate expression of rotary performance—an exclamation point on decades of innovation.
If you’re passionate about rotary history, this car is a must-see.
Learn more about the Spirit R’s special place in Mazda lore.

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20 Times Mazda Built Something Wild with a Rotary Engine

1. Mazda Cosmo Sport (110S)

2. Mazda RX-3

3. Mazda RX-7 (First Generation SA/FB)

4. Mazda RX-7 (Second Generation FC)

5. Mazda RX-7 (Third Generation FD)

6. Mazda 787B

7. Mazda RX-8

8. Mazda Luce Rotary Coupe

9. Mazda Parkway Rotary 26 Bus

10. Mazda RX-500 Concept

11. Mazda Eunos Cosmo

12. Mazda Savanna RX-7 IMSA GTO

13. Mazda RX-792P

14. Mazda Roadpacer AP

15. Mazda RX-01 Concept

16. Mazda Furai Concept

17. Mazda RX-792P IMSA Prototype

18. Mazda Familia Rotary (R100)

19. Mazda RX-4

20. Mazda Spirit R

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