The Mazda RX-7, specifically the third-generation model, is highly regarded in the car community. Released in 1992, this Japanese sports car impressed enthusiasts with its tiny 1.3-liter twin-rotor Wankel engine, which produced an impressive 252 horsepower.
With its light weight of around 2,700 pounds (1,224 kilograms) and its potential for modifications, the RX-7 became a favorite among tuners and has managed to compete with more modern rivals even today, 31 years after its debut. A video featured on this page showcases a slightly modified RX-7 being driven by YouTuber Misha Charoudin at the famous Nurburgring, demonstrating the car’s capabilities.
The car features stock brakes and semi-slick tires from Zeknova, a Japanese brand, mounted on Volk TE 37 forged aluminum wheels. The engine is also a stock two-rotor Wankel, which has been rebuilt and equipped with a single turbocharger conversion, replacing the original sequential twin-turbo setup. Although not as extreme as a 12-rotor engine, the modified motor produces around 400 horsepower, which is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The car does not have traction control or ABS, and the suspension has undergone minimal upgrades, such as stronger bushings.
The performance of the RX-7 is remarkable. Once the turbo spools up around 4,500 rpm, the tachometer and speedometer soar rapidly. In fact, the car is so fast that the original speed gauge, which goes up to 180 kilometers per hour (111 miles per hour), is inadequate for the car’s top speed. During the run, the orange needle on the gauge surpasses the maximum limit multiple times, highlighting the impressive performance of this 28-year-old vehicle.
In a race against various cars from BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and others, the lightly modified RX-7 outperforms most competitors. However, a yellow Peugeot 307 manages to stay ahead for a while, and a Porsche 911 and Cayman effortlessly overtake the RX-7.
Misha Charoudin completes a single lap in the RX-7, and by the end, the brakes are noticeably strained, making a second lap unwise. Additionally, the car’s loud exhaust sound during full acceleration means it would not have been permitted for another run anyway. According to Nurburgring rules, the static noise level of a car must not exceed 95 decibels, while the drive-by noise limit is set at 130 dB. It is likely that the RX-7 exceeded these noise limits.
Feel free to share your thoughts on the performance and experience of the Mazda RX-7 at the Nurburgring by leaving comments below the video.