Mazda RX-7 FC3S: The Second-Generation Rotary

The Mazda RX-7 FC3S (second-generation, 1985-1991) is the middle chapter of the RX-7 story. Launched between the lightweight SA22C first-generation and the dramatic FD3S third-generation, the FC was Mazda's attempt to prove that rotary power could be combined with Porsche 944-style luxury and sophistication. The result was a car that many rotary enthusiasts consider the perfect balance of old-school Wankel character and modern refinement.

The 13B Turbo Evolution

The FC3S came with two engine options:

• 13B naturally aspirated: 146 PS in later cars, a refined single-rotor per combustion chamber twin-rotor design
• 13B Turbo (13B-T): Initially 185 PS in early FC Turbo II models, climbing to 200 PS in late revisions

The 13B-T used a single Hitachi turbocharger with intercooler — not the twin sequential turbo of the FD3S. This made it simpler, more reliable, and more tunable. Tuners could safely make 300-400 hp with bolt-ons. The engine was the same displacement as the FD's 13B-REW (1.3L equivalent), but lacked the FD's sequential twin-turbo complexity.

The Chassis

The FC3S was engineered by a team led by Akio Uchiyama. Compared to the SA22C first-generation, it was larger, heavier, and more refined — a deliberate shift toward the "mature grand tourer" market:

• Wheelbase: 2,430 mm (vs SA22C's 2,420 mm)
• Curb weight: 1,280-1,380 kg
• Front/rear weight distribution: 50.7/49.3 — close to ideal
• Suspension: Double-wishbone front, rigid axle rear (revised for the FC from the SA22C's semi-trailing arm)

The FC was the first RX-7 to offer a turbocharged variant from the factory, and it quickly became the enthusiast choice. The "Turbo II" nameplate in the US market is highly sought after today.

Motorsport

The FC had an active IMSA GT racing career in the United States, with Mazda's factory-supported teams (Clayton Cunningham Racing) winning multiple IMSA GTU championships in the late 1980s. The famous yellow "67" car driven by Pete Halsmer won the 1988 IMSA GTU championship.

In Japan, FC-based race cars were staples of the All-Japan Touring Car Championship's middle categories, and the car was a regular entry in One-Make Mazda cup racing.

Production and Market

Total FC3S production: approximately 272,027 units from 1985 to 1992. Much more than the FD3S (~68k) that would replace it.

Today, clean FC Turbo II examples trade for $20,000-$40,000 in the US. Mint-condition cars with original paint and documented history bring $50,000+. The final-year 10th Anniversary Edition (1988, 1,500 built) is the most desirable variant.

Legacy

The FC3S was the bridge between Mazda's scrappy first-generation RX-7 and the masterpiece FD3S. It proved that rotary power could be refined without losing its soul, and it kept Mazda's rotary program alive through the late 1980s when Nissan and Toyota were dominating the performance market with more conventional engines. Without the FC, there would be no FD3S — and the entire rotary legacy would have ended in 1985.