TKE 1293 Mazda RX-7 is on display at the Pacific International Auto Show on until Sunday at B.C. Place - than the previous model. ws a“ Mazda RX-7 IF YOU accept the traditional definition of a sports car (lightweight, two-seat, front engine/rear-wheel-drive automobile designed for handling and the pure pleasure of driving), then the new RX-7 is more of a sports car than the previous RX-7, or for that matter, almost any other car in its class. While critics, including myself, are not overwhelmed with the new styling, the RX-7 has undergone a phenomenal improvement in per- formance. Handling, acceleration, steering response, and braking have all improved, while ride and interior room have suffered a lit- tle. Most new performance cars are getting heavier and more lux- urious, but the new RX-7 is 90 kilograms lighter than the previous model and considerably lighter than most cars in its class. This, combined with a 25% in- crease in horsepower, gives the RX-7 an excellent power-to- weight ratio. Mazda engineers claim it is the oe best in its class (with the possible exception of the lightweight, alu- minum-bodied Acura NSX). The RX-7’s comparatively tiny 1.3- litre two-rotor Wankel . engine with twin turbochargers develops an amazing 255 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. If you’re in a real hurry, the RX-7 will rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in under six se- conds. Despite its impressive accelera- tion, handling, not straight-line performance, is the RX-7’s major virtue. With its small rotary engine placed behind the front wheels, the RX-7 has a low centre : Photo submitted THE RX-7°S wide centre console features controls and instruments pointed directly at the driver. of gravity and an ideal 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. A new four-wheel independent suspension using double wishbones, coil springs, and an- ti-sway bars, and wide 225 50- series 16-inch performance radials complete the handling package. Though the RX-7’s ride is a lit- de harsh (another true sports car characteristic), it remained glued to the road during my test drive over some very twisty roads. The engine speed-sensitive power steering (claimed to be 30% quicker) is fast and direct, while the five-speed manual box, posi- tioned high on the centre console, has a firm, short throw (not quite as short as the Miata, though). Ventilated, four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS proved to be very powerful. In general, I would say that the RX.7's handling limits are well bey: ple’s abilities. Price as tested $41,500 Type two-passenger, two-door sports car Layout longitudina! engine/rear wheel drive Engine 1,308 cc two-rotor in- line Wankel, sequential twin turbochargers with intercooler. Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection Horsepower 255 @ 6,500 rpm Torque 217 @ 5,000 rpm Transmission five-speed man- ual (electronically-controlled four-speed automatic) Curb weight 1,309 kg/2,885 Ibs. front 1992 - North Shore News - 23 NEWS photo Mike Wakefield it’s 90 kilograms lighter and has 25% more horsepower Greg Wilson TEST DRIVE I discovered some looseness in the driveline when quickly ap- plying the throttle or brake, but See New page 27 Wheelbase 2,425 mm/95.5 in. Length 4,280 mm/168.5 in. Width 1,750 mm/68.9 in. Height 1,230 mm/48.4 in. Tires Yokahama 225/50 VR-16 radials Fuel economy City 14.1 1/100 km, 20 mpg; Hwy 9.4 1/100 km, 30 mpg Warranty Basic three yr/80,000 km, Major Comp. five yr/ 100,000 km, Inquire about the 1993 Mazda RX-7 at North Shore Mazda, 7H W 14th N. Van.