2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A FD3S 13B-REW sports car T-shirt.

The third-generation Mazda RX-7, produced from 1992 through 2002, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Japanese sports cars. The example featured here is the 2002 Spirit R Type A, the final special-edition made to commemorate the end of RX-7 production. The Spirit R was limited to 1504 units and sold in Japan only.

The Type A is the most desirable RX-7 Spirit R of the three variants produced. While the Types B and C have a 4-seat layout, the Type A is a 2-seater with a lower curb weight of 2,800 pounds. Interior features include light-weight Recaro seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel by Nardi. Special equipment includes a front strut tower brace, Bilstein dampers, ventilated and drilled brake rotors, 17-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels, and an adjustable rear wing.

Powering the RX-7 Spirit R Type A is Mazda’s 13B-REW Wankel rotary engine. Where a conventional internal combustion engine uses reciprocating pistons, a Wankel engine uses triangular rotors which rotate within their combustion chambers. The advantages of a rotary engine over a reciprocating engine are a higher output-per-liter, smoother power delivery, less weight, and less moving parts. The 13B-REW consists of 2 rotors, displaces 1.3 liters, and produces an advertised 276 horsepower. Unique to this application are twin sequential Hitachi turbochargers, with the primary providing boost up to 4500 revolutions-per-minute and the secondary engaging above 4500 RPM. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission.

These combined elements make the Spirit R Type A an outstanding sports car, the apex of Mazda RX-7 performance.