Mazda Sports Cars

Mazda, the renowned Japanese auto giant, has a long and illustrious history of producing fleet-footed vehicles that never fail to excite. Its range of sports cars, the likes of which date back to the Cosmo series, stand out for their impeccable styling, lightweight construction, and compact size. But it’s Mazda’s technological breakthroughs, coupled with an incomparable driving experience, that have truly cemented the brand in motoring history. Among its most celebrated models is the RX range, famous for its Wankel rotary engines, and the Xedos9, which was the world’s first production car to feature a Miller cycle engine.

For the true Mazda aficionados, these cars are more than just vehicles — they’re a way of life. From the roar of their exhausts to the unparalleled thrill of driving them, it’s no wonder people keep coming back for more. Whether you’re a hardened veteran or just starting out, driving a Mazda sports car is a sublime experience you won’t forget.

The blend of performance and style that the “zoom-zoom” provides is truly remarkable and has earned Mazda a spot among the greats. So let’s go back in time and explore some legendary Mazda sports cars to see what all the hype is about.

Mazda Cosmo Sport

The Mazda Cosmo Sport, released in 1967, is widely considered the first true sports car from Mazda. This model was the world’s first rotary engine production car and featured a 982 cc two-rotor Wankel engine. The Cosmo Sport had an impressive power output of 110 horsepower and a top speed of 115 mph, making it one of the fastest cars in its class at the time.

The innovative design of the Mazda Cosmo Sport made it a cult classic and an iconic Japanese sports car. It featured in several popular films and television programs, including The Garfield Show, and it even appeared in Motorweek. This model put Mazda on the map as a serious player in the global sports car market, paving the way for future models.

Mazda RX-3

The Mazda RX-3 hit the market in 1971 and featured a 982-cc 10A rotary engine. It was an immediate success, selling 5,406 units in its first month of release. The RX-3 continued to be a commercial success domestically and in international markets such as the U.S. and the U.K.

In addition to its commercial success, the RX-3 was also successful on the track. Mazda’s records show the RX-3 beat Nissan’s Skyline GT-R in the Japanese Touring Car Championship in 1972, becoming the first car to do so. By 1976, the RX-3 had racked up over 100 race wins in Japanese championships, making it the most successful single-model car at the time. The RX-3 also achieved success in Australian Touring Car Racing throughout the mid-1970s.

Mazda RX-7

Mazda’s RX-7, first released in 1978, was a major risk for the company. The risk paid off, with the RX-7 becoming the best-selling rotary-powered vehicle ever. This beloved sports car embodied everything Mazda stands for: lightweight design, a powerful rotary engine, and a thrilling driving experience. The 1995 RX-7 featured a 1.3L twin-rotor Wankel engine, producing 255 horsepower and capable of reaching speeds of up to 155 mph.

The Mazda RX-7 quickly became a favorite in the car enthusiast community due to its reliable performance and affordability compared with other sports cars. It was featured in movies such as The Fast and the Furious (2001) and Tokyo Drift (2006). The RX-7 was also used in various racing series, including the IMSA GTU and Group B Rally. It became a symbol of youth culture worldwide, with many owners modifying their cars to customize them for street racing.

Mazda RX-8

The next generation of the legendary RX series was the Mazda RX-8, released in 2003. The RX-8 was powered by a 232 horsepower 1.3L rotary engine — a reemergence of the beloved Wankel rotary engine technology. It featured a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels with a near 50:50 weight distribution, a double-wishbone front suspension, and a multi-link rear suspension. The RX-8 was truly state-of-the-art, with an impressive power-to-weight ratio and a top speed of 150 mph.

The Mazda RX-8 quickly became the car of choice for the modern generation of sports car enthusiasts. It featured in several films, including the 2006 remake of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. It was also used in drag racing and was a popular choice for drifting competitions. The RX-8 featured prominently in the 2003 racing video game Gran Turismo 4, further popularizing it.

Mazda MX-5

The MX-5 Miata, also known as the MX-5, Eunos Roadster, Miata, or Mazda Roadster, was conceived in the early 1980s. It quickly became Mazda’s iconic symbol of small sports cars and a legend in its segment. The original MX-5 featured a 1.6L DOHC inline-four-cylinder engine and standard manual transmission, with a top speed of 112 mph and 116 horsepower. It was praised for its light, simple, and fun-to-drive chassis.

Fast forward to 2014, and the MX-5 had grown into its fourth generation, the ND. This model marked a big improvement in the car’s performance and handling, with reviewers from both Road & Track and Slashgear calling it “quite a serious little sports car” and the “epitome of the modern, attainable sports car.” The MX-5’s low starting price and availability worldwide made it an instant hit. It has since become one of the most successful sports cars, with over one million units sold.

The Mazda MX-5 continues to be a popular choice for drivers worldwide and is a major part of Mazda’s sports car heritage. It has been featured in several films and video games, such as the Need for Speed franchise, further cementing its status as a true legend of the sports car world.

Mazda’s sports models have become legendary in the automotive world, and their impact on popular culture is undeniable. They have inspired generations of drivers, and their iconic styling has been featured in movies, TV shows, and even video games. At Mazda of Orange, California, we’re proud to be part of the Mazda family and are excited to see what the future holds for Mazda’s sports car lineup. We have an extensive inventory of new and used cars, including some of the models discussed above and other Mazda sports models. Contact us  to take one of these legendary cars for a spin.

Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S 1968 … by Bernard DUPONT is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0