Mazda RX-2

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_RX-2


Mazda RX-2
Manufacturer: Mazda
Class: midsize car
Production: 1970 � 1978
Body Styles: FR 2-door sedan
FR 4-door sedan
Engines: 12A, 12B
Similar: Mazda Capella/616/618
Wheelbase: 2464 mm (97.s in)
Length: 4140 mm (163 in)
Width: 1575 mm (62.2 in)
Weight: 1050 kg (2315 lb)

The Mazda RX-2 was a midsize car introduced in 1970 and sold through 1978. It used a rotary engine and shared a chassis with the piston-engined Mazda Capella/616/618.

RX-2 was really an option package for the Capella, albeit one that included a powerful rotary engine. In fact, early RX-2s were simply badged "Capella" with a small "RE" or rotor shape in the grille. The RX-2 was intended as a rotary-powered family car, while the Mazda RX-3 would be the sporty coupe.

1970
The first RX-2 (known as the Series I and II) were introduced in 1970 and replaced in 1974. They shared chassis of the Mazda Capella and used a 12A Wankel engine. They were a tremendous success due to their comparatively high power and performance. In 1970, output was 130 hp (97 kW) and 115 ft.lbf (156 Nm).

74-78
The 1974 RX-2 got the 12B engine, although it was not publicized in some markets.

RX-2 (USA)
The RX-2 was the first Mazda vehicle offered for sale in the United States, lasting from 1970 through 1974. It appeared just before the Familia-based Mazda R100, and distribution of both cars was limited to the West Coast.

American emmissions modifications reduced the 12A engine's output to 120 hp, slowing the car's acceleration to 60 mph from 10 to 11.3 sec. Road & Track magazine was impressed, calling the engine "impressive" and "plenty torquey" and comparing it to a smooth straight-6. The car's suspension and brakes also impressed the reviewers, but they were less enthused with the "notchy" 4-speed gearbox. All in all, the contemporary reviewers considered the RX-2, priced around US$3,000, "a steal".

Racing success
The RX-2 was the first Wankel-powered car to be widely raced - the original Cosmo competed in just a single race. Car and Driver magazine and Racing Beat built an RX-2 race car in 1973 for the IMSA sedan series. With radically-enlarged ports (they were so large that a "bridge" of steel was required to keep the apex seals in place), the RX-2 produced 198 hp in racing trim.

The RX-2 took the pole in its first race, at Pocono, but did not finish the race due to a broken differential. Lime Rock was its third race, and the RX-2 claimed both the pole and the win. Another win came at Road Atlanta, even with a 300 lb lead weight handicap. The engine modifications were outlawed for 1974, but the RX-2 kept winning. Car and Driver lost interest in the car, but others continued to race it, and other RX-2 and RX-3 racers soon appeared.