I’m speechless. This is the highest honor I’ve ever received. You’re literally the channel that inspired me to start my own, I am eternally grateful to the work you’ve done to share so many incredible stories with us, and I will print this comment out and staple it to any future children’s faces that I ever create.
@@the.squidd SQUIDD's future child: "Dad, where did I get my name from?" SQUIDD: "That's a good question, Fantastic vides - this channel is going places 👍"
In Mazda's slight defense. Part of the reason the Rotary failed is because they were near impossible to make comply with emissions and fuel economy regulations.
That's not really in Mazda's defense. It's not like they didn't know that rotaries were hard to make efficient in the 70s, it's that they thought they could find a work around or breakthrough. And to be totally fair, in the age of Hybrids, they have. It turns out the Rotary has a solid place in modern society, it's just not what we thought in the 90s.
Bingo. The epa killed the rotary. Mazda actually made the Rotary production ready. It never reached it's ceiling, and emissions would guarantee it never did. A rotary made with todays quality production and manufacturing standards would be a different beast for sure. The rotary design as seen success in other applications like air compressors, and hydraulic pumps used on actual automobiles. For example power steering pumps and ac compressors.
@Dale Bob I thought the main issue with the rotary is that it always gets too hot on one side of the triangle because that’s were the power stroke is always at. Where as the reciprocating engines have a suction stroke to cool them down.
In 1978 I bought an RX-7 GS and drove it for a touch over 200k. The weak link for me was the water pump. During that time I replaced three of them for about $30 each and 20 minutes with a wrench. In 1992 I sold it and bought a '93 FD. It's in my garage right now. The sun's shining, I think I'll go for a drive!
@@jotenmike you shouldn’t boss life is like the stages of griff tbh and acceptance is the final stage. Maybe try something like a driving sim with a wheel. for a fraction of the cost you can have a similar experience you feel. be happy for those who can experience it and the universe might treat you never know but negative energy manifests as dose positive in one way or another be safe
@@wingonglingou2042 It was. It was like one of the first 200 to enter the country. I had to wait for, as I recall, three weeks for it to be delivered to the dealership in Enterprise, Alabama, and there was a dealer from Indiana trying to buy every one that came off the truck. He offered me $2k more than I'd paid for it, but I had already waited too long, and the way the dollar/yen was going at that time most of that would have been eaten up by the exchange rate. I love the FD, but I wish I still had the first one!
Actually no one even cared about the mona lisa until after the fact it was stolen then people cared so it really wasnt famous for its quality or anything it’s famous bc it was stolen
I've been watching car shows for nearly 20 years. You guys are capturing the passion that moments of the old Top Gear did so well. It's not really about the cars at the end of the day. It's about the passion and the emotional connection you have when you think back to the first cool car you got to own or drive. That's what keeps the car passion alive! Excellent work!
Thanks Spencer! That’s kind of exactly what I’m trying to do here. It’s not about the horsepower numbers and lap times. It’s about the passion that went into making these cars or racing them.
Love this car. Finally got a chance to own one but too scared of the rotary so I Frankenstein it with the LS. 5 yrs later and all my money I'm finally almost ready. But now looking back, I should hv just kept the rotary and buy 3 extra engines lol. Great videos keep up the good work
I worked for Mazda during the FD years. It is such a shame that car didn't take off like it should have in the US market. It was a fantastic piece of engineering and a great all around car. Customer satisfaction with with cars was very high so those that bought one liked it, it was just a issue of getting people into the cars. At the time I had the pleasure of driving a number of examples and a lot of the competition and like the video said the RX-7 was a more basic car, lacking all the latest tech gadgets but it was a real drivers car. And it will be a classic forever.
It's value today I think speaks for itself. Rarely are the great sports cars appreciated when they release, it takes time to see who the winners and losers are, and clearly the FD was a winner.
@@the.squidd They certainly have appreciated them now. They go for insane money. Like you said, people now are realizing what an amazing car it was. Mazda knew it wasn't going to sell in the same numbers as the FC in the use market. The FC was the 'Everyman's Sportscar'. But the FD was decidedly up market and more focused. But the falloff is sales numbers was more than they were hoping for.
I worked for Mazda too. The best thing that ever happened to me was a Friday afternoon when my boss asked "We need someone to stir the oil on the R1 in the basement, are you going anywhere this weekend ?" I Immediately lied about a trip to San Diego and secured the keys. Kinda drove to Vegas instead. Did have the honor of meeting Koby-san and Tom Matano.
For a "RUclips" series, this is just out there. The design, the voiceovers, and yes the information gathered, researched, and stripped bare to be presented. Its mind boggling that shows with millions of dollars cannot get it right, but you guys just do it. Keep it going! It's raw, gripping, and emotionally addictive to watch!
@@yuudaitamako1467 anyone who has a craft is never satisfied with their work. I’m sure there’s something you’re passionate about in your life that you always strive to be better at!
I've always liked the RX-7, but Initial-D made it into one of the first examples of Japan's golden era cars. I mean, just the fact that it had almost too much power for the light weight frame is not something you hear as often, plus it was comparable to the AE86 in tire management (despite twice the HP).
Actually, longevity aside, the RX3 used to be a terror in the 1/4 mile in the 70s/80s. The middle of the Apex should be curved seal should be curved ideally, but that complicates tolerance issues. Fun motor to work on though. Burns oil, but so do some new BMWS. 🥴
@@TamagoHead My dad had lots of stories to tell when we first started going to friday night drags when I was a kid in the 2000's. He used to mention any time an rx7 would pull up that when he was staitioned in okinawa in the 80's, rx3's were like rockets. His friend had one that was modified and it was a screamer.
My first car was a 93 RX-7, purchased for $15K in 2003. I was 21, reckless, irresponsible, and had more brushes with death that I'd like to remember while driving that thing. But man was it fun!
Same model same year bought it in 2001, i was 24 lost my license in that car and redlined it on the highway several times . I regret selling that car . Ww survived tho bruv ..💪🤜
Could have got a red 95 for 11k had 38k miles 2 new turbos due to being stolen when getting fluids changed at Mazda I was dumb 19 year old that didn't think I could get a loan finally after finding out 2 weeks later I had a 740 credit score didn't know what that meant at the time the car had been sold
You LITERALLY gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. When I was 16 (I’m 34 now) I’ve owned 6 RX7s, 86 fc being my first car , and currently still own a 88 fc turbo, 93 FD. I genuinely love these cars! Excellent video. The amount of time, effort and research is PHENOMENAL! Thank you.
Right on! Glad I could maybe do your cars justice. I knew a lot of Rotary guys growing up and they were always just a completely different kind of motorist. Very dedicated people.
I owned a FD more than 20 years ago and absolutely loved it. When it ran of course. It was my first car, that I saved for two years. Since then, I have owned faster cars but every time I see one on the road I feel an emptiness inside, a longing for a car I sold decades ago. Like a lost lover. I loved driving that FD, loved tearing a turn at a speed I knew was unsafe and somehow it stayed glued to the line in my head. I miss that distinct purr that turned into roar that I haven’t experienced since. Thanks for the video for stirring that long lost feeling!
Same love my fc first car got it for 600 bucks in the good old days when people thought it was a mr2 or a ford probe or worst a fiero 😅 still own it just need to replace my rear rotor lost compression
You speak with such a calm, and yet passionate voice. A true sign of Cars not only in your head - but also in your heart and soul. I hope to see this channel take off to the moon, and I am honored to be a part of this journey. Godspeed Squid, Godspeed!
Auditory stimulation plays an important role among the triggers that constitute the ASMR like response I get from the muted sound from accelerated video of ratchet and impact wrenches. The voice quality is soothing as well. The educational value of Squidd’s automotive-mechanical videos is unusually entertaining. ~ A new subscriber.
This channel is not only about cars. It is also about attitude. A big difference to all the other car channels. Really inspiring. It makes me realize, why I am such a car enthusiast. It is about challenge. Achievement. I am so glad, that I found this channel. Best ever. Congratulations
I definitely am trying to transcend typical car content here, I want to expand enthusiasts attitudes to go beyond just loving a car or a brand, to being a fan of the history, people and everything else.
Brings a nice angle of the zeitgeist of how the designer/engineers of competing brands & diff industries fed off each other to push innovation & shift trends.
Great video, much appreciated. I have owned a 1993 FD Mazda RX-7 from 2006 to 2020. I sold it during COVID because I got a bit stupid with things. Made 20K over the original price I paid for it. As a car enthusiast and one who's driven a large variety of sports cars and owns one now, I have to say that no amount of words can be redundant to describe how incredibly fantastic the FD is. It looks absolutely gorgeous, a timeless design that is rivalled by very, very few vehicles over the course of car design history. Its dynamics are incredible, the experience at the wheel is memorable. I went to test drive one before I bought the one I owned. It will be likely the most car related intoxicating experience I will ever have. Getting on the highway, stepping on the gas, the roar of the engine climbing up the revs, the turbos whining, the sound changing to screaming menacing banshee once the second turbo kicked in is something you can't make people understand. I was sold. There was no way I was going to live the rest of my life without owning one at some point. The car handles like it's nobody's business. I purchased a 2009 Porsche Cayman S shortly after I sold the RX-7 and as much as I love it, the RX-7 was more agile, a bit quicker and, I'll say it again, intoxicating in ways the Cayman can't be. The 7 is a race car with a licence plate. It is extremely well-behaved, perhaps too well behaved, it is incredibly fast and yet easy to put through its paces, you get in and you wear it like a tight-fitting body suit. It is a visceral experience you can't have in the Cayman. The 7 is that friend of yours whose response to your most insane ideas will always be: "do it. And I'll do it with you". The 7 gets in your head and is constantly inviting you to push and go quicker. No electronics, not even traction control. It is bliss. The Porsche is an amazing car in itself, it has the mystique of the decades of racing success, it is a mid-engine car, it is more mature, practical, reliable, but it's a bit aseptic for my taste. It is an amazing car, but it isn't a crazy one. To conclude: a car that came out in 1993 is every bit as good if not better than one that came out 16 years later and cost significantly more. And it's a Porsche.
Great video, but you totally forgot about NSU, who actually employed Wankel after the war and began to work on the rotary. Wankel's design was quite flawed because it consisted of a rotating instead of a fixed housing, so in the end the design of a fixed housing was thought-up by NSU engineer, a guy rarely mentioned, Hans Dieter-Paschke. The first rotary automobile was the single rotor NSU Spider from 1964, which had many reliability issues. So, while NSU was developing their advanced twin-rotor sedan, the Ro80, they began to licence Paschke's design to Mercedes, Mazda, Citroen, Sachs, GM, etc, just to keep the company afloat. In the end NSU went bankrupt due to all the rotary engines they had to replace under warranty on the spider and the Ro80, and was bought up by Auto Union in 1969, but they are the true pioneers of fixed housing Wankel we've all come to know and love. 🌟
NSU was also where the decision to only count 1 firing surface displacement per rotor was made… all in effort to avoid displacement taxes. People wonder why a “1.3L” drinks so much fuel. It makes sense when it’s viewed as a 3.9L (all 3 “chambers” per rotor counted in displacement) like the engineers at NSU originally did.
You are absolutely right, I was waiting all the time for at least a mention of the NSU (Ro80), I always found that car quite beautiful and (amazingly?) I still see one driving by sometimes (I live in Holland).
@@stlchucko Yes, the drive comfort, power and Speed of the Ro80 was better than most 6zyl Engines of the time (1968), so if you compare the mpg with those, its even
@@marting1056 In 1968, the Ro80 could barely make it 30k miles before needing a rebuild. And the 6 cylinders in 1968 were making roughly 50% more HP and nearly 75% more torque... While delivering similar MPG.
@@the.squidd Take care of yourself buddy! I know how time consuming and tiring editing can be, and you deserve to relax. Excited to see you're blowing up man, and I wish you all the best.
@@the.squidd there is a youtuber that made a v10 sounding rotary on a kit car sort of like ultima . mazda rotary sports car patent similar to acura nsx
it isnt in the way we are all begging for, but this friday Mazda is unveiling a plug in hybrid MX-30 which uses a rotary engine as a range extender. they aren't giving us a balanced enthusiast coupe, but Mazda has not given up on the rotary just yet
I had a 2004 RX-8. It had a 6-speed manual transmission, with a dual muffler Greddy exhaust, lightweight flywheel upgrade, K&N cold air intake, and the car was in the color "Winning Blue" from the factory. Besides that, the rest of the car was stock. It sounded sooo good for a non-turbo engine. And crusing in first gear in parking lots it made a subtle jet engine like hum. People always turned to see what was passing by. From behind, the tires looked aftermarket, they were stock though. I fit 245/40R18's tires on it, giving that racecar look to anyone that noticed. It wasn't super fast but it was so much fun to drive in curvy roads. I really liked this video of Mazda's rotory history but in my very bias opinion, the RX-8 was awesome. Yes, it sucked in MPG's, yes it was very unreliable, and torque was non-existent...but all Rotory engines had the same problems. But, when the car let's you Rev up to 9k RPM's and you are driving just for having fun, this car was it.
Nice one! I still have my bought-new ‘05, and even though it’s now largely relegated to track-car duty, I still have a blast* hustling it every time. Especially compared to modern cars that are kind of lacking in personality and feel.. * Even if just on the street, it never gets driven without at LEAST one trip up the tach to the ~9.2K fuel cut off ;-D . I swear, it honestly feels like the car is actually injecting some triple-dopamine into my system when this happens ..
The RX7 FD3S Series 7 and 8 are simply some of the best looking cars ever created. When I picture JDM cars at the peak of design and ingenuity.. I picture the FD RX7.
@@SteelJM1 I think you could do a small LED block and it would fit in the same exact silhoette without needing to be pop-up, if you really wanted it modernized .
When you visit Mazda dealership you can feel they are still proud of their rotary engine legends: the model cars displayed on the walls are 787B and RX7 rather than current lineup.
Small correction: the FD was one of the first sequential twin turbo production cars, but not the first. The Porsche 959 and Eunos Cosmo both had them before.
I am in awe of how well written this video is. You absolutely deserve all the subscribers that come your way, considering the amount of thought put into this.
The RX-7 is my one bucket list car, sad as that is. Since seeing them in the first Gran Turismo, I've been obsessed. Shame so many were totaled over the years.
Your writing is easily one of the best I've come across. Even if you uploaded a video with a black screen, I can easily imagine everything just from your words
This video is a love letter to the RX7's and a joy to watch for all of us cars and JDM fans. Growing up in the '80 in Asia and the '90 in Europe. I always had a thing for Porsche designs. So the FC resemblance of the Porsche 944 was part of it's charm for me.
Thank you for the vid. The FD will always hold a special place in my heart and I will buy another one again in my life but this time, to keep forever. I sold mine 10 years ago due to lack of driving skill and mechanical knowledge.
Lol still rocking a 81 GLC wagon 92k all original for 500$ I scored, little rust spots and I've rebuilt the electric system, ready to hit the Mojave late summer
Aaand, you've done it, yet again. Research, sountrack, scriptwriting, storytelling. Come on, dude! A day with a new SQUIDD video is always a happy day. Another EPIC video, you may very well become the best car history channel on YT. You're a legend. I love your work.
Just found this channel and I’m blown away by the quality of your videos. I just imported a FD last year as its one of my dream cars and it exceeded every expectation I had. Definitely the most exciting and enjoyable car I have ever owned despite all the issues they are known for. Anyways, please don’t sacrifice the quality of your videos for quantity as most people do. Your videos are like a hidden gem and deserve more recognition.
Not gonna lie, i hate when people discredit the RX8, it wasn't a Successor to the RX-7 but a different animal, an Rx-7 successor at that time was pretty much impossible due to emissions regulations and the economic crisis the time, but still Mazda manage to make a fun Rotary sports car for the last time for a good. It even got Top Gear Car of the Year.
One thing you failed to highlight was why Mazda suddenly saw such a rise in sales in America during the 70s-80s and that's down to one major philosophy that many carmakers do... Racing. The good ol' "race on sunday, sell on mondays" philosophy. Mazda had always dominated the racing scene in Japan with their RX-3s and the Cosmo but with the onset of the end of the fuel crisis and onset with a new car, Mazda felt that it was absolute time to break into the global market yet again to end their stigma of being a "tiny carmaker that's going broke" and with the rotary themselves being quite popular in the US already, Mazda decided to race it in one of the US biggest leagues for road racing and that's IMSA. Mazda slotted the FB into the IMSA series and the rest were history. Despite being 1/20th the size of anything on the grid with the massive V8s that the Americans had, the Mazda slashed past everyone and won time and time again. Even when they upclassed to the GTU class with the new FC, it still walloped everyone on the grid like they were nothing and even when the FC came, privateers were STILL winning with the FBs thus that immediately shot Mazda to fame in the US even higher and everyone then knew who Mazda was and how quirky but sporty the rotaries really were. Just showing a small background segment of Mazda winning 7 IMSA GTU Championship isn't justified to what Mazda did for their IMSA effort for over a decade.
Loved the vid. Not gonna lie, the 2002 RX7 Spirit R is (In my genuine opinion) the most beautiful sports car to have ever been made. Everything else aside, the way she curves, the ratio of hood to cabin to boot, the lil stylish spoiler, those rear lights. All of her, just astoundingly beautiful.
These are the most entertaining videos I've watched in a while. 100% main monitor content, I look forward to just sit down and actually watch the video with enough time to enjoy it. And just like that, 30 minutes just flew by.
As a former RX2 and RX4 owner, I really appreciate this tribute. I loved those cars especially my bridgeported RX4 that was able to get to 200 km/hr and get there fast! , thing was an absolute rocket. Thanks for this tribute and bringing back many fond memories👍👍👍
History is written! RX7s have won the most IMSA championships, 787B won 1991 LeMans 24H and RX8 broke 40 records running for 24H in a 2004 reliability test. As for FD RX7 that is the masterpiece that will never get old for car enthusiasts.
Rotary engine was quite similar to 2 stroke piston engine and it had to be treated that way. Only difference is that Rotary is actually 1 stroke engine and the power cycle happens in one revolution of the dorito
In one full revolution of the dorito you get 3x intake, 3x compression, 3x ignition and 3x exhaust. 1 rotor acts like 3 cylinders, if you want to put it that way
The FD was an absolute classic. Its curvy lines still look beautiful by today's standards. The FD and the mk4 Supra were my first loves in terms of cars.
We can see how much you work on these videos and we love every bit of it. But please do take the needed amount of rest so that you don't get overwhelmed and overworked.
The only time i am truly happy about a 30min Video is when you upload another masterpiece of car history. Please keep making those Videos even if you Need some time to make them, it‘s always Worth the Wait 🙏
@@lucasRem-ku6eb why do you need television , music, or any form of entertainment? You dont „need“ it, But you are happy to have it, and especially in todays times where everything is becoming faster and shorter, with tiktok, RUclips Shorts, and people only telling you half of a Story or whatever, its Great to have Somebody put in so much work Into a Single Video, for car enthusiasts Like me to even learn something new, car history wise
I have owned my 95 Mazda RX7 fd since I was 21. It's now my go to car when I'm going to the track and really plan on going 10/10ths. It now has a 20b single turbo. But till this day it turns heads, people think it's much newer than it is. When I tell them it's a 95 they are blown away. I also have a Porsche 911 997 turbo. But it does not compare to the feeling you get to driving the rx7 on the limit. Plus the steering feel, the shifter feel etc are far better in the rx7. The stigma of the engines not being reliable are from people not being knowledgeable enough on how to build the engine properly. People that complain about it not be fuel efficient...well you don't buy a track focused and sports car for fuel mileage...
The first rotary engined car I saw was the NSU RO80 in Perth Western Australia. It was a very wedged shaped futuristic looking vehicle. However, I was fortunate enough to drive a friend's Mazda R100 which was amazing, as torque rises with revs and HP - never peaking out like a piston engine
Bro I'm speechless. I've binge watched your every video and now you drop this, one of the finest videos about the rx-7, a video that will be timeless like the rx7 is. I wanted to say this in the LFA video but you're one of the best channels for car guys and for casuals (like me haha) on the whole youtube. I don't have the words to describe how good your videos are, I'm truly speechless, something like this should be on netflix, your script, voice over, the footage, it grips you and never lets you go until the video is over and you're left wanting more. Thank you guys for making this and hope you'll blow up one day and have the recognition you truly deserve!
I owned a modified RX3 in my teens, it was like driving a 2 stroke dirtbike only it revved twice as high, 120kph in second gear left me wondering what the rest were for :)
The FD truly is among the most beautiful cars ever conceived. And to think 30 years later it still looks so modern is proof. Aside from its compactness, if you asked people that knew nothing of cars to date it and many competitors from that era it would consistently be 10+ years ahead.
Few days ago I went on Emmision test with my FC. The guy who does all the measuring knows me well and loves my car. Sudennly I saw FD coming in. Old gentleman came for technical inspection for registering the car as veteran. We talked a bit but when the technician saw why he came for he got pissed, walked to us and said to me: " Look! He got here with the newest car from your lineup and he wants it as veteran! Is he crazy?" The FD owner looked shocked but once I looked at him I just made a serious face and eye contact with tecnician. " No but damn I am! Mine is just two years older and I forgot it is veteran!" T:"It cant be that ol.......HELL IT IS! 😳"
Brilliant. Great homage to the gallant and romantic heroism of Mazda. For many of us, the spirit with which a car is designed and built matters, and after 12 years of owning my FD, it still puts a massive smile on my face, every time. I rather like the fact that it is an absolute classic, but not in a "mainstream" way - just as it should be.
A redline a day keeps the rotary doctor at bay. Absolutely brilliant video my man, one of the most well put together about the RX7 and the rotary under the tenure at Mazda
It has to be noticed that it was only one company carrying the Wankel engine, while the piston engine was developed further by sooo many other companies. And yet, the Wankel engine was able to see some successes a few times over the decades. This definitely tells me that the technology is not completely useless. Otherwise, it would have been wiped right off market at the beginning. I wonder if the problems of the engine could have been solved if all other car manufacturers also would have hoped onto this train. After all, the piston engine also had to undergo massive technological improvements to get where it is today.
@@aluisious Why can't you solve low compression? That's the problem with non-engineers: They take things for granted instead of thinking about solutions.
Spot on. In fact, if you look at the Hemi engine in the latest run of Chryslers (owned by F.I.A.T - Fix It Again Tony) - they last no way near as long as they should. There's plenty if crappy piston engines in this world, even now. Misinformation and Mazda trying to meet emission rules does more harm than good to the Rx8 and the rotary engine in general.
I bought an rx8 bc I cannot afford the 7 and I honestly love it. It may not be a direct successor to the rx7 but it has everything that a true sports car needs to
Unfortunately they're so ugly. I wanted to buy one when they came out in the early 2000s. I liked how it felt and everything but could never get over the looks. A neighbor a couple houses down from mine has one and I see it all the time and I just wish they'd have not made it so ugly. Especially when you compare it to the previous gen RX-7 whis hasn't aged a bit design wise and still looks better than 99% of anything on the road.
@@dickJohnsonpeter Quote: "That's one of the nicest, possibly THE nicest, cars I've ever seen!" ... A viewer of my RX-8 in 2004. I'll give you the rear lights looking a bit iffy but other than that and in 3D (side on in 2D it looks odd) I still like the look of it.
I almost bought an RX-8 a few years back but the owner had a 5L oil bottle in the passenger footwell and I knew immediately it had issues. Seals probably shot.
@@devynstewart6307 uh... what? Why would seeing a bottle of oil in an RX-8 tell you it had issues? More like the owner actually knows how to take care of it, keeps it topped off - and/or pre-mixes. I'd be more concerned if I didn't see any extra oil laying around in a rotary powered car.
I can’t even express enough how great your vids are.. The way you always imprison my attention untill the final second and the way I’m always in awe of the quality and effort put in to these videos it just never happened to me before. Thank you so much for spending days or even weeks I can imagine of your time and creating these masterpieces.
I always liked the RX-7 in games, from Gran Turismo to Need for Speed. But was in the F&F Tokyo Drift that i felt in love with it. Of course, being a with that Veilside bodykit was nearly perfection. And that scene that Sean drives it, with that engine sound, ooooof. It makes me smile just remembering it. But it was with initialD that i truly understanded why it was so different and yet not that popular. Thank you Mazda for bringing that spinning dorito to its greatest. And thank you for this video.
Really enjoyed this one. My Grandfather, Tony Denniss, was on that team in the 50s. He then went onto be one of the lead engineers on the Norton Commando, and consulted on many 80s and 90s Fords.
Mazda is actually reviving the rotary, although it is to be used as a range extender for the MX-30. Would be so happy to see Mazda make another RX with this engine.
Fantastic love letter to FD. Evos and STis defined one generation in Europe due to rallying success. Supras and GTRs defined same generation across the pond due to video games and movies (maybe idk) FD was stuck in between, sort of speed oriented SAAB quirkiness of Japan. Exotic (and feared) for its techonology, yet beautiful in all of its faultiness and timeless design.
what's so amazing to this day, mazda is still working on the rotary engine while making waves on the internal combustion and making sales on the car brand the rotary range extender a series of Patent's on a Rotary engine design RX-vision and a rumor of a hybrid 3 rotor rotary engine sport car heck even the FIA's little rule change on the Le mans rulebook permits the use of Rotary engine hoping that this year or years to come , mazda will be back on the podium
"Strange new propulsion"...? Pistons are a steam engine throwback, they are the strange thing still in the 21st century. Rotational power from rotational motion - what's strange about that? ;-p Love me some Wankel! :D Except his design was actually 2 contra-rotating rotors intended for planes (zero vibration), but they were too bulky for cars of the time. I believe one of his students kinda almost stole the single rotor design idea (Reuleaux triangle in a figure-eight-like epitrochoidal housing), before Wankel capitulated and gave up on the twin rotor. Mazda obviously made a deal with all parties in the end to build the commercial reality & thus the Cosmo (RU80 here) was born. Anyway, that's the version I heard back in the 80s or 90s. How I miss my first car - a white RX4 sedan. It had Webber carbs, custom extractors, 2.5" pipe, 8" Yokies. It was very 'warm', with the largest street-legal extended ports, just short of race ones (bridge or peripheral). If I drove it sensibly, no one would even notice...unless they spotted the fats or the exhaust...or I slammed the pedal to the metal! :D Ahhh, happy times!
The summer of 1981 I wanted an RX-7 so bad, but at the time I didn't have the extra $1,100. I did choose the Mazda GLC which did not have the rotary engine but it was definitely a great little car.
Owned a series 2 RX for years; one of my favorite cars. Took a while to learn how to use it best; but handling was always superb, and I had a lot of fun. Lots of rumors that it might reappear with Hydrogen power someday--would love to see this innovative engine return.
Show me a lawnmower from past or present that remotely sounds like a 13B Turbo screaming to 8500rpm Oh that's right,,, you can't.. Nobody said you have to like how a Rotary sounds, hell nothing sounds better than a V8 but how low is your IQ if u think they sound like a furious lawn mower! I suppose that's better than those dribbling knuckle draggers who yell out such gems as " chook cooker or rice burner " do either of these things even exist? Completely agree the way some sound is not everyones cup of tea and I'm a lifelong RE owner, builder and racer. I cringe when some noob fits an unsuitable completely wrong type of exhaust system, that's why some sound shit and some dont. A RE exhaust system including the header down pipes is such a critical component far to many uneducated randos slap on just anything they have lying around weld it up and see what they get = disaster soundtrack. Compare that with a purpose built properly engineered tested and manufactured system trust me the brap brap haters and biggest rotary engine sceptics would be truly amazed by how much better a quality well made fit for purpose system actually sounds.
@@joshbrookes6439 do you honestly think anyone is going to read that? I saw your ramblings then ignored it. Some people don't like the sound of rotary engines. You're just gonna have to deal with that.
Dude u gave me goosebumps and almost shed a tear also. I loved the RX7 and it's part of my -i win a lottery dream garage- . I never hear of you before,just popped up in my suggested videos. I bench your videos now as a hobby :D Amazing old Top Gear vibes. Actually maybe even better in a way. Keep on giving us great videos and please don't sell out to a TV channel :D
The FC and FD RX-7 models are still some of my favorite cars. I know people always worry about Rotary power. Yet who doesn't want to hear that Rotary sound as they blow by people?
A cinematic masterpiece, A true enthusiastic view on everything and goosebumps along the entire length of the video - this is something extraordinary ✊ Great Work
Every time I hear the VR4 in a video that's not about it I get really excited. I have a Sl and I'm loving it (even though I haven't driven it yet) lol.
Awesome video as always, on my favorite car brand no less! In my opinion, Mazda still has that tendency to do things differently than other manufacturers. I currently drive a '22 Mazda3 and while it’s much less spacious than, say, a Golf, the result of that is that its design really stands out among other hatchbacks and it’s so much livelier to drive than said Golf! They even seem to bring the rotary engine back as a range extender!
They were the most Speedracer-y of all though the couple RX6&7 I got to drive were heavy or just no low end torque (yeah yeah, I hear you guys explaining it to me). But the cars I did get a lot of time in were mid 70s Datsun 240z and 280z. The 73 240 4 speed was a hoot while the 76? (whenever they got fuel injection) 280 was not immediately feeling so sporty (due to all the comforts and weight) it became a trusted friend full of surprises in handling (Goodyear Wingfoot tires, their premier at the time helped a lot). Got myself in some tight situations going too fast (it would get so smooth at speed you didn't realize how fast you were going) with sudden unexpected turns and that car revealed itself to be more than just looks. It held a 20 mph cloverleaf offramp that I entered at 90 and when I came to a safe stop it just purred in a secret voice like it had finally done what it was meant to do. I've driven many other performance and muscle cars but never with the same relationship. I'm guessing that's what the RX is for y'all.
Oh btw i saw the video on maybe sunday I just had 0 time to comment. It was very well put together but I mean man, there's nothing new I can even say about the videos they're 10/10 every single time. So hyped to see you almost at 100k just a couple of days maybe even until the end of the week.
My favorite Uncle had bought an RX-7 back in 1988 and took me for a drive in it. We had a Porche pull up beside us at a redlight. My uncle revved his Rotary Engine the Porche revved back. When the light turned Green the Porche took off like bat out of hell. My Uncle didn't. He just started laughing. If I wasn't in the car I bet he would of had some fun getting blown away by a Porche but he wasn't gonna do it with his 11 year old nephew in the car. RIP Uncle.
Sounds like a great uncle. While it would have probably been cool to see him give it a go he valued your life more. Most people with a fun car to drive wouldn’t have been responsible enough to make that decision.
I have the Chevelle my other dream car has always been the FD! As a high school kid i was blown away by how fast they were at the strip it is also indeed veutiful and unique! Mazda earned my respect with that ca5 long ago. I daily a CX=7. Good examples are appropriately expensive though, so at the moment its out of my reach. Thank you for making this video. It brought back many memories man.
It's a pleasure to, been fortunate enough to have been searching about the NSX 2 weeks after you released the first video. Probably watched it full almost 10x since, thank you for making such great content! Surely inspired some new kids into cars.
My favorite car and the car that introduced me to sports cars was my 1986 Mazda RX7. Each RX7 enthusiast has his favorite generation of the RX7. It is still my dream to own another one of these second generation RX7s.
easily one of the most beautiful looking cars ever made, and i felt this way about it in its day. i remember looking at it and recognizing right away that this design will never look old. it will always be a sleek sexy car.
Fantastic vids - this channel is going places 👍
Acknowledged by Mustard himself god damn.
Damn
YOW ITS MUSTARD . your video now is considered as legend
I’m speechless. This is the highest honor I’ve ever received. You’re literally the channel that inspired me to start my own, I am eternally grateful to the work you’ve done to share so many incredible stories with us, and I will print this comment out and staple it to any future children’s faces that I ever create.
@@the.squidd
SQUIDD's future child: "Dad, where did I get my name from?"
SQUIDD: "That's a good question, Fantastic vides - this channel is going places 👍"
In Mazda's slight defense. Part of the reason the Rotary failed is because they were near impossible to make comply with emissions and fuel economy regulations.
That's not really in Mazda's defense. It's not like they didn't know that rotaries were hard to make efficient in the 70s, it's that they thought they could find a work around or breakthrough.
And to be totally fair, in the age of Hybrids, they have. It turns out the Rotary has a solid place in modern society, it's just not what we thought in the 90s.
Bingo. The epa killed the rotary. Mazda actually made the Rotary production ready. It never reached it's ceiling, and emissions would guarantee it never did.
A rotary made with todays quality production and manufacturing standards would be a different beast for sure.
The rotary design as seen success in other applications like air compressors, and hydraulic pumps used on actual automobiles. For example power steering pumps and ac compressors.
@Dale Bob cool
@Dale Bob I thought the main issue with the rotary is that it always gets too hot on one side of the triangle because that’s were the power stroke is always at. Where as the reciprocating engines have a suction stroke to cool them down.
@@DumbAngelDragon Nope. Look at how bad modern diesels are.
In 1978 I bought an RX-7 GS and drove it for a touch over 200k. The weak link for me was the water pump. During that time I replaced three of them for about $30 each and 20 minutes with a wrench. In 1992 I sold it and bought a '93 FD. It's in my garage right now. The sun's shining, I think I'll go for a drive!
Nice! Congrats on the FD!
I am so mad I cant afford nice stuff like this.
@@jotenmike you shouldn’t boss life is like the stages of griff tbh and acceptance is the final stage. Maybe try something like a driving sim with a wheel. for a fraction of the cost you can have a similar experience you feel. be happy for those who can experience it and the universe might treat you never know but negative energy manifests as dose positive in one way or another be safe
@b212hp 1978 was the first year of RX7, you must have got one of the first batches.
@@wingonglingou2042 It was. It was like one of the first 200 to enter the country. I had to wait for, as I recall, three weeks for it to be delivered to the dealership in Enterprise, Alabama, and there was a dealer from Indiana trying to buy every one that came off the truck. He offered me $2k more than I'd paid for it, but I had already waited too long, and the way the dollar/yen was going at that time most of that would have been eaten up by the exchange rate. I love the FD, but I wish I still had the first one!
For me, the RX7 was kind of the MONA LISA of the automotive industry… a great invaluable and incredible time-changing piece of art.
Actually no one even cared about the mona lisa until after the fact it was stolen then people cared so it really wasnt famous for its quality or anything it’s famous bc it was stolen
im not a huge jdm fan but everytime i see a fc rx7 i just fall in love all over definitely art work made drivable
The Japanese trans am😅@@barryjohnson8733
Yes, abstract. Leave room for the imagination
better to read this than being blind, I guess
I've been watching car shows for nearly 20 years. You guys are capturing the passion that moments of the old Top Gear did so well. It's not really about the cars at the end of the day. It's about the passion and the emotional connection you have when you think back to the first cool car you got to own or drive. That's what keeps the car passion alive! Excellent work!
Thanks Spencer! That’s kind of exactly what I’m trying to do here. It’s not about the horsepower numbers and lap times. It’s about the passion that went into making these cars or racing them.
Love this car. Finally got a chance to own one but too scared of the rotary so I Frankenstein it with the LS. 5 yrs later and all my money I'm finally almost ready. But now looking back, I should hv just kept the rotary and buy 3 extra engines lol.
Great videos keep up the good work
@@selintungfulYou took away the piece that makes the RX-7 so unique…
@@Kev27RS yeah definitely would do it differently next time
1 Mazda 8 Porsche XD
I worked for Mazda during the FD years. It is such a shame that car didn't take off like it should have in the US market. It was a fantastic piece of engineering and a great all around car. Customer satisfaction with with cars was very high so those that bought one liked it, it was just a issue of getting people into the cars. At the time I had the pleasure of driving a number of examples and a lot of the competition and like the video said the RX-7 was a more basic car, lacking all the latest tech gadgets but it was a real drivers car. And it will be a classic forever.
It's value today I think speaks for itself. Rarely are the great sports cars appreciated when they release, it takes time to see who the winners and losers are, and clearly the FD was a winner.
@@the.squidd They certainly have appreciated them now. They go for insane money. Like you said, people now are realizing what an amazing car it was. Mazda knew it wasn't going to sell in the same numbers as the FC in the use market. The FC was the 'Everyman's Sportscar'. But the FD was decidedly up market and more focused. But the falloff is sales numbers was more than they were hoping for.
I worked for Mazda too. The best thing that ever happened to me was a Friday afternoon when my boss asked "We need someone to stir the oil on the R1 in the basement, are you going anywhere this weekend ?" I Immediately lied about a trip to San Diego and secured the keys. Kinda drove to Vegas instead.
Did have the honor of meeting Koby-san and Tom Matano.
@@dougperkins4188 That's awesome. I would have made up a story too!
And then, age began setting in. The luster wore off. But hey, I guess never changing the oil is cool...if you like constantly buying it.
For a "RUclips" series, this is just out there. The design, the voiceovers, and yes the information gathered, researched, and stripped bare to be presented. Its mind boggling that shows with millions of dollars cannot get it right, but you guys just do it.
Keep it going! It's raw, gripping, and emotionally addictive to watch!
Aww thanks buddy. I think I have a loooooooong way to go to be the quality I wanna be at but I appreciate the vote of confidence!
@@the.squidd you, already have high quality video's!
@@the.squidd..... Wtf kind of quality do you have in mind the videos you made are already in the top 1% of the best automotive videos
Yeah idk what homie does but this is tv quality content and his channel is young. Real young.
@@yuudaitamako1467 anyone who has a craft is never satisfied with their work. I’m sure there’s something you’re passionate about in your life that you always strive to be better at!
Let's be honest, Keisuke Takahashi did a hell of a lot for the RX-7's rep
So did Ryosuke
I mean whole initial d series. It not just helped ae86.
I've always liked the RX-7, but Initial-D made it into one of the first examples of Japan's golden era cars. I mean, just the fact that it had almost too much power for the light weight frame is not something you hear as often, plus it was comparable to the AE86 in tire management (despite twice the HP).
Actually, longevity aside, the RX3 used to be a terror in the 1/4 mile in the 70s/80s.
The middle of the Apex should be curved seal should be curved ideally, but that complicates tolerance issues.
Fun motor to work on though. Burns oil, but so do some new BMWS. 🥴
@@TamagoHead My dad had lots of stories to tell when we first started going to friday night drags when I was a kid in the 2000's. He used to mention any time an rx7 would pull up that when he was staitioned in okinawa in the 80's, rx3's were like rockets. His friend had one that was modified and it was a screamer.
My first car was a 93 RX-7, purchased for $15K in 2003. I was 21, reckless, irresponsible, and had more brushes with death that I'd like to remember while driving that thing. But man was it fun!
Must be nice
Same model same year bought it in 2001, i was 24 lost my license in that car and redlined it on the highway several times . I regret selling that car . Ww survived tho bruv ..💪🤜
Could have got a red 95 for 11k had 38k miles 2 new turbos due to being stolen when getting fluids changed at Mazda I was dumb 19 year old that didn't think I could get a loan finally after finding out 2 weeks later I had a 740 credit score didn't know what that meant at the time the car had been sold
Being a Mazda Dealer for many years .
I can tell you that they are an AWESOME COMPANY to be involved with ❤
You LITERALLY gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. When I was 16 (I’m 34 now) I’ve owned 6 RX7s, 86 fc being my first car , and currently still own a 88 fc turbo, 93 FD. I genuinely love these cars!
Excellent video. The amount of time, effort and research is PHENOMENAL! Thank you.
Right on! Glad I could maybe do your cars justice. I knew a lot of Rotary guys growing up and they were always just a completely different kind of motorist. Very dedicated people.
wow cool, thats a lot of money and time
You are so lucky to live on a country where those cars where sold... here where I live we only get garbage downgraded cheap cars
@@matheusguerrascheffer6518 where do you live?
@@jerey1702 worth every second and penny!
I owned a FD more than 20 years ago and absolutely loved it. When it ran of course. It was my first car, that I saved for two years. Since then, I have owned faster cars but every time I see one on the road I feel an emptiness inside, a longing for a car I sold decades ago. Like a lost lover. I loved driving that FD, loved tearing a turn at a speed I knew was unsafe and somehow it stayed glued to the line in my head. I miss that distinct purr that turned into roar that I haven’t experienced since. Thanks for the video for stirring that long lost feeling!
Thanks for watching a sharing! I’m glad you at least got to experience the magic of the FD in your life.
Same love my fc first car got it for 600 bucks in the good old days when people thought it was a mr2 or a ford probe or worst a fiero 😅 still own it just need to replace my rear rotor lost compression
This comment hurts. Sold my 92 FD 8 years ago and have never been able to recapture the magic of those rare moments when it ran properly.
Thats love bro
Right, some cars just fit like a glove, regardless of the power or driveability
You speak with such a calm, and yet passionate voice.
A true sign of Cars not only in your head - but also in your heart and soul.
I hope to see this channel take off to the moon, and I am honored to be a part of this journey.
Godspeed Squid, Godspeed!
ゴッド・スピード・ユー! Black Emperor
Auditory stimulation plays an important role among the triggers that constitute the ASMR like response I get from the muted sound from accelerated video of ratchet and impact wrenches. The voice quality is soothing as well. The educational value of Squidd’s automotive-mechanical videos is unusually entertaining. ~ A new subscriber.
This channel is not only about cars. It is also about attitude. A big difference to all the other car channels. Really inspiring. It makes me realize, why I am such a car enthusiast. It is about challenge. Achievement. I am so glad, that I found this channel. Best ever. Congratulations
I definitely am trying to transcend typical car content here, I want to expand enthusiasts attitudes to go beyond just loving a car or a brand, to being a fan of the history, people and everything else.
Brings a nice angle of the zeitgeist of how the designer/engineers of competing brands & diff industries fed off each other to push innovation & shift trends.
Great video, much appreciated.
I have owned a 1993 FD Mazda RX-7 from 2006 to 2020. I sold it during COVID because I got a bit stupid with things. Made 20K over the original price I paid for it.
As a car enthusiast and one who's driven a large variety of sports cars and owns one now, I have to say that no amount of words can be redundant to describe how incredibly fantastic the FD is.
It looks absolutely gorgeous, a timeless design that is rivalled by very, very few vehicles over the course of car design history.
Its dynamics are incredible, the experience at the wheel is memorable. I went to test drive one before I bought the one I owned. It will be likely the most car related intoxicating experience I will ever have. Getting on the highway, stepping on the gas, the roar of the engine climbing up the revs, the turbos whining, the sound changing to screaming menacing banshee once the second turbo kicked in is something you can't make people understand. I was sold. There was no way I was going to live the rest of my life without owning one at some point.
The car handles like it's nobody's business. I purchased a 2009 Porsche Cayman S shortly after I sold the RX-7 and as much as I love it, the RX-7 was more agile, a bit quicker and, I'll say it again, intoxicating in ways the Cayman can't be. The 7 is a race car with a licence plate. It is extremely well-behaved, perhaps too well behaved, it is incredibly fast and yet easy to put through its paces, you get in and you wear it like a tight-fitting body suit. It is a visceral experience you can't have in the Cayman. The 7 is that friend of yours whose response to your most insane ideas will always be: "do it. And I'll do it with you". The 7 gets in your head and is constantly inviting you to push and go quicker. No electronics, not even traction control. It is bliss. The Porsche is an amazing car in itself, it has the mystique of the decades of racing success, it is a mid-engine car, it is more mature, practical, reliable, but it's a bit aseptic for my taste. It is an amazing car, but it isn't a crazy one.
To conclude: a car that came out in 1993 is every bit as good if not better than one that came out 16 years later and cost significantly more. And it's a Porsche.
Great video, but you totally forgot about NSU, who actually employed Wankel after the war and began to work on the rotary. Wankel's design was quite flawed because it consisted of a rotating instead of a fixed housing, so in the end the design of a fixed housing was thought-up by NSU engineer, a guy rarely mentioned, Hans Dieter-Paschke. The first rotary automobile was the single rotor NSU Spider from 1964, which had many reliability issues. So, while NSU was developing their advanced twin-rotor sedan, the Ro80, they began to licence Paschke's design to Mercedes, Mazda, Citroen, Sachs, GM, etc, just to keep the company afloat. In the end NSU went bankrupt due to all the rotary engines they had to replace under warranty on the spider and the Ro80, and was bought up by Auto Union in 1969, but they are the true pioneers of fixed housing Wankel we've all come to know and love. 🌟
Yea, they were forgotten… I want an ro80
NSU was also where the decision to only count 1 firing surface displacement per rotor was made… all in effort to avoid displacement taxes. People wonder why a “1.3L” drinks so much fuel. It makes sense when it’s viewed as a 3.9L (all 3 “chambers” per rotor counted in displacement) like the engineers at NSU originally did.
You are absolutely right, I was waiting all the time for at least a mention of the NSU (Ro80), I always found that car quite beautiful and (amazingly?) I still see one driving by sometimes (I live in Holland).
@@stlchucko Yes, the drive comfort, power and Speed of the Ro80 was better than most 6zyl Engines of the time (1968), so if you compare the mpg with those, its even
@@marting1056 In 1968, the Ro80 could barely make it 30k miles before needing a rebuild. And the 6 cylinders in 1968 were making roughly 50% more HP and nearly 75% more torque... While delivering similar MPG.
SQUIDD, you're an absolute legend. The work you put into these videos, while still being able to pump them out is so impressive. Love your stuff man!
It's exhausting but it makes it worth it when I read these comments.
@@the.squidd Take care of yourself buddy! I know how time consuming and tiring editing can be, and you deserve to relax. Excited to see you're blowing up man, and I wish you all the best.
@@the.squidd there is a youtuber that made a v10 sounding rotary on a kit car sort of like ultima . mazda rotary sports car patent similar to acura nsx
It's not very accurate
Man, wish we would get the rotary engines back
Trust me, I do too, but the design will never lend itself to good emissions so unfortunately governments will kill the dream no matter what.
it isnt in the way we are all begging for, but this friday Mazda is unveiling a plug in hybrid MX-30 which uses a rotary engine as a range extender. they aren't giving us a balanced enthusiast coupe, but Mazda has not given up on the rotary just yet
Mazda will announce the return of the rotary as a EV generator in the MX-30 this friday. Who knows, maybe we'll get an RX-9 in the future!
@@jdmmike7225 yeah thats the sad reality
Didn't knew Mazda was serious about the rotary hybrid car. Thanks for the heads up, its still something ig
I had a 2004 RX-8. It had a 6-speed manual transmission, with a dual muffler Greddy exhaust, lightweight flywheel upgrade, K&N cold air intake, and the car was in the color "Winning Blue" from the factory. Besides that, the rest of the car was stock. It sounded sooo good for a non-turbo engine. And crusing in first gear in parking lots it made a subtle jet engine like hum. People always turned to see what was passing by. From behind, the tires looked aftermarket, they were stock though. I fit 245/40R18's tires on it, giving that racecar look to anyone that noticed. It wasn't super fast but it was so much fun to drive in curvy roads. I really liked this video of Mazda's rotory history but in my very bias opinion, the RX-8 was awesome. Yes, it sucked in MPG's, yes it was very unreliable, and torque was non-existent...but all Rotory engines had the same problems. But, when the car let's you Rev up to 9k RPM's and you are driving just for having fun, this car was it.
Nice one!
I still have my bought-new ‘05, and even though it’s now largely relegated to track-car duty, I still have a blast* hustling it every time. Especially compared to modern cars that are kind of lacking in personality and feel..
* Even if just on the street, it never gets driven without at LEAST one trip up the tach to the ~9.2K fuel cut off ;-D . I swear, it honestly feels like the car is actually injecting some triple-dopamine into my system when this happens ..
Was also my first car, I love the look of it ❤🤙
i just like how the RX-8's face looks like. it looks like the girl fish from Shark Tale
my 1st car was a '79 Rx-7. i loved how it backfired when i shut off the engine. my neighbors did not.
The RX7 FD3S Series 7 and 8 are simply some of the best looking cars ever created. When I picture JDM cars at the peak of design and ingenuity.. I picture the FD RX7.
The epitome of 90s sports car!
Agreed. Except for the popup headlights, if that car were released today, it wouldn't look out of place. 30 year old design - classic design.
@@SteelJM1 I think you could do a small LED block and it would fit in the same exact silhoette without needing to be pop-up, if you really wanted it modernized .
Nsx
Mitsubishi S2000
When you visit Mazda dealership you can feel they are still proud of their rotary engine legends: the model cars displayed on the walls are 787B and RX7 rather than current lineup.
Small correction: the FD was one of the first sequential twin turbo production cars, but not the first. The Porsche 959 and Eunos Cosmo both had them before.
I am in awe of how well written this video is. You absolutely deserve all the subscribers that come your way, considering the amount of thought put into this.
The RX-7 is my one bucket list car, sad as that is. Since seeing them in the first Gran Turismo, I've been obsessed. Shame so many were totaled over the years.
Still plenty left to buy if you can afford one!
As an FD owner, your ending made me tear up lol. Great work! Love your content!
Soooooo can I borrow that FD or what
Your writing is easily one of the best I've come across. Even if you uploaded a video with a black screen, I can easily imagine everything just from your words
Thank you so much! It's what I think is most important. I want to create content you could just listen to.
This video is a love letter to the RX7's and a joy to watch for all of us cars and JDM fans.
Growing up in the '80 in Asia and the '90 in Europe. I always had a thing for Porsche designs. So the FC resemblance of the Porsche 944 was part of it's charm for me.
Oh absolutely, it was the Porsche 944 you could afford.
@@the.squidd A year later, I came back to watch this once again.
Thank you for the vid. The FD will always hold a special place in my heart and I will buy another one again in my life but this time, to keep forever. I sold mine 10 years ago due to lack of driving skill and mechanical knowledge.
Lol still rocking a 81 GLC wagon 92k all original for 500$ I scored, little rust spots and I've rebuilt the electric system, ready to hit the Mojave late summer
Aaand, you've done it, yet again. Research, sountrack, scriptwriting, storytelling. Come on, dude! A day with a new SQUIDD video is always a happy day. Another EPIC video, you may very well become the best car history channel on YT. You're a legend. I love your work.
More to come! Thanks for the support Thomas!
@@the.squidd If you want, It would be my absolute honour to be the Brazilian Portuguese voice for your channel. Hit me up, bro!
I'm bussing
The FC is one of my favorite cars ever. The off center hoodscoop is beautiful
I have an off center hoodscoop on Delica it’s so cool
Just found this channel and I’m blown away by the quality of your videos. I just imported a FD last year as its one of my dream cars and it exceeded every expectation I had. Definitely the most exciting and enjoyable car I have ever owned despite all the issues they are known for.
Anyways, please don’t sacrifice the quality of your videos for quantity as most people do. Your videos are like a hidden gem and deserve more recognition.
Congrats on the FD friend! And yes I never intend to sacrifice the quality here, it’s what made this channel what it is!
Not gonna lie, i hate when people discredit the RX8, it wasn't a Successor to the RX-7 but a different animal, an Rx-7 successor at that time was pretty much impossible due to emissions regulations and the economic crisis the time, but still Mazda manage to make a fun Rotary sports car for the last time for a good. It even got Top Gear Car of the Year.
One thing you failed to highlight was why Mazda suddenly saw such a rise in sales in America during the 70s-80s and that's down to one major philosophy that many carmakers do... Racing. The good ol' "race on sunday, sell on mondays" philosophy.
Mazda had always dominated the racing scene in Japan with their RX-3s and the Cosmo but with the onset of the end of the fuel crisis and onset with a new car, Mazda felt that it was absolute time to break into the global market yet again to end their stigma of being a "tiny carmaker that's going broke" and with the rotary themselves being quite popular in the US already, Mazda decided to race it in one of the US biggest leagues for road racing and that's IMSA.
Mazda slotted the FB into the IMSA series and the rest were history. Despite being 1/20th the size of anything on the grid with the massive V8s that the Americans had, the Mazda slashed past everyone and won time and time again. Even when they upclassed to the GTU class with the new FC, it still walloped everyone on the grid like they were nothing and even when the FC came, privateers were STILL winning with the FBs thus that immediately shot Mazda to fame in the US even higher and everyone then knew who Mazda was and how quirky but sporty the rotaries really were. Just showing a small background segment of Mazda winning 7 IMSA GTU Championship isn't justified to what Mazda did for their IMSA effort for over a decade.
Your video quality and editing is top tier, I love these style of videos.
Loved the vid. Not gonna lie, the 2002 RX7 Spirit R is (In my genuine opinion) the most beautiful sports car to have ever been made. Everything else aside, the way she curves, the ratio of hood to cabin to boot, the lil stylish spoiler, those rear lights. All of her, just astoundingly beautiful.
I would argue it's certainly in the top 5 most beautiful cars ever created, absolutely.
Agree totally
These are the most entertaining videos I've watched in a while. 100% main monitor content, I look forward to just sit down and actually watch the video with enough time to enjoy it. And just like that, 30 minutes just flew by.
As a man with three monitors I felt that main monitor compliment hard. 🤜🤛
As a former RX2 and RX4 owner, I really appreciate this tribute. I loved those cars especially my bridgeported RX4 that was able to get to 200 km/hr and get there fast! , thing was an absolute rocket. Thanks for this tribute and bringing back many fond memories👍👍👍
Got a 76 RX4 and 85 RX7 myself. They're both projects right now, but the RX4 is getting a supercharger, RX7 rear end, and coil overs!
The 3rd gen Rx7 just had a look that is truly timeless. I always loved the body design for the 1999 mitsubishi Eclipse as well.
I really loved the Eclipse design too! Eclipses kinda got a bad deal with that later generation. DSM really made that car shine.
That ending was tear dropping for me... I love this car and was amazing to see a few of them on the streets of Japan a couple weeks ago
Yes! There goes my next 30 minutes of productivity..!! Love when a THE SQUIDD video comes out, keep up the great squiddy work!!
History is written! RX7s have won the most IMSA championships, 787B won 1991 LeMans 24H and RX8 broke 40 records running for 24H in a 2004 reliability test. As for FD RX7 that is the masterpiece that will never get old for car enthusiasts.
Rotary engine was quite similar to 2 stroke piston engine and it had to be treated that way. Only difference is that Rotary is actually 1 stroke engine and the power cycle happens in one revolution of the dorito
In one full revolution of the dorito you get 3x intake, 3x compression, 3x ignition and 3x exhaust. 1 rotor acts like 3 cylinders, if you want to put it that way
@@DarkStarDetailing while guzzling 3x the fuel as well.
The FD was an absolute classic. Its curvy lines still look beautiful by today's standards. The FD and the mk4 Supra were my first loves in terms of cars.
We can see how much you work on these videos and we love every bit of it. But please do take the needed amount of rest so that you don't get overwhelmed and overworked.
Brother I’ve been overworked for 15 years. It’s just life now lol
The only time i am truly happy about a 30min Video is when you upload another masterpiece of car history. Please keep making those Videos even if you Need some time to make them, it‘s always Worth the Wait 🙏
why is this guy crying Bill Gates, Casino, why you need this weird guy ?
what is he telling his audience ?? Why you need him on RUclips ?????
@@lucasRem-ku6eb why do you need television , music, or any form of entertainment? You dont „need“ it, But you are happy to have it, and especially in todays times where everything is becoming faster and shorter, with tiktok, RUclips Shorts, and people only telling you half of a Story or whatever, its Great to have Somebody put in so much work Into a Single Video, for car enthusiasts Like me to even learn something new, car history wise
I remember seeing the 787B in person at Mazdas headquarters. It was a sight to behold.
luckkyyyyyy
I have owned my 95 Mazda RX7 fd since I was 21. It's now my go to car when I'm going to the track and really plan on going 10/10ths. It now has a 20b single turbo. But till this day it turns heads, people think it's much newer than it is. When I tell them it's a 95 they are blown away.
I also have a Porsche 911 997 turbo. But it does not compare to the feeling you get to driving the rx7 on the limit. Plus the steering feel, the shifter feel etc are far better in the rx7.
The stigma of the engines not being reliable are from people not being knowledgeable enough on how to build the engine properly. People that complain about it not be fuel efficient...well you don't buy a track focused and sports car for fuel mileage...
The first rotary engined car I saw was the NSU RO80 in Perth Western Australia. It was a very wedged shaped futuristic looking vehicle. However, I was fortunate enough to drive a friend's Mazda R100 which was amazing, as torque rises with revs and HP - never peaking out like a piston engine
Pretty much a rocket
Bro I'm speechless. I've binge watched your every video and now you drop this, one of the finest videos about the rx-7, a video that will be timeless like the rx7 is. I wanted to say this in the LFA video but you're one of the best channels for car guys and for casuals (like me haha) on the whole youtube. I don't have the words to describe how good your videos are, I'm truly speechless, something like this should be on netflix, your script, voice over, the footage, it grips you and never lets you go until the video is over and you're left wanting more. Thank you guys for making this and hope you'll blow up one day and have the recognition you truly deserve!
To hell with Netflix! My content will remain free to watch for as long as it can be. Thank you for watching Marcus!
I owned a modified RX3 in my teens, it was like driving a 2 stroke dirtbike only it revved twice as high, 120kph in second gear left me wondering what the rest were for :)
brap brap brap brap
Rotaries are definitely like a 2 stroke, oil burning and always on a power stroke. The best
I'm pretty sure 2 smokers rev higher than 10k, at least smaller dirtbike engines
The FD truly is among the most beautiful cars ever conceived. And to think 30 years later it still looks so modern is proof. Aside from its compactness, if you asked people that knew nothing of cars to date it and many competitors from that era it would consistently be 10+ years ahead.
Few days ago I went on Emmision test with my FC. The guy who does all the measuring knows me well and loves my car. Sudennly I saw FD coming in. Old gentleman came for technical inspection for registering the car as veteran. We talked a bit but when the technician saw why he came for he got pissed, walked to us and said to me: " Look! He got here with the newest car from your lineup and he wants it as veteran! Is he crazy?" The FD owner looked shocked but once I looked at him I just made a serious face and eye contact with tecnician. " No but damn I am! Mine is just two years older and I forgot it is veteran!" T:"It cant be that ol.......HELL IT IS! 😳"
Brilliant. Great homage to the gallant and romantic heroism of Mazda. For many of us, the spirit with which a car is designed and built matters, and after 12 years of owning my FD, it still puts a massive smile on my face, every time. I rather like the fact that it is an absolute classic, but not in a "mainstream" way - just as it should be.
Congrats on owning such a fantastic car!
A redline a day keeps the rotary doctor at bay. Absolutely brilliant video my man, one of the most well put together about the RX7 and the rotary under the tenure at Mazda
Man these vids truly are super underrated and makes being a car guy feel awesome. Keep up the great work.
Glad you like them!
It has to be noticed that it was only one company carrying the Wankel engine, while the piston engine was developed further by sooo many other companies. And yet, the Wankel engine was able to see some successes a few times over the decades. This definitely tells me that the technology is not completely useless. Otherwise, it would have been wiped right off market at the beginning. I wonder if the problems of the engine could have been solved if all other car manufacturers also would have hoped onto this train. After all, the piston engine also had to undergo massive technological improvements to get where it is today.
Totally agree.
@@aluisious Why can't you solve low compression? That's the problem with non-engineers: They take things for granted instead of thinking about solutions.
Spot on. In fact, if you look at the Hemi engine in the latest run of Chryslers (owned by F.I.A.T - Fix It Again Tony) - they last no way near as long as they should. There's plenty if crappy piston engines in this world, even now. Misinformation and Mazda trying to meet emission rules does more harm than good to the Rx8 and the rotary engine in general.
This is an outstanding video and a fantastic spotlight. Thank you so much.
Johnny Herberts Le Mans run for Mazda can only be called Legendary.
I bought an rx8 bc I cannot afford the 7 and I honestly love it. It may not be a direct successor to the rx7 but it has everything that a true sports car needs to
RX-8 is just a thicccer MX-5 NC. I have one and I love it ❤
Unfortunately they're so ugly. I wanted to buy one when they came out in the early 2000s. I liked how it felt and everything but could never get over the looks. A neighbor a couple houses down from mine has one and I see it all the time and I just wish they'd have not made it so ugly. Especially when you compare it to the previous gen RX-7 whis hasn't aged a bit design wise and still looks better than 99% of anything on the road.
@@dickJohnsonpeter Quote: "That's one of the nicest, possibly THE nicest, cars I've ever seen!" ... A viewer of my RX-8 in 2004.
I'll give you the rear lights looking a bit iffy but other than that and in 3D (side on in 2D it looks odd) I still like the look of it.
I almost bought an RX-8 a few years back but the owner had a 5L oil bottle in the passenger footwell and I knew immediately it had issues. Seals probably shot.
@@devynstewart6307 uh... what? Why would seeing a bottle of oil in an RX-8 tell you it had issues? More like the owner actually knows how to take care of it, keeps it topped off - and/or pre-mixes. I'd be more concerned if I didn't see any extra oil laying around in a rotary powered car.
I can’t even express enough how great your vids are.. The way you always imprison my attention untill the final second and the way I’m always in awe of the quality and effort put in to these videos it just never happened to me before. Thank you so much for spending days or even weeks I can imagine of your time and creating these masterpieces.
Typically about a month work for us to get one out here.
I always liked the RX-7 in games, from Gran Turismo to Need for Speed. But was in the F&F Tokyo Drift that i felt in love with it.
Of course, being a with that Veilside bodykit was nearly perfection. And that scene that Sean drives it, with that engine sound, ooooof. It makes me smile just remembering it.
But it was with initialD that i truly understanded why it was so different and yet not that popular.
Thank you Mazda for bringing that spinning dorito to its greatest.
And thank you for this video.
Happy as a second time modern Mazda owner! Any mazda, even the big crossovers drives a little like a sports car.
Really enjoyed this one.
My Grandfather, Tony Denniss, was on that team in the 50s. He then went onto be one of the lead engineers on the Norton Commando, and consulted on many 80s and 90s Fords.
Mazda is actually reviving the rotary, although it is to be used as a range extender for the MX-30. Would be so happy to see Mazda make another RX with this engine.
Fantastic love letter to FD.
Evos and STis defined one generation in Europe due to rallying success.
Supras and GTRs defined same generation across the pond due to video games and movies (maybe idk)
FD was stuck in between, sort of speed oriented SAAB quirkiness of Japan. Exotic (and feared) for its techonology, yet beautiful in all of its faultiness and timeless design.
Im so happy I found your channel, its a masterpiece and probably a future top tier youtube channel, just keep at it, sending hello from the Balkans
Thanks for checking me out!
Man, your videos always knock it out of the park. As an FC owner, thank you!
Glad you like them! As someone who always wanted an FC, congrats!
I wanna cry cos this is of a bygone era. No matter your taste or flavor, the 90's is a decade to be cherished.
Mazda, THANK YOU!...
The best decade
Unlisted but viewable, nice
A spectacular video as always, squidd!
How are you here 33 minutes ago the vid just got posted 😭
@@Djierro Patreon maybe idk
I literally had goosebumps the entire video, the Rx7 will forever stand as the greatest and most true sports car ever
The final RX-7 Australian only model was fantastic, and reasonably successful.
what's so amazing to this day, mazda is still working on the rotary engine
while making waves on the internal combustion and making sales on the car brand
the rotary range extender
a series of Patent's on a Rotary engine design
RX-vision
and a rumor of a hybrid 3 rotor rotary engine sport car
heck even the FIA's little rule change on the Le mans rulebook permits the use of Rotary engine hoping that this year or years to come , mazda will be back on the podium
"Strange new propulsion"...? Pistons are a steam engine throwback, they are the strange thing still in the 21st century. Rotational power from rotational motion - what's strange about that? ;-p Love me some Wankel! :D
Except his design was actually 2 contra-rotating rotors intended for planes (zero vibration), but they were too bulky for cars of the time. I believe one of his students kinda almost stole the single rotor design idea (Reuleaux triangle in a figure-eight-like epitrochoidal housing), before Wankel capitulated and gave up on the twin rotor. Mazda obviously made a deal with all parties in the end to build the commercial reality & thus the Cosmo (RU80 here) was born.
Anyway, that's the version I heard back in the 80s or 90s.
How I miss my first car - a white RX4 sedan. It had Webber carbs, custom extractors, 2.5" pipe, 8" Yokies. It was very 'warm', with the largest street-legal extended ports, just short of race ones (bridge or peripheral). If I drove it sensibly, no one would even notice...unless they spotted the fats or the exhaust...or I slammed the pedal to the metal! :D Ahhh, happy times!
The summer of 1981 I wanted an RX-7 so bad, but at the time I didn't have the extra $1,100.
I did choose the Mazda GLC which did not have the rotary engine but it was definitely a great little car.
Owned a series 2 RX for years; one of my favorite cars. Took a while to learn how to use it best; but handling was always superb, and I had a lot of fun.
Lots of rumors that it might reappear with Hydrogen power someday--would love to see this innovative engine return.
So would I!
The pitch of combusting hydrogen is much higher than regular petrol. Could you imagine that thing at 9k rpm? I hope it gets made!
@@irishwristwatch2487 yeah I think it would be awesome. And the engines are so compact. Heck, you could two of them in... 🤪
"The furious lawnmower sound was an acquired taste"
FINALLY someone says it. 👏
Show me a lawnmower from past or present that remotely sounds like a 13B Turbo screaming to 8500rpm
Oh that's right,,, you can't.. Nobody said you have to like how a Rotary sounds, hell nothing sounds better than a V8 but how low is your IQ if u think they sound like a furious lawn mower! I suppose that's better than those dribbling knuckle draggers who yell out such gems as " chook cooker or rice burner " do either of these things even exist? Completely agree the way some sound is not everyones cup of tea and I'm a lifelong RE owner, builder and racer. I cringe when some noob fits an unsuitable completely wrong type of exhaust system, that's why some sound shit and some dont. A RE exhaust system including the header down pipes is such a critical component far to many uneducated randos slap on just anything they have lying around weld it up and see what they get = disaster soundtrack. Compare that with a purpose built properly engineered tested and manufactured system trust me the brap brap haters and biggest rotary engine sceptics would be truly amazed by how much better a quality well made fit for purpose system actually sounds.
@@joshbrookes6439 do you honestly think anyone is going to read that? I saw your ramblings then ignored it.
Some people don't like the sound of rotary engines. You're just gonna have to deal with that.
It's ironic how the Wankel engine was invented by a German, and then used by a Japanese company against German companies.
It's wht japan and other asian countries do..they they take western invention and develop them
Dude u gave me goosebumps and almost shed a tear also. I loved the RX7 and it's part of my -i win a lottery dream garage- . I never hear of you before,just popped up in my suggested videos. I bench your videos now as a hobby :D Amazing old Top Gear vibes. Actually maybe even better in a way. Keep on giving us great videos and please don't sell out to a TV channel :D
Thank you so much for giving us your time, glad you liked it!
Congrats on having an RX-7 too. I one day hope to experience driving rotary myself.
The FC and FD RX-7 models are still some of my favorite cars.
I know people always worry about Rotary power.
Yet who doesn't want to hear that Rotary sound as they blow by people?
A cinematic masterpiece, A true enthusiastic view on everything and goosebumps along the entire length of the video - this is something extraordinary ✊ Great Work
Love to see how fast this channel is growing!! Keep up the amazing work! Glad to have been here from the beginning to see the rise 😊
WHAT AN INTRO!
FC3S is one of my all time favourite cars. Free reving and light.
Every time I hear the VR4 in a video that's not about it I get really excited. I have a Sl and I'm loving it (even though I haven't driven it yet) lol.
Awesome video as always, on my favorite car brand no less!
In my opinion, Mazda still has that tendency to do things differently than other manufacturers.
I currently drive a '22 Mazda3 and while it’s much less spacious than, say, a Golf, the result of that is that its design really stands out among other hatchbacks and it’s so much livelier to drive than said Golf!
They even seem to bring the rotary engine back as a range extender!
You are an incredibly story teller. One of my absolute favourite channels. Highly underrated.
Wow, thank you!
Every video is pure art & incredibly well made - would love one about the S2000 😁
s t a y t u n e d...
My father in law (passed away last year) owned a S2000 for 14 years. I drove it quite a lot. Miss that thing.
RIP man hope hes hitting 9K in heaven!@@lot2196
I consider myself just lucky enough to have owned an 82 Rx7 GS and then an 87 Mazda RX7 Turbo II. Never could get my hands on an FD tho
They were the most Speedracer-y of all though the couple RX6&7 I got to drive were heavy or just no low end torque (yeah yeah, I hear you guys explaining it to me). But the cars I did get a lot of time in were mid 70s Datsun 240z and 280z. The 73 240 4 speed was a hoot while the 76? (whenever they got fuel injection) 280 was not immediately feeling so sporty (due to all the comforts and weight) it became a trusted friend full of surprises in handling (Goodyear Wingfoot tires, their premier at the time helped a lot). Got myself in some tight situations going too fast (it would get so smooth at speed you didn't realize how fast you were going) with sudden unexpected turns and that car revealed itself to be more than just looks. It held a 20 mph cloverleaf offramp that I entered at 90 and when I came to a safe stop it just purred in a secret voice like it had finally done what it was meant to do.
I've driven many other performance and muscle cars but never with the same relationship.
I'm guessing that's what the RX is for y'all.
Glad to have experienced the full rotary era.
Nothing like letting loose on the track in one.
Cheers
Oh btw i saw the video on maybe sunday I just had 0 time to comment. It was very well put together but I mean man, there's nothing new I can even say about the videos they're 10/10 every single time. So hyped to see you almost at 100k just a couple of days maybe even until the end of the week.
Thanks Anton! It's still nice to hear even if it's the same comment.
My favorite Uncle had bought an RX-7 back in 1988 and took me for a drive in it. We had a Porche pull up beside us at a redlight. My uncle revved his Rotary Engine the Porche revved back. When the light turned Green the Porche took off like bat out of hell. My Uncle didn't. He just started laughing. If I wasn't in the car I bet he would of had some fun getting blown away by a Porche but he wasn't gonna do it with his 11 year old nephew in the car. RIP Uncle.
I appreciate that he looked after you and didn't do something reckless there. Sounds like a good guy!
Sounds like a great uncle. While it would have probably been cool to see him give it a go he valued your life more. Most people with a fun car to drive wouldn’t have been responsible enough to make that decision.
This is by far my favorite story telling car channel. Please keep them coming, I’ve binge watched them all in a night.
Wow thank you my friend. We’re working hard on another one!
Makes me so proud to have owned a first generation 12A Rotary. 1983 Mazda RX-7
I have the Chevelle my other dream car has always been the FD! As a high school kid i was blown away by how fast they were at the strip it is also indeed veutiful and unique! Mazda earned my respect with that ca5 long ago. I daily a CX=7. Good examples are appropriately expensive though, so at the moment its out of my reach. Thank you for making this video. It brought back many memories man.
Rotary motors work amazingly at extreme pressure and temperature and has proven to be much more efficient
Literally always cry watching your videos bro. Storytelling and edits on point and holy shit the cars you make videos about 🥺... Ur a blessing
I do it for you guys. Thank you for taking time to listen.
It's a pleasure to, been fortunate enough to have been searching about the NSX 2 weeks after you released the first video. Probably watched it full almost 10x since, thank you for making such great content! Surely inspired some new kids into cars.
I used to have an 89 FC Rx7, I loved that little car. It was wild!
I always wanted an FC Turbo II. Just the coooolest cars growing up.
My favorite car and the car that introduced me to sports cars was my 1986 Mazda RX7. Each RX7 enthusiast has his favorite generation of the RX7. It is still my dream to own another one of these second generation RX7s.
easily one of the most beautiful looking cars ever made, and i felt this way about it in its day. i remember looking at it and recognizing right away that this design will never look old. it will always be a sleek sexy car.
Truly one of the most beautiful shapes I’ve ever seen