difference between GTU & GTUs
#3
Senior Member
GTU and FTUs differences
Mazda made a mid-year model change in 1989 1/2. The base RX-7 was called the GTU. It had a slightly different body style than the 1988- rear spoiler, front grille openings, monochrome body side moldings. The GTUs was a version which had many of the features of the Turbo II, but was normally aspirated. The GTUs was made in the 1989 1/2 model year, mostly, and exactly 100 were made in 1990 model year. It was then discontinued. Its main purpose was to allow the Mazda factory race effort to compete in IMSA GTU classes. Extra features of GTUs: corduroy sport seats, Momo leather wrapped steering wheel and shift ****, 16 inch wheel package and Z-rated tires like Turbo II, larger diameter front and rear anti-sway bars, 4 piston front brake calipers, firmer struts, lower gear ratio in 5th gear, 4.3 gear ratio differential, limited slip differential, delete cruise control, delete special stereo to base radio package, no power window option, delete sunroor option, aluminum hood, speed sensitve (instead of engine speed) power steering, front brake air cooling ducts. I have only seen red and black GTUs- not sure if other colors were available. Interesting note- when I bought mine in 1990, there were two on the dealer's lot. I picked the red one, since I had a 1986 red one that I liked the color. About a year later, I was contacted by John Mattras, who was writing a book on the history of the RX-7. My car is on the back cover of his book. He found out that there were only 100 1990 models produced, mainly for the requirement by IMSA that to compete in their GTU class, 100 of the model competing must have been available for sale. If you have a 1990 model you may want to hold on to it. PLus it is a fun car to drive- corners like a snake, rough riding like a stock car so you are constantly reminded that you are in a sports car. Not terribly fast on straight line acceleration, but fast enough to be interesting. Zoom, Zoom.
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