IMO it will be less than 5 years nearly every car high end car produced will be electric, and if they have a generator it will be rotary, because of this I see nothing but good things in the future for the resale value of all rotary collector cars, keeping the FD is a good financial decision if you can find the space. Pistons will be extinct long before rotors.

 

That's doubtful.

The part about pistons being extinct before rotors. Rotors are already endangered species. Pistons are the most efficient they've ever been. It will be some time before they go extinct.

 

Agreed, I'm doubtful that the electrical infrastructure in the rest of the world will be able to support mass charging. Battery tech and fast charging are really the key to moving electric cars forward, it's going to be hard to replace the ability to "gas and go".

 

The infrastructure is getting better, but if you're a renter your charging options are still very limited, and that doesn't work for lots of people.

 

Sorry to hear you are selling the car! I do hope to still see you around the forum, you've been a fantastic resource over the years.

I agree, it just doesn't make any sense to keep the car around if it's not doing anything for you.

I tried to get out of the RX-7 scene a number of years back - I bought an SC300 and wanted to just keep it nice and clean and enjoy it. Quickly realized that wasn't my thing. RX-7's got into my blood, I love tinkering with the cars, fixing them up, you name it. I've also thought about getting something more exotic but realized I couldn't afford to truly tinker and modify it. The RX-7 just hits a sweet spot of performance, good looks, and mod-ability for me.

I dig the heck out of the Teslas. The Model 3 isn't as sexy as the previous sedan (Type S? Can't remember the naming) - that car is just stunning.

Good luck with the sale, hope your car goes to someone who can really appreciate and take care of it!

Dale

 

YEP

What bonds you to a car is working on it and driving it. The FD rewards you on both fronts in a massive way.

As long as I'm physically able to work on them I'll probably always have a spot in the garage for one.

PS AND what originally won me over is that in my mind it's easily one of the coolest (looks, size, handling, power delivery, sounds, smell, blah blah blah) cars that has ever rolled across this planet.

 

You are correct, pistons are as efficient as they have ever been, yet they are still 1/3 as fuel efficient, 3 times the weight, and need to be overhauled at 1/3 the engine hours of a wankel designed to run at a constant rpm and load. Range extending generators run at a constant load and RPM, meaning piston engine will not be able to compete in this arena, and it will be the only arena in town in short order. Wankel design also has greater fuel type flexibility. It will be a while but they will go well before wankel.

With effective on board wankel generators electrical infrastructure will be a convenience not a requirement.

 

Considering the low sales in the US of mass market plug ins like the Volt (canceled), I'd say it will be an uphill climb for any range extender here.

 

Do you guys think Mazda has made any breakthroughs in materials science, etc. for the rotary engine?

I'm looking forward to the release of SkyActiv-X this fall – you'd think some of the SkyActiv research has rotary applications.

 

Would you consider me someone who can appreciate it and take care of it?

 

This is 100% true. Through the tides of FD ownership you'll have times when you love it and think its the best thing ever and times when you want to roll it out in the yard and torch it but at the end of the day the idea of not having it is beyond weird, sad and depressing. Well, at least to me.

Teslas are cool though.

Skeese

 

Hahaha very much so!

Dale

 

Does this indicate you're the one who made the deposit?

 

ha thxs Dale!

Yes.

 

You lost me at "performs equal or better than the FD".

Good luck with the sale and congrats to Johnny on a nice clean RX-7 though!

 

I have a Model 3 as well. It's a great DD and fun to drive but it is not as engaging as the FD. On the other hand, I haven't driven my FD in 6 months as I've been lazy about getting smog done...

 

Which Model 3 trim level did you get? There is a night and day difference between the dual motor AWD cars and the other trims.

 

Based on your description of use, I think you made the right call to sell. Hope you stay around the community as you've been an invaluable resource (especially the PFC tuning community).

 

If I could afford a ludicrous speed package model S, I'd set my FD out on the street with a free sign. Electric is SO fun and its the way of the future. I wish I could convert the RX7 into an electric motor car. Motor goes? Unbolt two nuts, pull it out and bolt in the new one.

 

FD is sold. Johnny is driving it back right now.

Thanks everyone. I think I made the right decision. I'll still be around, don't worry.

 

Glad it's all in the family.

 

I've had it a year now. Back then, the only option was the long range rwd.