Bathurst Models
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From: Nanakuli
Bathurst Models
Are the Bathurst models considered “factory racers”? Or are the special edition upgrades merely to enhance the zoom zoom experience?
Besides the suspension upgrades the interior and badges, how does one distinguish a Bathurst model from the rest of the class? Is there a designation in the VIN#? When Googling for information on these it seems rather devoid of information.
Besides the suspension upgrades the interior and badges, how does one distinguish a Bathurst model from the rest of the class? Is there a designation in the VIN#? When Googling for information on these it seems rather devoid of information.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Warwickshire, UK
Nope, Bathursts are basically slightly dressed up models in terms of colour combos etc - they're not really that special tbh, jsut variations.
There's nothing 'hardcore' or 'sporty' about them over the original model.
There's nothing 'hardcore' or 'sporty' about them over the original model.
UGH
"Australia had a special high performance version of the RX-7 in 1995, dubbed the RX-7 SP. This model was developed as a homologated road-going version of the factory race cars used in the 12hr endurance races held at Bathurst, New South Wales, beginning in 1991 for the 1995 event held at Eastern Creek, Sydney, New South Wales. An initial run of 25 were made, and later an extra 10 were built by Mazda due to demand. The RX-7 SP produced 204 kW (274 hp) and 357 N·m (263 ft·lbf) of torque, compared to the 176 kW (236 hp) and 294 N·m (217 ft·lbf) of the standard version. Other changes included a race developed carbon fibre nose cone and rear spoiler, a carbon fibre 120 L fuel tank (as opposed to the 76 L tank in the standard car), a 4.3:1-ratio rear differential, 17 in diameter wheels, larger brake rotors and calipers. An improved intercooler, exhaust, and modified ECU were also included. Weight was reduced significantly with the aid of further carbon fibre usage including lightweight vented bonnet and Recaro seats to reduce weight to just 1218 kg (from 1310 kg). It was a serious road going race car that matched their rival Porsche 911 RS CS for the final year Mazda officially entered. The formula paid off when the RX-7 SP won the title, giving Mazda the winning 12hr trophy for a fourth straight year. The winning car also gained a podium finish at the international tarmac rally Targa Tasmania months later. A later special version, the Bathurst R, was released in 2001 to commemorate this, in Japan only."
"Australia had a special high performance version of the RX-7 in 1995, dubbed the RX-7 SP. This model was developed as a homologated road-going version of the factory race cars used in the 12hr endurance races held at Bathurst, New South Wales, beginning in 1991 for the 1995 event held at Eastern Creek, Sydney, New South Wales. An initial run of 25 were made, and later an extra 10 were built by Mazda due to demand. The RX-7 SP produced 204 kW (274 hp) and 357 N·m (263 ft·lbf) of torque, compared to the 176 kW (236 hp) and 294 N·m (217 ft·lbf) of the standard version. Other changes included a race developed carbon fibre nose cone and rear spoiler, a carbon fibre 120 L fuel tank (as opposed to the 76 L tank in the standard car), a 4.3:1-ratio rear differential, 17 in diameter wheels, larger brake rotors and calipers. An improved intercooler, exhaust, and modified ECU were also included. Weight was reduced significantly with the aid of further carbon fibre usage including lightweight vented bonnet and Recaro seats to reduce weight to just 1218 kg (from 1310 kg). It was a serious road going race car that matched their rival Porsche 911 RS CS for the final year Mazda officially entered. The formula paid off when the RX-7 SP won the title, giving Mazda the winning 12hr trophy for a fourth straight year. The winning car also gained a podium finish at the international tarmac rally Targa Tasmania months later. A later special version, the Bathurst R, was released in 2001 to commemorate this, in Japan only."
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Warwickshire, UK
Apologies, I forgot about the later spec Bathurst 'R', was thinking of the earlier JDM models.
Before the 99 ones, the ones referred to as Bathursts were basically different colour and trim variations - i.e. there was an RB Bathurst, Bathurst X, R1 Bathurst, etc.
The SP was never sold as a 'Bathurst' to the best of my knowledge (except for the above Bathurst 'R', which was the only Bathurst that actually was anything really 'special', and even then it was limited to basically carbon look trim, and adjustable dampers.)
Note that the JDM R1/R2 designations are completely different to the USDM designations.
Before the 99 ones, the ones referred to as Bathursts were basically different colour and trim variations - i.e. there was an RB Bathurst, Bathurst X, R1 Bathurst, etc.
The SP was never sold as a 'Bathurst' to the best of my knowledge (except for the above Bathurst 'R', which was the only Bathurst that actually was anything really 'special', and even then it was limited to basically carbon look trim, and adjustable dampers.)
Note that the JDM R1/R2 designations are completely different to the USDM designations.
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