Mazda RX-4

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Mazda RX-4

Manufacturer	Mazda
Also called	Mazda Luce Rotary
Predecessor	Mazda R130 Mazda Savanna (wagon)
Successor	Mazda Luce Legato
Class	GT car
Body style	hardtop coupe sedan station wagon
Platform	FR
Engine	12A (1972-1973) 13B (1974-1977)
Transmission	4-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Related	Mazda Luce/929 Mazda RX-5/Cosmo

The Mazda RX-4 (called the Luce Rotary in Japan) was a larger car than its rotary-powered contemporaries, the Capella-based RX-2 and Familia-based RX-3. It shared the Luce/929 chassis, replacing the R130 in October of 1972, and was produced through October 1977. Its predecessor (the R130) and replacement (the rotary Luce Legato) were not sold in the United States. Mazda marketed the RX-4 as being sporty and luxurious with the RX-4 having the best of both worlds. This gave Mazda a well needed boost in the popularity of the Wankel engine unique to Mazda.

The RX-4 was initially available as a hardtop coupe and sedan, with a station wagon launched in 1973 to replace the Savanna Wagon. Under the hood at first was a 130 hp 12A engine, but this was replaced by the larger 13B in 1974 producing 125Hp, for export. This engine was Mazda's new "AP" (for "anti-pollution") version, with much-improved emissions and fuel economy, but somewhat worse cold-starting behavior.

In South Africa it was produced until 1979, all years only with the 12A engine.

The car used an strut-type independent suspension in front with a solid axle in the rear. Brakes were discs in front and drums in the rear. Curb weight was low at 2620 lb and the wheelbase fairly short at 99 in (2510mm).

The body was freshened in 1976.

[edit] United States

For the United States market, the RX-4 was sold from 1974 through 1978, when the RX-7 debuted. The 13B produced 110 hp and 117 ft.lbf in United States emissions form. Base pricing was $4295, with the automatic transmission ($270) and air conditioning ($395) the only expensive options.

Road & Track magazine was impressed, noting the car's improved fuel economy and price compared to the RX-3. This was notable, as the Wankel engine had suffered by the mid 1970s with a reputation as a gas-guzzler. Performance was good in a 1974 comparison test of six wagons, with an 11.7 s sprint to 60 mph and an 18 s/77.5 mph quarter-mile. The magazine noted that the wagon's brakes suffered from the extra 300 lb (136 kg)weight compared to the coupe.

The RX-4 was on Road & Track magazine's Ten Best list for "Best Sports Sedan, $3500-6500" in 1975.

[edit] References

Yamaguchi, Jack K. (1985). The New Mazda RX-7 and Mazda Rotary Engine Sports Cars. St. Martin's Press, New York. ISBN 0-312-69456-3.
Jan P. Norbye (1973). "Watch out for Mazda!". Automobile Quarterly XI.1: 50-61.
A-Spec '72 Luce
Mazda.com History of Rotary
Rotary Engine Illustrated - Animations of Rotary Engines, Pictures, Videos, etc.
Road & Track magazine, July 1974

Mazda Wankel rotary timeline v • d • e
Type		1960s					1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s
		5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Compact	Familia/R100				R100
Mid-size	Capella/RX-2						RX-2
	Luce/RX-4					R130			RX-4							Legato			HB				HC
Full-size	Roadpacer											RP
GT	Cosmo/RX-5	L10A				L10B						CD							HB								JC
Sports	Savanna/RX-3/RX-7/RX-8								RX-3						SA			FB					FC						FD											FE
Pickup	Proceed/REPU										REPU