Mazda R100

Mazda R100
Mazda Familia Rotary Coupe, a.k.a. Mazda R100
Overview
Manufacturer	Mazda
Also called	Mazda Familia Rotary Coupe
Production	1968–1973
Body and chassis
Class	coupé
Body style	Coupé
Layout	FR layout
Related	Mazda Familia
Powertrain
Engine	Wankel engine 0820

The Mazda R100 was the export name for the Mazda Familia Rotary Coupe,^[1] an automobile produced by Mazda in Japan from 1968 to 1973. It used the chassis from the Familia and the rotary 0820 engine similar to the one used in the Cosmo Sport Series II. It was a 2 door 2+2 coupé and was produced from 1968 to 1973. It was also known as the Familia Presto Rotary and was quite ordinary except for its powerplant. Power was rated at just 100 hp (70 kW) due to a small carburetor (thus the "R100" name).

United States

The R100 was one of the first cars imported into the United States for the new Mazda Motors of America, sold in model years 1971 and 1972. It was a surprising hit with the American public, though sales were limited to some Northwestern states initially.^[2]

Racing

Following on the success of the Cosmo Sports at Nürburgring in 1968, Mazda decided to race another rotary car. The Familia Rotary Coupé won its first outing, at the Grand Prix of Singapore, in April, 1969.

Next, the company took on the touring car endurance challenge at Spa, the Spa 24 Hours. For 1969, Mazda entered a pair of Familia Rotary Coupés. The cars came fifth and sixth the first year after a quartet of Porsche 911s. The Familia also placed fifth at the Marathon de la Route at Nürburgring in 1969, the same race that the Cosmo had bowed at the previous year. Finally, Mazda took the Familia home for the Suzuka All-Japan Grand Cup, where it won easily.

For 1970, the Familia placed eighth at the RAC Tourist Trophy in June, followed by a fourth place at the West German Touring Car race in July. At Spa, four Familias were present, battling with BMW Alpinas, and Alfa Romeos for the podium. This time, three of the Mazdas retired, with the fourth claiming the fifth position.

Mazda also turned its attention to Le Mans in 1970 with rotary-powered prototypes. The company would finally win that race 21 years later with the 787B.

Data

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. 
• NN (1970). "Mazda R100 Coupe Road Test". Car and Driver. November 1970: 36–39. 
• New York Rotary Association - New Yorks Biggest Rotary Engine Auto Club (NYRA)