Mazda Luce

Mazda Luce
Overview
Manufacturer Mazda
Also called Mazda 929
Production August 1966–1990
Assembly Hiroshima Assembly, Hiroshima, Japan
Body and chassis
Class Executive car
Layout FR layout
Chronology
Successor Mazda Sentia

Mazda used the Luce (pronounced lu-che) name on its largest sedan in Japan from 1969 until 1990. It was exported as the RX-4 if installed with a rotary engine. The Luce nameplate was replaced by the Mazda Sentia name in 1991. The name "Luce" was taken from the Italian word for "light".

The Mazda 929, the name used for export, was originally a mid-size car from 1973 to 1987 and as a full-size car thereafter. When equipped with a rotary engine, it was called the Mazda RX-4 in export markets. Later, after the "Luce" name disappeared in Japan, the "929" badge was applied to the succeeding Sentia for the few export markets which received the last two generations. The 929 has always been a front-engined, rear-wheel drive vehicle, and usually the largest sedan sold by Mazda, not including the briefly sold Mazda Roadpacer. Station wagon versions of the first and second generations were available internationally.

SU/SV series (1966–1972)

SU/SV
Overview
Also called Luce 1500/1800/R130
Mazda 1500
Mazda 1800
Production August 1966–1972 (1500)
1968–1973 (1800)
1969–1972 (R130)
R130: <1,000 built [1]
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
Layout FR layout
Powertrain
Engine 1.5 L UB I4 (1500, "SUA")
1.8 L VB I4 (1800, "SVA")
1.3 L 13A Wankel engine (R130)
Transmission 4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,500 mm (98 in) sedan
Length 4,370 mm (172 in) sedan
Width 1,630 mm (64 in) sedan
Height 1,430 mm (56 in) sedan
Curb weight 1,070 kg (2,359 lb) sedan
Mazda Luce estate (wagon)

Following an agreement signed with Bertone in April 1962, the 1965 Luce 1500 show car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italy. It was low and sharp, looking more like a contemporary BMW Bavaria than any of its smaller Mazda companion products called the Mazda Familia and the kei car Mazda Carol.

The production version, launched in August 1966 (SUA), had a higher roofline but retained the BMW look. It was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive 4-door sedan, and featured a square 1.5 L (1490 cc) 1500 SOHC engine, producing 78 PS (57 kW) at 5500 rpm and 114.6 N·m (84.5 lb·ft). It sold poorly at ¥695,000. The 1500 SS version with twin carburettors was later introduced, producing 86 PS (63 kW) at 5500 rpm and 117.8 N·m (86.9 lb·ft) at 5500 rpm. A stroked 1.8 L (1796 cc) 1800 engine was added for 1968. This new model, the Luce 1800, produced 104 PS (76 kW) at 5500 rpm and 152 N·m (112 lb·ft) at 2500 rpm. To accommodate the taller 1800 engine the bonnet on this model has a slight bump in the middle with an air inlet on the leading edge.

An estate (station wagon) was also added. It was introduced two years before the Toyota Corona Mark II and the Nissan Laurel in Japan. The Luce Mark I was sold in Australia and most other export markets under the names "Mazda 1500"[2] and "Mazda 1800".[3]

1800 (US)

Mazda 1800

The Mazda brand entered the United States market in 1970 with just the small R100, but expanded to a full line in 1971. This included all three of the company's piston-powered models, the compact 1200, mid-size 616, and full-size 1800.[4]

The US-market 1800 produced 98 hp (99 PS; 73 kW) and 146 N·m (108 lb·ft) and cost US$2,280. Performance was sluggish, with a 0–60 mph time of 17.5 seconds and a 20.5 seconds and 105 km/h (65 mph) quarter mile. Unlike the rotary cars, the 1800 was a flop. Road & Track magazine said it was solid to the point of being overly heavy, with pleasant handling but poor performance. It was gone from the market for 1972.

Opposite to what happened in the U.S., in Europe the 1800 had a better performance with 104 PS (76 kW) at 5500 rpm (SAE) and maximum torque of 148 N·m (109 lb·ft) at 3000 rpm (SAE), for a 0–60 mph time of 13.4 seconds. The poor performance of this engine in USA was probably due to fact that in USA the petrol had an octane index of only 85 RON while in Europe the petrol at the time had an octane index of 95 RON (up to 100 RON today). Also the manual transmission with four gears used in Europe contributed to a much better performance than the three-speed automatic transmission usually used in the US. The 1800 (fitted with a manual transmission) also sold in small numbers in Australia.

The number of Mazda 1800 automobiles imported into the U.S. are as follows.

The 1800 saloon (model SVA, four-door) was produced from 1968 through 1973 where a reported 39,401 units were made. An 1800 estate version (model SVAV – station wagon) was added in 1970.

R130

1969 Mazda Luce R130 (Rotary) coupé

A rotary-powered Luce appeared in 1969. The Luce R130 was produced from October 1969 to 1972. It used a 1.3 L 13A engine, which produced 126 hp (94 kW) and 172 N·m (127 lb·ft). Quarter-mile (400 m) performance was 16.9 seconds. This model designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, then working for Bertone, was a front-wheel-drive two-door coupé with front disc brakes, which was similar to the NSU Ro 80. This model, Mazda's only front-wheel-drive rotary, is now a collector's item and very rare.

LA2/LA3 series (1972–1977)

LA2/LA3
Overview
Also called Mazda 929
Mazda RX-4
Production 1972–1977 (sedan, coupe)
1973–1979 (wagon)
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
Layout FR layout
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1769 cc VC I4 (LA2V)
  • 1970 cc F/MA I4
  • 1.2 L 12A Wankel (LA22)
  • 1.3 L 13B Wankel
Transmission
  • 4/5-speed manual
  • 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,510 mm (99 in) sedan
Length 4,240 mm (167 in) sedan
Width 1,660 mm (65 in) sedan
Height 1,410 mm (56 in) sedan
Curb weight 1,060 kg (2,337 lb) sedan

The 1972 rotary Luce was also known as the Mazda RX-4 in export markets. It was available as a coupé, sedan, and "custom" (station wagon). Two rotary engines were offered, the regular 12A and low-emission AP 13B. There were also piston models available, and van models for the Japanese market. The original version carried LA2 chassis codes, after a rather thorough facelift of a much more square design it became the LA3.

The station wagon lasted until 1979, until being replaced by the LA4 wagon.[5]

Engines:

RX-4

1975 Mazda RX-4 coupé (LA2)

The Mazda RX-4 (called the Luce Rotary in Japan) is an automobile sold in the 1970s. It was a larger car than its rotary-powered contemporaries, the Capella-based RX-2 and Grand Familia-based RX-3. It shared the Luce chassis, replacing the R130 in October 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 "personal luxury car" 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 coupé and sedan, with a station wagon launched in 1973 to replace the Savanna Wagon. Under the hood at first was a 97 kW (130 hp) 12A engine, but this was replaced by the larger 13B in 1974 producing 93 kW (125 hp), 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.

Mazda Luce estate (wagon) series LA2

The car used an strut-type independent suspension in front with a live axle in the rear. Brakes were discs in front and drums in the rear. Curb weight was low at 1,188 kg (2,620 lb) and the wheelbase fairly short at 2,515 mm (99 in). The body was freshened in 1976.

United States

For the United States market, the RX-4 was sold from 1974 through 1978, when the RX-7 debuted. The 13B produced 82 kW (110 hp) and 159 N·m (117 lb·ft) 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 97 km/h (60 mph) and an 18 s/77.5 mph quarter-mile. The magazine noted that the wagon's brakes suffered from the extra 136 kg (300 lb) weight compared to the coupé.

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

929

Mazda 929 (LA2; Europe)
Mazda 929 coupe (LA3; facelift)

The first Mazda 929 was introduced in 1973, as an export name for the piston-engined second generation Mazda Luce, (itself introduced in autumn 1972). The first generation Luce had been called the "Mazda 1500" or "Mazda 1800" in export markets, but as engines of different displacement were beginning to be used across lines, such a naming philosophy would have soon become confusing. The 929/Luce was a large (for Japan) coupé, sedan, and station wagon powered by a 1.8 L (1,769 cc) inline-four Mazda VB engine. Output was 94 PS (69 kW) and 137 N·m (101 lb·ft).

The Luce/929 was updated in 1975 with an optional 2.0 L (1970 cc) engine which produced 103 PS (76 kW) and 167 N·m (123 lb·ft) from a two-barrel carburetor.

Engines:

LA4/LA5 series (1977–1981)

LA4
Overview
Also called
  • Mazda Luce Legato
  • Mazda 929L
  • Mazda 2000[6]
  • Mazda RX-9
  • Beijing BJ6470 (1996)
Production 1977–1981 (sedan)
1979–1988 (wagon)
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
4-door hardtop sedan
5-door station wagon/van
Layout FR layout
Related Mazda Cosmo
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1.8 L VC I4 (LA4V)
  • 2.0 L F/MA I4 (LA4M)
  • 1.2 L 12A rotary (LA42)
  • 1.3 L 13B rotary (LA43)
Transmission
  • 4/5-speed manual
  • 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,610 mm (103 in) sedan
Length 4,625 mm (182 in) sedan
Width 1,690 mm (67 in) sedan
Height 1,385 mm (55 in) sedan
Curb weight 1,235 kg (2,723 lb) sedan

The Luce Legato (introduced as the LA4 series in October 1977) was a large and luxurious sedan, still powered by Mazda's piston or rotary engines. It was also available as a four-door pillarless hardtop that looked like a huge, square coupé, and a wagon, which had more of a utilitarian role than the sedans. The coupé was renamed the Series CD Mazda Cosmo.

Mazda 929 hardtop sedan (Chile)

While the Luce was a large, luxuriously equipped sedan, it still complied to Japanese Government dimension regulations, and it wasn't the largest sedan Mazda sold in Japan. That honor went to the short-lived Mazda Roadpacer, which was sourced from GM's Australian brand called the Holden Premier.

This generation sedan was not sold in North America. It was originally designated as the Luce Legato, but the Japanese automobile industry authorities would not allow for what they considered a name change and so it was officially sold as simply the Luce.[7] The "L" portion hung on though, with export models receiving the new car as the "929L".

Mazda 929 Estate

The rebodied Mazda Luce Legato was introduced late in 1977 and became the second generation 929 for export markets, often called the 929L. There was no coupé version developed of this generation, although a four-door hardtop body was available in Japan and some other markets. A station wagon was added in February 1979. The design was American inspired, with stacked rectangular headlights and a large chrome grille. A more efficient 2.0 L inline-four, producing 90 PS (66 kW) with a single-barrel carb replaced the existing engines. First presented in Japan in October 1979 was a face-lifted (LA5) version with large, rectangular headlights and a more orthodox appearance. The final addition was a 2.2 L diesel engine in September 1980. Its output was 66 PS (49 kW) and 141 N·m (104 lb·ft). The 929 was replaced after 1981 by the next generation Luce/929, although the second generation station wagon continued in production until the March 1988 as no estate replacement of subsequent generations was ever developed.

Pre-facelift 929L (Luce Legato)

Aside from the regular piston-engined variants, the 12A or 13B rotary engines were on offer. The piston-engined variants were exported as the Mazda 929. A rotary-engined version was exported to "general issue" countries and sold as an RX-9. Most RX-9's were sold with the smaller 12A engine.

A facelift was given to the range in 1980 (known as the LA5), giving the car a more European styled front. When the range was replaced in 1981, the wagon models continued on, due to there being no wagon model of the new range developed. Production of the second generation wagon ended in March 1988.[8]

Engines:

HB series (1981–1986)

HB series
Overview
Also called Mazda 929
Mazda Cosmo
Production 1981–1986
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door hardtop
4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Related Mazda Cosmo
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L F/MA I4
2.0 L FE I4
1.2 L 12A Wankel
1.3 L 13B Wankel
Transmission 5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,615 mm (103 in)
Length 4,665 mm (184 in)
Width 1,690 mm (67 in)
Height 1,360 mm (54 in)
Curb weight 1,215 kg (2,679 lb)
Hardtop sedan

The next generation of Luce, introduced to Japan in October 1981, was built on the HB platform. Exports again occurred as the 929. Japanese customers could purchase the Luce sold at the previously established Mazda dealerships, or the rebadged Mazda Cosmo sold at an exclusive dealership called Mazda Auto. Unlike the Luce, the Cosmo was also sold as a coupé, also exported as the 929 coupé. Cosmo-branded vehicles were installed with rotary engines only, while the Luce offered rotary, and piston-driven engines. Later in 1991, Mazda Auto locations were renamed Eunos.

It was a large front-engine rear-wheel drive sedan or hardtop sedan. The Luce was built on the new HB platform, which was now shared with the Cosmo. This version was introduced as the 929 in 1982 in most export markets and produced until 1986. Luces and Cosmos received several differing front end treatments, with export 929s receiving the very staidest front end designs for 929 sedans and the sportiest flip-up headlight "Cosmo" design for 929 coupés. No station wagon variant was issued on the HB platform; the previous LA4 remained in production as a wagon with a new front end (it was essentially the same as the LA4 from the A-pillar backwards).

This generation vehicle was not sold in North America. In Europe the 929 was badged 2000 sedan or 2000E estate (applied to a facelifted version of the previous generation). The turbo version was never offered in Europe, and neither was the four-door hardtop, although parts of Europe bordering on Eastern Europe and the Middle East did receive it.

Engines:

HC series (1986–1991)

HC series
Overview
Also called Mazda 929
Kia Potentia
Production 1986–1991
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door hardtop
4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L FE I4
2.2 L F2 I4
2.0 L JF V6
3.0 L JE V6
1.3 L 13B turbocharged Wankel
Transmission 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,710 mm (106.7 in)
Length 4,690–4,930 mm (184.6–194.1 in)
Width 1,695–1,725 mm (66.7–67.9 in)
Height 1,440–1,450 mm (56.7–57.1 in)
Curb weight 1,390 kg (3,064.4 lb)
Mazda 929 hardtop (Turkey)
Pre-facelift Mazda 929 hardtop (Australia)
Pre-facelift Mazda 929 sedan (Australia)

The 1986 Luce was large and luxurious on the HC platform, now with the 13B turbo engine as one of many engine options. It was still exported as the 929, and differed from the (continued) Cosmo. At its introduction in 1986, it was offered with Mazda's first V6 engine, called the Mazda J engine which came as a 2.0 L, a 2.0 L turbo, and a 3.0 L for top level model

This generation vehicle was sold in North America after the arrival of the Acura Legend in 1987 in sedan bodystyle only; the hardtop was not available, nor were the rotary engines. Actor James Garner was used as a spokesman introducing the 929 to North America

1991 was the last year of the Luce nameplate. The Eunos Cosmo was already on sale (JC), and the HD platform spawned the Mazda Sentia (now exported as the 929), and the Efini MS-9, making 1991 the last year for a 4-door rotary powered sedan prior to the RX-8. In the 1990s Mazda sold the body stampings to Kia where it was reproduced until the early first decade of the 21st century in piston form and sold in Korea only as the Kia Potentia.

The 929 was updated in 1986 (1987 in some markets) with the HC platform and a 3.0 Liter V6 engine. The car was produced through 1991, again lagging behind its Japan-market twin, the Mazda Luce, by one year. The 929 began U.S. and Canadian sales in 1987; although predominantly available as a 3.0 Liter V6, there were a rare few that made it to the North American market as a 4-cylinder 2.2 F2 in a RWD configuration. After 1990, when Chrysler dropped its Fifth Avenue and Dodge Diplomat (both of which had 318-cubic-inch V8 engines) it would exclusively rival the Toyota Cressida until 1992 when Toyota stopped Cressida exports to concentrate on the new Lexus brand.

The HC platform came out in two variations during its five year span that had identical engines and interior but with two distinct body shapes; a pillared four-door sedan as well as a slightly larger pillarless four-door hardtop. While the pillared model was common in all countries that allowed the importation of the 929 (including the US and Canada), the pillarless model was predominantly seen in the Asian and Australian markets.

1990 Mazda 929 interior

The Luce Royal Classic (and lesser-spec Limited) was more expensive than its 929 counterpart, featuring greater technical innovation — both were pillarless hardtops. The Royal Classic was factory fitted with a turbocharged 13B Rotary or 2.0 Litre V6 engines, electric leather seats, digital speedometer, a cool-box for canned beverages, prominent emblems, electronically adjustable suspension and power options throughout. In order to satisfy Japanese regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement, this generation vehicle was built in two versions; the 3.0 V6 was installed in the longer and wider hardtop bodystyle, and the smaller engines, including the rotary engine, were installed in the shorter and narrower sedan bodystyle. It was the larger model that carried over to the next platform that introduced the Mazda Sentia.

The Canadian 929 came with a 'Winter Package' option and included heated seats, a higher grade alternator, winter tires and non-recessed windshield wipers. A five-speed manual gearbox was an option, but most North American 929s were two-mode ('power' and 'economy') electronic 4-speed automatics. Top speed was 195 km/h (121 mph). A 0–97 km/h (60 mph) time of 9.2 seconds was recorded using the manual gearbox; the automatics were somewhat slower at 10 seconds.

The first 3.0-litre V6 engine seen in the 1986–1989 929 was a Single Overhead Cam type with 18 valves. When Mazda released the higher-spec 929S model for the 1990–1991 period, the engine was upgraded to a Double Overhead Cam type with 24 valves, slightly increasing fuel economy, performance and reliability. Also in the revised edition came the presence of an anti-lock braking system, ventilated rear disc brakes and a few inconspicuous changes to the exterior. The standard 18-valve SOHC remained in the base model 929.

Engines:

Kia Potentia

Kia Potentia

When the HC series Luce was replaced with the Mazda Sentia, it continued to be manufactured in South Korea as the Kia Potentia. That vehicle was in production from 1992 until 2001 using the 2.0 liter four-cylinder Mazda FE-DOHC engine, which was the same as the first generation Kia Sportage's gasoline version, 2.2 liter four-cylinder and a 3.0 liter V6. The Potentia was replaced by the Kia Enterprise, which was based on the Mazda Sentia and introduced in 1997 after the Sentia was cancelled.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mazda Luce.
  1. ↑ Long, Brian (2004). RX-7. Dorchester: Veloce Publishing. p. 20. ISBN 1-904788-03-3.
  2. ↑ Australian Motor Manual's Road Test Annual. 1967. pp. 69–70.
  3. ↑ Green Book Price & Model Guide. March–April 1984. p. 59.
  4. ↑ "Mazda 1800". www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  5. ↑ "Mazda 929 (LA2)". GoAuto. Retrieved 2014-08-07.
  6. ↑ Robson, Graham (1990). A-Z of Cars of the 1970s. Haymarket Publishing Ltd. p. 102.
  7. ↑ Yamaguchi, Jack K. (1978). Lösch, Annamaria, ed. "Successes- Excesses". World Cars 1978 (Pelham, NY: The Automobile Club of Italy/Herald Books): 64–65. ISBN 0-910714-10-X.
  8. ↑ "Mazda 929 Generation 2". www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  9. ↑ Bellu, René, ed. (September 1990). "Salon: Toutes les Voitures du Monde 90/91". l'Auto Journal (in French) (Paris: Homme N°1) (14&15): 301.
Mazda Wankel rotary timeline
Type 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
56789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 01
Compact Familia/R100 R100
Mid-size Capella/RX-2 SNA
Luce/RX-4 R LA Legato HB HC
Full-size Roadpacer AP RP
GT Cosmo/RX-5 L10A L10B CD HB JC
Sports Savanna/RX-3/RX-7/RX-8 S SA FB FC FD SE
Pickup Proceed/REPU REPU
Mazda road car timeline, 1960–1989 — next »
Type 1960s 1970s 1980s
0123456789 0123456789 0123456789
Kei car R360 Coupé
Carol Chantez Carol
Kei truck B360/B600 Porter
Porter Cab Porter Cab Scrum
Subcompact Carol 600 121/Festiva
Compact Familia Familia, Presto Familia Presto Familia/323 Familia/323 Familia/323 Familia
Familia Van Familia Van/1000,1200,1300 Pickup Familia Van/323 Wagon Familia Van/Wagon
Grand Familia / RX-3/Savanna Étude
Mid-size Capella/616 / RX-2 Capella / 626 Capella / 626 Capella / 626
Luce/1500/1800 Luce/RX-4 / 929 Persona
Executive Luce/RX-9 / 929L Luce / 929 Luce / 929
Luce Van / 929 Wagon
Luce R130 Cosmo/121/RX-5 Cosmo / 929 Coupé
Full-size Roadpacer
Sports car Familia Rotary/R100 MX-5
Cosmo Sport RX-7/Savanna RX-7/Savanna
Minivan MPV
Pickup B1500 Proceed/B-series Proceed/B-series Proceed/B-series
Van Bongo F800/F1000 Bongo/E-series Bongo/E-series