Based on: 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit RWell, what else would you expect from a guy that calls himself Rotary Junkie? The third generation RX-7, known also by its FD3S or simply FD chassis code, is a very popular car the world over and has been featured in innumerable street car racing games since the early- to mid-90s. Drift, grip, VIP, show car...the FD can be any and has been all due to its timeless lines, incredible chassis and strong engine. The Spirit R, the last special edition of which the Type A is considered the purest form, is touted as the ultimate RX-7 and the pinnacle of rotary performance. So how will this version go?
Obtained: New Car Dealer
Drivetrain: FR
Horsepower: 396 BHP (@ 692.5 miles w/rebuild)
Torque:---- 303 ft-lb
Weight:---- 1051 kg
PARTS
GT Auto
Oil Change
Prodrive GC-010G Wheels
Front Aero Type A
Rear Wing Type B
Rebuilt motor upon availability
Tuning Shop
Weight Reduction Stage 3
Lightweight Windows
Carbon Fiber Hood
Engine Tuning Stage 3
ECU Tuning
Sports Header
Sports Exhaust
FC Gearbox
Semi-Racing Flywheel
Semi-Racing Clutch
Carbon Driveshaft
FC LSD
FC Suspension
Sports Soft tires
SETUP
Body/Chassis
Aerodynamics
Downforce: 0/28
Transmission
Transmission
1st:-- 2.915
2nd:-- 1.929
3rd:-- 1.394
4th:-- 1.057
5th:-- 0.842
6th:-- 0.704
7th:-- x.xxx
Final: 4.300
Max Speed: 211
Drivetrain
Differential
Initial: xx/12
Accel:-- xx/56
Braking: xx/30
Suspension
Suspension
Ride Height: 0/0
Spring Rate: 7.8/8.3
Extension:-- 10/10
Compression: 7/7
Anti-Roll:-- 7/1
Camber:----- 3.5/3.1
Toe:-------- -0.17/-0.25
Brakes
Brake Balance Controller
Brake Balance: 7/9
Intended Driving Options
Transmission: Manual (MT)
ABS: 1
Everything else: OFF
Tuner Comments:
This right here is the result of constant evolution since early GT4 tuning efforts. From an initial 350-370hp to 385 and now nearly 400hp, it's grown up a bit and matured noticeably. This doesn't mean it's gotten any fatter; in fact, it's down by 28kg. Beating up on older GT class racecars is easy with this car as long as there's enough corners; it does exactly as you tell it to, exactly when you do.
Driving it straight off the lot it is easy to see why the car is so popular. The car is well balanced and has an easy feel going about its business. The brakes are great; they slow the car quickly but minus the jerky feel you sometimes get with firm braking. The tail end rotates out slowly and can be easily held or brought back without much fuss. It is said Mazda took the best parts and ideas of all the third gen models and put them into the Spirit R. And it certainly shows in the driving feel. Straight off the lot I was able to run a lap of 2'14.237".
Strangely, the parts list takes the car in a different direction than most. Rather than having a wild rear end and fighting to keep control around corners, it has a tendency to lean toward understeer. There is definitely some wheel spin to be had out back but it is easily quelled. The brakes now are a little too soft, however this is normal with every car that has left the brakes alone but had an increase in speed. Lap time comes in at 2'02.063".
The tune helps quite a bit but maybe not enough. The steering is sharper and it feels nice, however the tendency toward understeer on power is still present. The braking also has a better feel but again, a little on the soft side for my taste. Even so, the car is still fast and puts the power into the pavement instead of up in smoke. I never had much of an issue with the rear coming out even on the tighter, slower corners. I think the brakes are a sticking point on this tune. I feel like I am having to brake sooner than I would like and lose some time on entry. The 2'01.174" time is not bad at all but I did expect it to be faster. Given some time I think it will get under the 2'00.5xx" mark. I will definitely be running this car more and will see if I can find a way around the track better than I have so far. I do love my RX-7s and would like to see this get closer to the NSX-R on this track.
Lap Times
Grand Valley Speedway: 2'01.174"
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