The third-generation FD Mazda RX-7 is unquestionably one of the greatest Japanese sports cars ever built. Not only is it an exceptionally pretty thing to look at, but thanks to its low weight, faultless chassis tuning, and compact dimensions, it’s epic to drive as well. And of course, you can’t forget to mention the RX-7’s wild rotary engine package either, which, properly tuned, sounds unlike anything else out there. The particular example featured in this video comes with all that and more, with as much as 520 horsepower produced from a triplet of triangles spinning up to an incredible 10,500 rpm.

Like A Weed Wacker From Hell

This video comes to us from the HillClimb Monsters YouTube channel, and includes shots both outside and inside the Mazda as it sprints up a twisting section of tarmac at the Leadfoot Festival in New Zealand, hosted by none other than Rod Millen. According to the video description, this be-winged coupe managed to post the quickest time in the Two-Wheel Drive category with an eight-minute, 51-second run.

Making the insane exhaust note is a naturally aspirated 20B engine, while the body kit comes from Kinetic Simulation for use in the World Time Attack Challenge.

While the exterior shots look and sound fantastic, the in-car shots are equally as exciting, and show owner and driver Andy Duffin putting in some impressive driving to keep the RX-7 on the black top. Make sure to crank up the volume when you hit play.

For reference, the FD-generation Mazda RX-7 originally came equipped with the twin-turbo 1.3-liter 13B-REW rotary engine, which produced upwards of 276 horsepower.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2001 Mazda RX-7.

Read our full speculative review on the 2018 Mazda RX-7.

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