ok, correct me if I'm wrong, but there was no GXL 1st gens. Models go from bottom up, with key differences.

S - base, no sunroof
GS - sunroof & a few more toys, drum brakes in rear
GSL - rear disk brakes, lsd, but still 12a
GSL-SE - loaded. 4 wheel disks, 13b engine, all the toys

NA= normally aspirated, i.e no turbo blower etc..

 

For the 1st gens the years are 79-85

For 2ed gens the years are 86-92 (i think thats right)

and for 3rd gens the years are 93-96 ( i'm not sure either)

thats usa models,rx-7's are still made today in japan for japan

no export,...

 

I wonder what they're called in japan, since they don't export them anymore...

 

I believe they are still called RX7 in japan. But I know that(if im not mistaken) the first gens were called Savanahs, the second gens Infini, and the third gen Efini. Not sure if there is a trim difference or what.

 

There is no 1st gen GXL, the GXL was a second generation model.

First gens were made from 1978(sold as early 1979 models) through to 1985.

Actually there was a 1983 GXL model in Canada only. It was known as the 10th Anniversary LE in the US. It was a special limited run model to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Mazda Rotary car.

rx7gslse is almost 100% right about the models.

early 1979/1979/early 1980 models available:
S - Base Model
GS - 5 speed manual (optional on the S), rear anti-roll bar, wider tires

late 1980 new model:
LS (Leather Sport - only 3000 made) - Full leather interior, gold alloy rims, sunroof

1981/1982 - revised body and mechanicals:
4 speed manual eliminated, catalytic converters replace themal reactor, side molding wider and lower, new front and rear bumper, new tailights
new model:
GSL (Replaces the LS) - Rear disc brakes and limited slip differential (optional on S and GS), new silver alloy rims, sunroof, option for leather

1983 - minor revisions to mechanicals and interior - new model:
Limited (Based on the GS), GXL in Canada - Special 'Chateau Silver' paint with red pinstripes, special 14 x 5.5 alloy rims

1984/1985 - revised mechanicals and interior:
3 speed auto replaced with 4 speed auto
new model:
GSL-SE - 13B FI engine, 12 spoke 14" alloy rims, larger vented disc brakes, limited slip differential, larger rear axle, came with both metal sunroof and glass moonroof

I think that's all the major differences.

Anyways, the all around best model is the 84/85 GSL-SE. Bigger engine, bigger brakes, beefier drive system, came with more options standard.

Hope this is helpful,
-Spencer

 

mark perez
is right about the model years,

and treceb
is right about the Japanese brand name.
In Japan, most car companies sell cars under various different names, depending on the image the company is trying to project.

Infini/Enfini is Mazda's brand name for performance cars. The Enfini RX-7 is their current flagship model. Mazda has several different names including Eunos and AutoZam.

It's similar to Honda/Acura here. Honda is the 'value' line and Acura is the 'high end' line.

-Spencer

 

I'm looking into buyin an RX7 for my next car. I was searching on Autotrader and found several but didnt know anything about the trim levels so I found this site and did a search which led me to this. Ok, now I have a question, according to this thread there was only an '83 GXL and it was sold in Canada, well, I have found a guy with an "1982 MAZDA RX7 GXL" and he's in America. What do ya'll make of this?

 

I'm guessing he is incorrect with his facts. Probably meant to be a GSL. Just ask him...

 

ok, thank you. That's what i figured my self but I thought I would get a second opinion.

 

Maybe I can add something to this discusion. I've been researching the topic of Japanese models since I got my Savanna... this is what I know.

Savanna (no "H") is a name used to describe RX-7's in general, allthough I have not seen any 3rd gens refered to as Savannas. The Savanna monicer is used like the MX-6 "Mystere" and the MX-3 "Precidia". On my car, the "Mazda Rx-7" badge (on the fender) is actually a "Savanna RX-7" badge. Cool eh?

SMNC is correct about Infini/Efini being a different dealer name in Japan. Not all RX-7's are Mazda's over there, but Mazda is, of course, the parent company. In Japan, the Mazda name brand represents economy cars, not sports cars. It's all very similar to the way Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth where doing business awhile back. You could buy a Neon at every one of these dealers, but they where all marketed differently.


1st gen models where called "RE12A Savanna RX-7"s. The line-up was...

Starting in 1978... The "Limited" (my car!), "GT", "Custom" and "Super Custom".

In 1981 they added the "SE limited" to the lineup. It had leather interior. This is like our rare "LE". They also revised the bumpers and interiors at this time.

In 1983 they released the "Turbo" (with 12AT).

The second gen NA and TurboII models where introduced in 1985.

 

Of course I'm right... I'm always right... Lol... I wish

Anyways thanx for all the info on Japanese Savanna's.

I know about the Savanna RX-7 badges, but does your car still have the separate Mazda badges too?

 

Yeah, it has the chrome outline Mazda badges on the nose and tail.

 

Cool!

I actually really like the Savanna RX-7 Badges a lot more than my Mazda RX-7 badges.

I was thinking of buying some to replace mine, but I wonder if that would be lame...

 

Update: I called the guy with the car, and it was a typo because when I asked him which trim package it was he said it was a GSL, he didnt seem to be incredibly knowledgeable about the car, didn't even know if it had rear disk brakes, which I asked about trying to make sure it hadn't been rebadged. Now I just got to save up 1200 dollars...none of you would be interested in buying a butt ugly 1986 isuzu trooper by chance would you?