Mazda’s famous rotary engine has been steadily improving since their original L10 Cosmo from the 60’s. The Cosmo’s heart has been enlarged from the well known 2-rotor 13B-REW to the 3-rotor 20B-REW that shines as the ultimate example of a production rotary engine. In 1990, (FD RX-7 = 1992) it was the worlds first series production engine employing a twin “sequential” turbo system & resulted in an amazing level of torque from it’s 1962 cc capacity. With over 390 nm available from as little as 2200 rpm, the 402 nm peak at 3000 rpm drops by less than 10% at the 7000 rpm Redline. Mazda’s rated power of 206 kW is at the Japanese "gentlemen’s agreement" power limit, but it is well known that the real figure is around the 220 kW mark. How does the twin turbo's work ? The primary turbocharger receives the full benefits of exhaust gas from all three rotors to spool faster, thus improving low speed torque & eliminating lag. The 2nd turbo starts to spin as the primary turbo dumps exhaust into it to regulate its own boost. At around 3500rpm the 2nd turbo comes “on-line” to assist in maintaining flow & boost as the primary turbo struggles to feed the engine. With both turbo's on-line, flow is maintained & the result is effortless performance combined with the rotaries natural smoothness & flexibility. An optional 13B-REW with the same design was also made available at a lesser price meaning the base model 13B version was a similar price to the top line FD RX-7.

The triple mode automatic transmission is superbly matched to its luxury coupe image. The press of a button gives a choice between “normal” & “power” mode, the latter increases responsiveness to the accelerator position as well as holding the gear longer before the next up-change. The “hold” mode gives manual control. A great feature for demanding driving & operating as a normal manual gearbox without a clutch. Naturally the best performance figures are extracted from the Cosmo in this mode. The ratios are perfectly matched to the rotary engine ensuring each change up places the RPM in the "meat" of the torque curve. With a super smooth engine, the gearbox doesn't need to work hard to be a smooth power coupler at all easily outshing many auto boxes to this day.

The Cosmo interior offered drivers a totally new concept. Mazda designers worked hard to create a top-of-the line personal automobile. The designed concept is an "Organic space that enhances the relationship between car and driver". Said a Mazda press release. PLus, "The Cosmo's clean and contemporary interior is artistically designed using natural materials, creating a comfortable atmosphere for driver and passengers". Sounds overboard but that the Japanese way of appealing to buyers.

Turning on the ignition, a blue analogue display appears from within the black screen of the instrument panel & runs its projected images across the length of the car. The name Cosmo was inspired by the term Cosmos, where a million stars shine in endless space: this display recreates the feeling of a midnight sky. The wrap around effect of the interior design gives off a feeling of personal safety without the cramped styling of a true sports car. Room enough for the tallest drivers, there’s plenty of adjustment in both the sport & luxury seats to create comfort & form, a feature many car seat designs have difficulty achieving. Rear seat room whilst not up to the standards of a regular sedan provide ample room for two should the need arise. A baby seat even fits in the rear for a family trip, although not as much rear volume as the Eunos-800, it easily outsizes an FD RX-7.

Standard with the Type-E.CCS version is the most amazing (non Bose) audio system ever to come from Mazda for automotive production in the 90's. 6-high quality speakers provide a complete "Surround sound" entertainment atmosphere capable of satisfying the most discerning listeners. The lower grade stereo ( & optional CD ) whilst not matching the abilities of the E.CCS still provides quality above the automotive audio standard of the day.