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Mazda RX-7 Series 8: What Its 276 HP Rating Really Means

The late FD3S RX-7’s familiar 276 hp figure converts Mazda’s 280 PS rating. Here’s what the Series 8 label means, what the catalogs specify, and why the supercar comparison needs named rivals.
Entry609 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The late Mazda RX-7 FD3S is commonly associated with “276 hp,” but Mazda’s published figure was 280 PS—about 276 mechanical horsepower when converted. That is a potent rating for a Japanese sports car of its era, but the claim that it “outpowers supercars” is not established without naming specific rivals and comparing like-for-like figures.

What “Series 8” means

“Series 8” is a commonly used enthusiast label for a late version of the third-generation RX-7, known by its FD3S chassis code. Mazda’s official history describes the FD’s development and revisions, but the sources here do not establish “Series 8” as Mazda’s formal designation. The RX-7 line began in 1978; the third-generation car arrived in December 1991. Mazda’s RX-7 history is the more reliable reference for the model’s chronology.

How much power does a late RX-7 make?

280 PS is approximately 276 mechanical horsepower

Mazda says its January 1999 “New RX-7” revision raised output to 280 PS. PS is metric horsepower; converted, 280 PS is approximately 276 mechanical hp. So “276 hp” is a conversion of Mazda’s published rating, not the unit or figure Mazda used in that history entry. Mazda’s history records the 1999 update.

Output changed over the FD’s life

The third-generation RX-7 did not have one output figure throughout production. Mazda’s chronology lists 255 PS for the 1991 revision, 265 PS in 1996, and 280 PS in 1999. Those figures are revision-level history, not a guarantee that every late car or trim has the same specification. Mazda’s model history provides the revision timeline.

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A catalog example: October 2000 Type R

Toyota Gazoo’s October 2000 Japanese Type R catalog entry specifies 280 PS (206 kW) at 6,500 rpm, 314 N·m at 5,000 rpm, and a vehicle mass of 1,260 kg. These are catalog figures for that particular trim and date—not universal specifications for every Series 8 or FD3S. Toyota Gazoo’s Type R catalog entry identifies the model and its listed figures.

A different Japanese catalog record, for the Type RB S Package covering October 2000 through August 2002, lists 265 PS and 1,240 kg. The difference is a useful reminder to check the exact trim and catalog record rather than infer a car’s output or mass from the “Series 8” label alone. Response.jp’s Type RB S Package catalog record gives those figures.

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What engine is in the FD3S?

The FD uses Mazda’s 13B-REW, a water-cooled, twin-rotor rotary engine with intercooling and sequential twin turbochargers. Mazda’s history describes the sequential-turbo system and engine-management revisions; the October 2000 Type R catalog lists the engine’s displacement as 1,308 cc. Rotary architecture and turbocharging are defining features of the car, but neither the engine description nor peak output alone establishes how it compares with another car in acceleration, top speed, handling, or overall performance. Mazda’s history and the October 2000 Type R catalog provide the respective details.

Does the RX-7 outpower supercars?

That broad claim cannot be confirmed from the available figures. “Supercar” does not identify a comparison set, and a meaningful power comparison needs named models, model years, markets, and the same unit basis. The RX-7’s 280 PS Type R catalog rating is a supported figure; a claim that it exceeds the power of supercars would require separate, comparable ratings for specific cars. Even a valid peak-power comparison would not by itself show which car is faster or better performing.

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When did Mazda stop making the RX-7?

Mazda says it ended RX-7 production in August 2002, closing a 24-year history for the nameplate. The third-generation FD had been introduced in December 1991 and received multiple revisions before production ended. Mazda’s RX-7 history covers the final generation and its end; the company’s first-generation history dates the start of the RX-7 line to March 1978.

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How to check FD3S replacement-part fitment

Mazda’s factory references are useful starting points, but a part should be checked against the exact car rather than selected by “FD” or “Series 8” alone.

Quick Recap

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  1. Identify the car’s FD3S chassis number and confirm its model year and trim.
  2. Consult Mazda’s FD RX-7 reproduction-parts list, which organizes applicability by chassis-number range.
  3. Use the Mazda Motorsports factory parts catalogs and collision guides as another reference for RX-7 parts information. Mazda Motorsports says this archive covers 1979–2004, but it does not provide workshop manuals for download.
  4. Before ordering, match the candidate part to the car’s chassis range, series, year, and trim; do not assume parts interchange across all FD3S versions.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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