Latest news with #MazdaRX-7
Newsweek
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Han's Mazda RX-7 Straight Out of Tokyo Drift Auctioned for $1.2 Million
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Han's popular Mazda RX-7 from The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift has been auctioned for a huge sum of $1.2 million at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, recording the highest sale price anyone has paid for an RX-7. The movie showcased intense drifting sequences, with the bright orange and black 1992 RX-7 FD Veilside Fortune Coupé stealing the spotlight as Han's car, a character played by Sung Kang. Featuring a wide body kit from Veilside, only the roof and the tailgate remained stock. This particular RX-7 was used for stunt and static scenes rather than for actual drift scenes, and is one of the two examples that survived the battering. Bonhams Cars confirmed that the car was in excellent condition at the time of sale, featuring several signs that it was used extensively for filming, such as the "Universal Studios production markings" that a car collector would covet. The listing stated: "Preserved in generally excellent condition, the car's exterior is finished in a spectacular pearlescent orange with high-gloss black accents. Numerous Universal Studios production markings are still present, including '#71 HANS' labels on the passenger door, engine bay, and scuttle, together with marks left by camera mounts used during filming." Atmosphere during "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift "Tokyo Photocall at Harumi Kyakusen Terminal in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by JIL Studio/WireImage) Atmosphere during "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift "Tokyo Photocall at Harumi Kyakusen Terminal in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by JIL Studio/WireImage) JIL Studio/WireImage/Getty Images Revealing the modification done to the car under the hood, the listing added: "The RX-7's twin-rotor turbocharged engine was rebuilt by legendary tuner RE-Amemiya and is in close-to-stock tune, producing around 280bhp. The car is said to weigh a little over 1,050kg." The RX-7 had covered 66,785 miles since the day it rolled out of the dealership, and came with documents supporting its role in the movie. In typical Fast and Furious fashion, the car also featured a well-set-up sound system. Not to forget the original NOS bottle that was still intact inside the car, though yet to be connected. The listing highlighted: "Veilside's own racing bucket seats with composite shells replace the originals, while the cabin features a combination of carbon fibre, aluminium, velour, vinyl and chrome trim. An Alpine sound system is installed, boasting twin amplifiers and multiple loudspeakers, while a polished NOS bottle (currently not connected) is mounted above the propshaft tunnel. "The car is fitted with a vehicle tracker with 24/7 live monitoring. There is also a custom-made stainless steel prop for the rear hatch to enable the sound system to be displayed." Stored carefully in dry conditions, the RX-7 is declared road legal in the United Kingdom. It is the most expensive car ever sold from the Fast and Furious series.
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Han's Veilside RX-7 From Tokyo Drift Is Going Up For Auction
Han's bright orange Mazda RX-7 from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift is one of the most recognizable movie cars of the 2000s. It didn't get the most screen time, but between its wild Veilside body kit, deep-dish chrome wheels, and unforgettable color combo, it left a lasting impression. Now, that exact car is heading to auction at Bonhams Cars this Saturday, July 11. It's road legal, has a valid MoT, and is ready for a new home. Before filming began, Universal sent a stock FD RX-7 to Veilside, the Japanese tuning house known for its bold designs. Founder Hironao Yokomaku and his crew gave it the full "Fortune" widebody treatment, retaining only the roof and hatch from the original car. The kit added more than 200 mm (7.87 inches) of width, while the 19-inch Andrew Premier Series Racing Evolution 5 wheels gave it even more flair. Surprisingly, this particular example wasn't used for drifting, but rather close-ups and static shots. Only two Veilside RX-7s from the film are known to have survived. Finished in pearlescent orange with glossy black accents, the car remains identical to its on-screen appearance. Its original Universal production markings are still visible too, including "#71 HANS" labels and scuff marks from camera mounts. Despite being a screen-used vehicle, it held up incredibly well and jas just 66,785 miles on the clock. We know rotary engines can be pretty finicky to maintain, especially when they're modified to oblivion. Fortunately, this isn't the case with the Fast and Furious RX-7. Renowned tuner RE-Amemiya rebuilt its turbocharged twin-rotor engine and kept its power close to the factory 276-hp rating. Apart from the engine, it received quite a list of upgrades, including a Blitz Nur-Spec exhaust, upgraded brakes, coilovers, and a new clutch. Inside, Veilside racing seats were added, a full Alpine sound system, and a non-functional NOS bottle. All in all, it weighs just over 1,050 kg (2,315 lbs) - about 200 kg (441 lbs) lighter than a standard RX-7. According to the listing, this example has been with the same UK owner since 2008, has only been driven in dry weather, and was recently inspected by Hayward Rotaries to make sure it's mechanically sound. To some, this RX-7 is just an obnoxiously modified Mazda that goes brap-brap. But to us car nuts, it's one of the most important cars to star on the big screen. Whether you're after an investment piece or an avid Fast & Furious connoisseur, this black and orange Japanese sports car will catch your attention. Bonhams estimates the Veilside RX-7 will fetch between £250,000 and £350,000 ($339,655 and $475,517). Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Advertiser
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Mazda RX-7 successor inches to reality as new rotary engine nears completion
One of the most important parts required for the long-awaited successor to the Mazda RX-7 is nearly complete, but other pieces of the puzzle aren't quite as ready. According to Motor Trend, work on the next-generation rotary engine is almost done, and it could go into production as early as 2026. Before it can slip into a new sports car — most likely based on the 2023 Iconic SP concept (pictured throughout) — those working on the project need to build a viable business case. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. If Mazda can figure out a way to make the numbers add up — a task no doubt complicated by the ever-changing tariff situation in the US — it will give the automaker a second sports car in addition to the evergreen MX-5. Like the MX-5, the new sports car will be a low volume model. Ryuichi Umeshita, Mazda's chief technical officer, believes the "Iconic SP will be a good successor for RX-7". It's unclear what the new sports car will be christened. Umeshita-san says a final decision has yet to be made on the name, but it's likely to honour or reference the company's rotary history. He doesn't rule out RX-7 or RX-9, but is adamant there is "very little possibility that we will name it Cosmo". The Cosmo was a line of luxury coupes sold between 1967 and 1996, and was available with rotary engines, either exclusively or in top-of-the-range variants. The new RX is expected to be a 2+2 coupe that's larger than the current fourth-generation MX-5. The Iconic SP measures 4180mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1150mm tall, which is 105mm shorter, 90mm wider, and 80mm lower than the third-generation 'FD' RX-7. Like the Iconic SP, the new RX will have a range extender EV drivetrain — with output of around 270kW — where the rotary engine operates as a generator for the battery pack. A version where the rotary engine drives the wheels is apparently part of the plan too. The new rotary engine is a development of the motor used in the range extender (EREV) variant of the MX-30. The MX-30 EREV has a single rotor displacing 0.83L and makes 55kW. Its sole job is to recharge the 17.8kWh battery when it begins running low, while the 125kW electric motor is responsible for driving the front wheels. The MX-30 marked the return of the rotary engine to the Mazda range after an absence of 11 years, but the EREV version wasn't offered in the US because the rotary didn't meet local emissions regulations, a problem that's been solved in the upcoming version of the engine. Although the MX-30 has been withdrawn from the Australian market in 2023, it's still in on sale in many parts of the world, including Europe and Japan. MORE: Everything Mazda Content originally sourced from: One of the most important parts required for the long-awaited successor to the Mazda RX-7 is nearly complete, but other pieces of the puzzle aren't quite as ready. According to Motor Trend, work on the next-generation rotary engine is almost done, and it could go into production as early as 2026. Before it can slip into a new sports car — most likely based on the 2023 Iconic SP concept (pictured throughout) — those working on the project need to build a viable business case. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. If Mazda can figure out a way to make the numbers add up — a task no doubt complicated by the ever-changing tariff situation in the US — it will give the automaker a second sports car in addition to the evergreen MX-5. Like the MX-5, the new sports car will be a low volume model. Ryuichi Umeshita, Mazda's chief technical officer, believes the "Iconic SP will be a good successor for RX-7". It's unclear what the new sports car will be christened. Umeshita-san says a final decision has yet to be made on the name, but it's likely to honour or reference the company's rotary history. He doesn't rule out RX-7 or RX-9, but is adamant there is "very little possibility that we will name it Cosmo". The Cosmo was a line of luxury coupes sold between 1967 and 1996, and was available with rotary engines, either exclusively or in top-of-the-range variants. The new RX is expected to be a 2+2 coupe that's larger than the current fourth-generation MX-5. The Iconic SP measures 4180mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1150mm tall, which is 105mm shorter, 90mm wider, and 80mm lower than the third-generation 'FD' RX-7. Like the Iconic SP, the new RX will have a range extender EV drivetrain — with output of around 270kW — where the rotary engine operates as a generator for the battery pack. A version where the rotary engine drives the wheels is apparently part of the plan too. The new rotary engine is a development of the motor used in the range extender (EREV) variant of the MX-30. The MX-30 EREV has a single rotor displacing 0.83L and makes 55kW. Its sole job is to recharge the 17.8kWh battery when it begins running low, while the 125kW electric motor is responsible for driving the front wheels. The MX-30 marked the return of the rotary engine to the Mazda range after an absence of 11 years, but the EREV version wasn't offered in the US because the rotary didn't meet local emissions regulations, a problem that's been solved in the upcoming version of the engine. Although the MX-30 has been withdrawn from the Australian market in 2023, it's still in on sale in many parts of the world, including Europe and Japan. MORE: Everything Mazda Content originally sourced from: One of the most important parts required for the long-awaited successor to the Mazda RX-7 is nearly complete, but other pieces of the puzzle aren't quite as ready. According to Motor Trend, work on the next-generation rotary engine is almost done, and it could go into production as early as 2026. Before it can slip into a new sports car — most likely based on the 2023 Iconic SP concept (pictured throughout) — those working on the project need to build a viable business case. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. If Mazda can figure out a way to make the numbers add up — a task no doubt complicated by the ever-changing tariff situation in the US — it will give the automaker a second sports car in addition to the evergreen MX-5. Like the MX-5, the new sports car will be a low volume model. Ryuichi Umeshita, Mazda's chief technical officer, believes the "Iconic SP will be a good successor for RX-7". It's unclear what the new sports car will be christened. Umeshita-san says a final decision has yet to be made on the name, but it's likely to honour or reference the company's rotary history. He doesn't rule out RX-7 or RX-9, but is adamant there is "very little possibility that we will name it Cosmo". The Cosmo was a line of luxury coupes sold between 1967 and 1996, and was available with rotary engines, either exclusively or in top-of-the-range variants. The new RX is expected to be a 2+2 coupe that's larger than the current fourth-generation MX-5. The Iconic SP measures 4180mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1150mm tall, which is 105mm shorter, 90mm wider, and 80mm lower than the third-generation 'FD' RX-7. Like the Iconic SP, the new RX will have a range extender EV drivetrain — with output of around 270kW — where the rotary engine operates as a generator for the battery pack. A version where the rotary engine drives the wheels is apparently part of the plan too. The new rotary engine is a development of the motor used in the range extender (EREV) variant of the MX-30. The MX-30 EREV has a single rotor displacing 0.83L and makes 55kW. Its sole job is to recharge the 17.8kWh battery when it begins running low, while the 125kW electric motor is responsible for driving the front wheels. The MX-30 marked the return of the rotary engine to the Mazda range after an absence of 11 years, but the EREV version wasn't offered in the US because the rotary didn't meet local emissions regulations, a problem that's been solved in the upcoming version of the engine. Although the MX-30 has been withdrawn from the Australian market in 2023, it's still in on sale in many parts of the world, including Europe and Japan. MORE: Everything Mazda Content originally sourced from: One of the most important parts required for the long-awaited successor to the Mazda RX-7 is nearly complete, but other pieces of the puzzle aren't quite as ready. According to Motor Trend, work on the next-generation rotary engine is almost done, and it could go into production as early as 2026. Before it can slip into a new sports car — most likely based on the 2023 Iconic SP concept (pictured throughout) — those working on the project need to build a viable business case. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. If Mazda can figure out a way to make the numbers add up — a task no doubt complicated by the ever-changing tariff situation in the US — it will give the automaker a second sports car in addition to the evergreen MX-5. Like the MX-5, the new sports car will be a low volume model. Ryuichi Umeshita, Mazda's chief technical officer, believes the "Iconic SP will be a good successor for RX-7". It's unclear what the new sports car will be christened. Umeshita-san says a final decision has yet to be made on the name, but it's likely to honour or reference the company's rotary history. He doesn't rule out RX-7 or RX-9, but is adamant there is "very little possibility that we will name it Cosmo". The Cosmo was a line of luxury coupes sold between 1967 and 1996, and was available with rotary engines, either exclusively or in top-of-the-range variants. The new RX is expected to be a 2+2 coupe that's larger than the current fourth-generation MX-5. The Iconic SP measures 4180mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1150mm tall, which is 105mm shorter, 90mm wider, and 80mm lower than the third-generation 'FD' RX-7. Like the Iconic SP, the new RX will have a range extender EV drivetrain — with output of around 270kW — where the rotary engine operates as a generator for the battery pack. A version where the rotary engine drives the wheels is apparently part of the plan too. The new rotary engine is a development of the motor used in the range extender (EREV) variant of the MX-30. The MX-30 EREV has a single rotor displacing 0.83L and makes 55kW. Its sole job is to recharge the 17.8kWh battery when it begins running low, while the 125kW electric motor is responsible for driving the front wheels. The MX-30 marked the return of the rotary engine to the Mazda range after an absence of 11 years, but the EREV version wasn't offered in the US because the rotary didn't meet local emissions regulations, a problem that's been solved in the upcoming version of the engine. Although the MX-30 has been withdrawn from the Australian market in 2023, it's still in on sale in many parts of the world, including Europe and Japan. MORE: Everything Mazda Content originally sourced from:
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Rospa International expands offerings with Chevrolet Corvette in South Africa
In an exciting development for car enthusiasts in South Africa, Rospa International is expanding its renowned portfolio of rare sportscars to include the iconic Chevrolet Corvette. Known for providing automotive dream machines mostly sourced from Japan—like the legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R, the drift-ready Toyota AE86, and the beloved Mazda RX-7—Rospa is now venturing beyond its typical Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) offerings. 'People usually think of JDM cars when they hear the name Rospa. But we're expanding the business to cater for car enthusiasts with different tastes. We want to bring all the forbidden fruit to SA,' said company founder Himal Chris Paul. 'We are proud to announce that we are now offering Chev Corvettes to local enthusiasts.' Since the launch of the eighth generation Corvette (C8), this iconic nameplate has been available in right-hand-drive configuration straight from the factory, allowing Rospa International to supply brand new cars directly to local clients.
9 News
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- 9 News
Driver error and speed blamed for spate of Tasmanian rally deaths
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Driver error was to blame for the deaths of four competitors in three separate crashes in a world-renowned road rally event, a coroner has ruled. Veteran driver Shane Navin was killed in 2021 when his 1979 Mazda RX-7 crashed into a creek on a west coast section of the Targa Tasmania course. Veteran driver Shane Navin was killed in 2021 when his 1979 Mazda RX-7 crashed into a creek on a west coast section of the Targa Tasmania course. (Supplied) In 2022, Anthony Seymour died on a mountainous section of the course when his Lotus Exige S Coupe crashed through a wire barrier and down an embankment. Coroner Simon Cooper, who investigated the deaths, said he was satisfied driver error was the cause of each accident. Mundy and Seymour were driving at excessive speed and in vehicles designed specifically for racing on racetracks. The coroner questioned whether such cars, built for controlled environments, should be used in variable conditions on public roads that don't have purpose-built safety features. Navin "fishtailed" in wet conditions, ending upside down in a creek. His surviving co-driver was unable to revive him, with assistance from a "sweep" car not arriving until 32 minutes after the accident. Shane Navin died in a crash on Lyell Highway, Mount Arrowsmith when his Mazda RX7 rolled during a Targa event. (Google Maps) Mundy had approached a crest at 188.5km/h and had either "ignored or overlooked" information in race notes and a warning on a board. Seymour lost control at 101km/h in wet conditions and could have gotten into trouble when reacting to two bumper bars, left by other competitors, on the roadway. The coroner said the event at the time had no system in place to report debris left behind. Targa Tasmania is set to return in November with a range of safety changes and a shift to a spring timeslot. An internal review by race organisers made 94 recommendations, including changes to average maximum speed, course signage and power-to-weight ratios. "The passage of time has given us an amazing opportunity to undertake a detailed review of the event," Targa Australia chief executive Mike Perry said in 2024. This is the third death in 24 hours and fifth in 29 years for the Targa Australia event (Supplied) The coroner said the recommendations, most of which had been implemented, were comprehensive and addressed issues raised at the inquest. He believed neither Mundy nor Seymour should have been competing because of their health. Each of the four men who died were over 59 and were taking medication for pre-existing conditions. Mundy had heart disease and Seymour an inflammatory disease, vocal cord paralysis and had recently had COVID-19. "Nonetheless, individual responsibility is not something that can be overlooked," the coroner said. "All of the men who died ... were experienced competitors. They all knew the risks of competing and voluntarily assumed those risks." tasmania Racing motorsport national crashes courts CONTACT US Property News: The last inner Sydney suburbs where houses cost under $2m.
