FC3S: Second Generation 1986-1991
The second generation looked totally different from the 1G, which some people say resembles a Porsche. The code name given to the project was P747 (no relationship to the Boeing 747 Luxury Liner), the goal was to improve the overall qualities such as suspension, aerodynamics, steering, engine reliability and performance. The second generation RX-7 was awarded. “Best car of the Year”, by Car and Driver in 1986 and sold around 56,000 units in the United States alone.
Some special versions were made that bedazzled Porsche and BMW drivers. In 1987 the Turbo II model was introduced which featured a single turbo that increased the overall power band of the car.
Base Model (SE)
Has 14 in. wheels that have been described as "rotary phone dials". Mike McGinn explains how to convert to 5 bolt wheels. Cloth seats, 2-caliper front brakes.
Sports Package 15 inch wheels with angular off-axis pattern (also adopted by GXL). Speed sensitive steering tapers off to zero at 55 mph. Aerodynamic trim: front air dam, side skirts, black spoiler.
GTU Brakes are upgraded to four calipers, the hood is lightened with aluminum alloy, and the transmission is beefed up to be like the Turbo II.
GXL
Luxury model features AAS (Auto Adjust Suspension). Wheels are 15 in. Has rear wiper. Interior includes power locks and windows.
Turbo II
Readily recognizable by the scoop in the hood, which is not for engine air intake, but provides cooling air to an intercooler which cools the compressed intake air to raise the adiabatic efficiency of the engine. This is needed because compressing air raises its temperature.
Convertible
The convertible had a good drag coefficient of 0.33 with the top raised and a respectable 0.38 with the top down. There is a wind-blocker behind the seats to reduce air flow into the passenger area. The top is hard above the cockpit and soft elsewhere. The rear window is glass. The only engine in the US was normally aspirated and in Japan it was only turbo. Wheels are wire mesh style. Tom D'Acquisto(f) has a site especially for the convertible. George Samuels has a convertible with a 20B three rotor engine in it.
Second Half 89-91 (Series V)
Under the hood, horsepower was increased by 10 %. These are distinguishable by a return to round tail lights seen in the RX-2 and RX-3 series. The trim strips on the sides match the color of the car and are not black as before. The mirrors got similar treatment. Additionally an aerodynamic passage appears between the mirror and the car body. Two styles of 15 inch wheels were used in the 89-91 series.
Base Model
Derived from the first half's GTU, but no more 14 inch rims where shipped.
GTUs
Lightweight sporty model with many of the performance features of the Turbo II, but with a normally aspirated (non-turbo) engine.
Turbo II
The rear spoiler on the Turbo II was enlarged, scooped and has a slot. Power windows, locks, leather interior option, cruise control option, CD player option. Wheels are 16 inches.
