MINICARS: Hot Wheels Mazda FC3S RX-7 prototype

Hot Wheels is on an absolute roll these days, and here’s the latest proof of that. They have shared with us an exclusive sneak peek of an upcoming casting that’s sure to excite Mazdafarians, fans of 80s sporting machines, and Japanese car enthusiasts — the second-generation Mazda RX-7.

Known by its chassis code FC3S, the second-gen RX-7 has been a favorite among drivers, racers, and tuners. More specifically, this is s a RHD Japanese version called the Savanna RX-7.

Even more specifically, it is what has been come to known among RX-7 enthusiasts as a Series 5, or S5. Basically, it’s an FC3S facelift, which includes features like a more aggressive front fascia, a revised interior, mechanical changes under the hood (with a lot more horsepower), and the distinctive round taillights hidden behind rectangular lenses.

Appropriately, this is also a turbocharged model, as denoted by the hood scoop feeding air into a top-mounted intercooler sitting above the 13B rotary. A closeup of the nose reveals a myriad of amazing details, including cutouts for all the front lighting, panel gap lines, and ridges and valleys in the bodywork.

This casting was the work of Ryu Asada, and the details in the body shows his expert design skills. It’s not easy to translate a real car into 1:64 scale and still retain this level of detail, and to have it show through on a 3D-printed prototype. Ryu’s trademark wheel-to-fender opening ratio is well done within the parameters of Hot Wheels’ standard wheel sizing, especially on the FC3S where the blistered fenders are a strong characteristic of the body.

Additionally, Ryu says there was a significant amount of engineering work that had to be done to this car, simply because of the limitations of the mold cutting tool.

Furthermore, the interior has appropriate period racing buckets and harnesses. Being a JDM version, it has rear seats, a required at the time from both a cultural and insurance standpoint.

The car is an extremely faithful representation of the FC3S in period tune. Because it has the rear seat, it’s not a high sports spec Infini model. However, it has all the the Infini details spot on. The front lip spoiler is a bit more aggressive than stock, recalling the Turbo II with optional factory body kit’s similar lip, as well as very subtle side skirts. It also has aero type mirrors, one of the somewhat few Hot Wheels cars that does have side mirrors at all.

The Savanna RX-7 is a 2020 model and will appear in the mainline. Right now, final colors haven’t been decided, but Ryu thinks red would be a good first choice. However, given the popularity of the car, we wouldn’t be surprised if it showed up as a premium casting with metal base and rubber wheels in 2021 or so.

 

 

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11 Responses to MINICARS: Hot Wheels Mazda FC3S RX-7 prototype

  1. Rotornutcase says:

    Superb!!! Finally!!! The “middle child” is always neglected… but not forgotten. SA then FD, but FC got skipped. I thought all hope was lost.
    And I may be asking much, but can I hope there will be a ‘vert someday. Would go nicely with the Miata/Roadster.
    Thanks Hot Wheels

  2. Ryan says:

    Oh man, Ive been waiting so long for this!

  3. Derek says:

    I love it! This I’d my absolute favorite car ! I want one. To match my real one

  4. XRaider says:

    looks like my collection is nearly complete….I got 2 SAs and one FD….

  5. Tim says:

    This was my dream car growing up. When I was in my late 20s, I finally had a chance to buy one. I got a 10th AE. It was broken, but I could fix it. And fix it I did. I drove it around the block ONCE and then realized that I hated it. The engine was lovely. The chassis was great. But the interior was WAY too “cozy” for my tastes. There was no way to get a good seating position without my head bumping the roof. In the event of a side impact, my shoulder was the crumple zone. My knees hit the steering wheel and the pedals had my feet at an awkward angle. It’d be a great car if I were six inches shorter, but @ 6’2″ it was pretty much awful to drive. I ended up selling it for about what I bought it for despite putting about a grand into it.

  6. Joseph Daveiga says:

    I have a 1988 Rx7 finally a model it’s about time I also want one or more. ?

  7. I will like to see it convertible like the one I have.

  8. andrew says:

    hot wheels mazda fc3s rx-7 prototype

  9. Brett says:

    Finally!!!!!!!!@!! After all these years

  10. Mr.NB says:

    FC3Sサイコー??

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