FD3s Version VI Type R - Bathurst R

One of the final specials released by Mazda that is close to any Australian heart is the 01' Type R Bathurst R named after the famous 12 hour winning models in the early nineties. A true special run of 500 vehicles near the end of the FD life cycle that everyone thought would be the final special developed.

It was available in three colours

Sunburst Yellow.

Pure White.

Innocent Blue.

Externally the colur did nothing to take the focus away from the horrendous wheels that accompanied this car. I think Mazda chose the cheapest ones they had, knowing that every owner would replace them with after market items.

Inside and under the body was where the action was with this car. Mazda white dials and Mazdaspeed carbon look interior dash panels with a Mazdaspeed carbon shift knob and handbrake cover.

However, the omition of the carbon seats was a somewhat strange decision as suspension was upgraded to bilstein semi adjustable units with rubber upper mounts for more grip and G-Force.Larger brake calipers and rotors were used.

Apart from that the standard ( 280ps rated on paper ) 13b-rew was still there only now that little extra was still felt in the seat. one of these last of the low volume collectibles would be a great addition to anyone's garage.

This car would continue to be offered minus the extra R alongside the Spirit R until production end.

Russ

Type R Bathurst R GF-FD3S 1308cc 3 5MT FR 8.1km/l   3,398,000円

FD3s Version V Type RZ

The 2000 year model Fd type RZ was the true 10th anniversary version of the FD. A celebration of the model with loads of extras that really had everyone wanting on of the 175 produced.

Hard core enthusiasts place the real number at 325 as a result of demand.

Names, Names, Names! Bilstein, BBS, Nardi and Recaro are all names that mean style and elegance that are associated with the pinacle of motor vehicle tuning. They had appeared on the Fd before, however not with this flamboyance.

The first thing you notice is the very rare pearl white paint that only adorned half of the Rz Models. A little look near the door shows the RZ logo and it leads you inside. The other colour is Brilliant Black, but rarely seen in advertising.

Bright Red Recaro carbon kevlar bucket seats similar to older RZ models strike your attention. They make a bold statement.

Red stiched leather on the gearknob and handbrake give a tactile experience. This also matches the other contact point. The Nardi steering wheel.

White face dials also differ from your regular Fd. A grey finish to the dash adds real appeal also. These would appear in the next model.

The passenger gets a footrest to push more firmly in the seat and the driver gets small bolsters on the drivers door and center console.

These items really aid the driver to get positive input to the all alloy pedals.

One of the few japanese models to be considered as 2 seat only cars, storage bins are fitted as standard. This is a true sports car.

Cosmetics aside, the car has a complete overhaul. Bilstein C-Clip Suspension returns and exhaust are all typical RZ items. The bilsteins bite hard and work well with the Potenza S-07 tyres and the extra power on tap really hits hard. For a showroom special, the Rz has the few extra touches that will have you taking a second look.

The 17 inch Gun metallic BBS alloys really grab your attention

Retailing at 3,998,000 really places it as an expensive car in Japan, but tuning a regular one to the same level would cost a lot more indeed. Typical RS models are the same price and often had more options.

Although the spec sheet says 280ps, on the dyno most Rz's reveal somewhere more like the equivilant of 320ps.

Russ.

2000/10~
Type RZ GF-FD3S 1308cc 3 5MT FR 2Seat 7.5km/l   3,998,000Yen

FD3s Version VI

The last incarnation of the standard FD3s. Version VI was the refinement of all before it. ABS 16Bit Computer upgrades made this an electronics machine.

A system called EBD was now responsible for distributing effective braking force to the required wheel/s. RS dampers were beefed up in combination to improve handling and they were adjustable coil over units albeit with limited ride height adjustment.

As always the RS gets better 17" wheels. This time matching the RZ's BBS only in Silver not gun metallic.

Type R gets the older design curved spoke in 17" and RB models get the standard flat 16" rims. Somehow they simply don't appeal.

Radiator and intercooler enhancements were carried over from the previous version and all power figures remained the same on paper.

Grade and spec also remained the same, however there were some other more visible changes.

RB Auto Models are usually supplied wingless, but as you know. Everything at Mazda is an option.

The inside got a working over. Sit inside one of these cars and it doesn't really feel like the old FD you know and love. Grey soft touch covering was fitted to the dash and an interior colour change away from black was very noticible.

Dials also changed to white to give a fresh feel to the car and differentiate it from the 90's.

Safety enhancements finally included side impact protection and the Audio Module was also enhanced.

These specs would remain until the final run of 1500 spirit R models in 2002.

Not a bad car for the money. They are almost the same spec but dont hold the high price tags of the Spirits. 2.5Mil vs 4Mil. Food for thought.

Russ.

2000/10~
Type RS GF-FD3S 1308cc 3 5MT FR 7.2km/l  3,848,000円

Type R GF-FD3S 1308cc 3 5MT FR 8.1km/l 3,548,000Yen

Type RB S-Package GF-FD3S 1308cc 3 5MT FR 8.1km/l 3,158,000Yen

Type RB GF-FD3S 1308cc 3 5MT FR 8.1km/l 2,948,000Yen

Type RB GF-FD3S 1308cc 3 4AT FR 7.7km/l 3,148,000Yen

FD Model 1/24 - Hotworks Mazdaspeed Red

Mazda FD3S RX-7
Hotworks Mazdaspeed Rx7
1991 version with Mazdaspeed R-Spec body Kit

Engine bay has boost up engine with IC/brace bar changed from standard

Wheels are standard 17" Early Mazda in a larger 19" design and Mazdaspeed 17" MS01 which are Fitted.

Interior has purple seats and white dials.

As usual, the Hotworks models are almost indestructable (But I broke the wing swapping parts on this one.) They have heaps of spares (except D1 kits) and look great in any collection.

Russ.

Freddy's Circuit FD3s

The third of Freddy's beasts is a pure track raider that started life as a 1995 Type R2. It was given a Border theme with the type II variation by the previous owner who bought the full border Type II body kit. Front bumper, front GT vented & wide arched fenders, side skirts, rear wing and side diffuser spats. This is currently being enhaced with a front under panel. The wheels are the famous Mazdaspeed MS02 that were manufactured by RAYS that are wrapped in Advan 235’s & 255’s tires.

The interior's main items are the Bride bucket seat and custom carbon fiber centre console that houses the switches for fuel controller and ignition start, fan controller, swirl pot switch and water injection. But you cant get past the bright red Border Racing 7 point Roll Cage.
The engine is a ported 13B REW that has a GT35 Single Turbo HKS with GT II wastegate hanging off the side. Custom twin large oil coolers and custom intercooler piping lead to a large Border Racing front mount intercooler blocking the aluminium radiator with electric fans. Exhaust gas is handled by a Border Racing “Burnout” system and there are so many other mods you would need a day to list them.

but the track is where this car will run and to keep it there Freddy has faith in the Ohlins Race coil over adjustable suspension and Grex Alcon big brake kit with Project MU metallic brake pads. Now all he needs is some time off to use this sucker in the way it was intended.

Russ.

Chris' FD

Chris Bird started with a 96 model Fd sourced from Newera and imported it into the UK. After the stock look began to get tired, he decided to Feed it a dose of Fujita. Pardon the pun. A touch of Amemiya, Knight Sports and C-West carry on the theme to create a modern evolution of the Fd shape. A truely stunning machine unspoiled by stickers and show-off attitude. The car would not be out of place beside the latest porsche 911.

Volk GT-C 5 spoke rims were chosen to offset the paintwork. Innocent blue is a perfect match for the car and is simply enhanced by his rim choice and the other small touches that adorn the car are well blended. A small Mazdaspeed GT-C wing and Ganador mirrors nicely match in the same original colour. The result is an awesome looking machine that functions well without the worry of massive underbonnet changes. Power upgrades through functional exhaust changes simply add to the smooth power delivery of the Mazda systems.

Starting to look for reliable power upgrades, Chris will soon find himself at the point where the car will potentially be finished, or face the challenge that comes with going that little bit further.

Looks almost perfect to me.

Russ.