Mazda RX-5

The second generation CD Cosmo appeared in 1975 and lasted until 1981. It was known as the Cosmo AP in Japan, and sold internationally as the Mazda RX-5, though in some export markets its piston powered counterpart was called the Mazda 121 (a name later applied to Mazda's subcompact model). Mazda America used the Mazda Cosmo name and offered it from 1976 through 1978. The CD Cosmo/RX-5 series was a flop internationally as Mazda tried too hard to "Americanize" the car. It was however an enormous success in Japan where over 55,000 where sold in the first year alone. Due to its poor sales as an export, the series-II version from 79-81 was not exported and remained on domestic sale only.

The Cosmo was Mazda's 'large' compact rotary coupe and based on the Mazda RX-4 floorpan and mechanics, but slightly heavier due to body design and more luxurious appointments, including an 5-link rear suspension and rear disc brakes. It was available with the 12A and 13B engines.

The Cosmo was affectionately referred to as the Japanese Grand Prix, and indeed was fitted out to compete with that class of American road cruisers. With the standard manual transmission, it was a surprising quick and responsive car to drive - as proven to the chagrin of many comparable sporty coupe drivers. Comfortable and well-equipped, it suffered from the bane of many Japanese automobiles (and American as well) of the period - poor rust-proofing and premature rusting. The rotary engine responded in an almost rheostat mode once it was above 2500 rpm, smoothly and quickly winding to the red line.

A piston engine version, the Cosmo 1800, used a 1769 cc (80x88 mm) straight-4 SOHC engine that produced 100 hp (75 kW) and 110 ft·lbf (149 N·m).

See Wikicars' comprehensive Mazda CD Cosmo Review.

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