Mazda RX7 Turbo : 1988

In 1988, Mazda "freshened" the RX-7, with minor exterior changes, the most obvious of which was the rear lights changing from the matrix of four lights on each side, to the "rounded" lights on each side. Additional external changes included a revised front fascia, and body-coloured rub strips.

The normally aspirated (NA) 13B was bumped up to 160 bhp, the turbo to 200 bhp. Several options and packages were changed, as well.

For instance, pre-1988, the aero-effects package consisted mainly of small plastic pieces placed strategically around the body (behind front wheelwell and on the rear lip of the car behind the hatch). After the "freshening" a much larger rear spoiler became available and appeared as standard equipment on the Turbo II.

The easiest way to identify cars made before and after this "freshening" is by the rear tail lights. The 86-88.5 cars featured two brake lights, reverse and side blinkers arranged in a rectangular matrix. Latter years replaced these with two round sets of lights on each side.

Carlos's

I purchased this car the day before Thanksgiving in 1987 in Chicago. There used to be a Mazda dealer on Western Avenue, just north of Belmont, which is now a condo development.