Mazda Rally Team Europe (MRTE) was based in Belgium and led by Achim Warmbold, a German rally driver. MRTE was Mazda’s European rally arm, competing in various rally championships. Group B was a rally category in the 1980s known for its high performance and minimal regulations, allowing manufacturers to push the limits of technology. However, the cars were extremely fast and difficult to control, leading to several fatal accidents, and the series was eventually banned in 1986.

Mazda RX-7 Group B Homologation:

• Rotary Power: The Group B RX-7 was powered by Mazda’s signature 13B rotary engine, which was naturally aspirated but heavily tuned for rally use. This engine produced approximately 300PS (around 296 horsepower) and 270Nm of torque, which is substantial given the car’s relatively low weight.
• Lightweight Construction: The RX-7 Group B version featured lightweight body panels and enhanced aerodynamics compared to the road-going RX-7. The car was stripped down to meet rally specifications, making it competitive in performance terms.
• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Unlike most Group B cars, which were typically all-wheel drive, Mazda stuck with a rear-wheel-drive layout for the RX-7. This made it unique, as most competitors had begun adopting AWD systems for better grip on loose surfaces like gravel and dirt.
• Planned Production: Mazda planned to build 20 homologation specials to meet Group B regulations, but it’s widely believed that only around seven cars were actually completed. The limited number of cars, combined with the abrupt cancellation of Group B, makes this RX-7 a true rarity.

This Mazda RX-7 is an exceptionally rare homologation special, built specifically for the legendary Group B rally series of the 1980s. Under the hood, it boasts a 1.3-litre rotary engine, producing approximately 300PS and 270Nm of torque, delivered to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Although 20 units were originally planned, it's widely believed that only seven were ever completed. This particular RX-7 is thought to have been retained by Mazda Rally Team Europe as a demonstration model.