The reason why the Mazda RX7 is called the "Rotary King" lies in its faith-level rotary engine, the 13B.

The rotary engine operates fundamentally differently from a piston engine, as it eliminates the need for complex intake and exhaust valves, and doesn't require connecting rods or crankshafts. This means it has the advantages of a simple structure, light weight, and compact size.

These advantages, when applied to performance cars, allow engineers to more freely arrange and distribute weight. As a result, the Mazda RX7 has very balanced front and rear axle loads, and it was considered the best-handling, most balanced performance car of the nineties, if not the best of all!

The disadvantages of a rotary engine are just as notable, starting with its high fuel consumption and emissions.

Even though the 1.3L rotary engine can double the performance equivalent to a 2.6L piston engine, its fuel consumption can reach 3.0L or higher!

The future generations on the internet have dubbed it the "fuel consumption black hole," a strategic partner of Sinopec fuel stations.

Mazda's rotary engine isn't much better; if it's made into a large displacement, it might spend more time on the way to the gas station than on the road.

Lots of rich folks can actually accept the fuel consumption alone.

The working method of the rotary engine condemns it to severe wear and tear. Without breakthroughs in materials science, engines couldn't hold up past tens of thousands of kilometers, which has doomed its civil applications!

Once upon a time, Mazda saw the rotary engine as a belief—when money was tight, they'd focus on making family cars to earn money, and when they had money, they'd recommence rotary engine research, caught in some kind of cycle.

However, with the arrival of the new energy era, the destiny of the rotary engine grows ever dimmer.

The reason is simple: if materials science could break through, why not use it to solve battery problems?

If the battery issue is resolved, electric cars would be the strongest vehicles in the world, and internal combustion engines, including rotary engines, will be at a dead end...

Of course, changes in eras and technological development do not affect the fact that the Mazda RX7 is a unique model.

Just like in the electric era, there are still many people who enjoy small performance cars.

"Great car."

Chen Xiangbei sincerely praised. Since the mainland's automotive industry developed later, combined with economic factors, it never experienced the peak baptism of the 1990s automotive culture wave, so not many classic performance car styles are seen.

Hong Kong, relying on its special historical past, was a step ahead in that area. Whether it's a Volkswagen R36 or this Mazda RX7 in front of him, it's providing Chen Xiangbei a feast for the eyes.

"Want to give it a try?"

Qin Lianjie noticed Chen Xiangbei's longing and handed him the car keys from the nearby box.

Since the atmosphere was already like this, Chen Xiangbei naturally wouldn't refuse.

To be honest, even in his past life, he had never driven a Mazda rotary engine model and was genuinely curious.

Accepting the key, he sat in the driver's seat, and Qin Lianjie conveniently sat in the passenger seat.

His first move upon getting in was to quickly buckle up his seat belt; Chen Xiangbei's driving speed was too fast.

Even as an amateur driver reaching the threshold of professional levels, Qin Lianjie felt an uncontrollable quickening of his heartbeat.

According to the normal procedure, after Chen Xiangbei turned the key, the RX7 should have roared with Mazda's iconic "ZOOM~ZOOM" engine whine, then the classic old Japanese pop-up headlights should emerge, and with a press of the gas pedal, it should speed forward.

But in reality, when Chen Xiangbei turned the key to the end, the Mazda RX7 emitted a tractor-like "da-da-da" sound and repeatedly failed to start.

Faced with such a situation, Qin Lianjie and Chen Xiangbei exchanged a glance, a few awkward lines appeared on Qin Lianjie's face, and a subtle embarrassment seemed to pervade the air.

A moment later, Qin Lianjie swallowed and replied, "A common problem with rotary engines, if it's not been driven in a long time, it won't start cold. I'll call someone to service it later."

Upon hearing this explanation, Chen Xiangbei understood why Mazda's rotary engine, despite its renowned reputation, was never widely deployed; the reliability was indeed quite poor.

Thankfully, the modification shop has plenty of cars, even if nothing else.

Qin Lianjie directly drove the shop's tool car, a Camry, following behind Chen Xiangbei's Volkswagen R36 as they headed to Australia.

At this time, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge had not yet been established, and vehicles still needed to be ferried directly to Australia for transport. The short distance of a few dozen kilometers, accounting for the boarding lineup time, took Chen Xiangbei and Qin Lianjie nearly three hours to reach the start of the East Bay Circuit, at the Grand Prix Racing Building on Friendship Avenue in Australia.

Since there was over a week until the official start of the race, the East Bay Circuit was still being used as an ordinary street, though reinforced barriers were already erected at many corners.

On one hand, this serves as a barrier, and on the other hand, ensures the safety of the drivers and the residents on either side.

At this moment, Qin Lianjie stepped down from the Camry, opened the passenger door of Chen Xiangbei's R36, sat down, and began to introduce.

"Xiangbei, following the traditions of past Grand Prix events, the roads of East Bay would only be completely cleared and closed the night before the practice race."

"After all, Australia's so small that long-term road closure would cause severe travel inconvenience."

"Yes, I know."

Chen Xiangbei nodded. Although he had never participated in the Australian F3 in his past life, it didn't mean he was completely unaware; at least he would pay attention to the news every year.

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