The Eunos Cosmo: A Rotary Masterpiece
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 พ.ย. 2023
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In the world of automobiles, few innovations have sparked as much fascination and passion as the rotary engine. The story of the rotary engine dates back to 1957 when Felix Wankel presented the first prototype. Three years later, it captured the attention of Mazda, and the journey towards rotary greatness began.
Mazda's engineers embarked on a mission to refine and perfect this unconventional engine design. The early days were filled with challenges, from addressing oil consumption issues to dealing with chatter marks in the engine housing. By 1963, Mazda unveiled the first Cosmo prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show, powered by a 798 cc twin-rotor engine.
The Series I Cosmo that eventually made it into production featured an upgraded 10A unit with a displacement of 982 cc, producing a maximum of 110 horsepower. This marked the beginning of Mazda's relentless pursuit of rotary excellence. While other manufacturers dabbled with rotary engines, Mazda became the torchbearer, releasing various rotary-powered vehicles and continuously improving the technology.
In the 1970s, Mazda introduced iconic rotary-powered cars like the RX-2, RX-3, RX-4, and the legendary RX-7. Notably, both the second and third-generation Cosmos offered customers the choice between piston and rotary engines. In 1982, the 12A-turbo-powered Cosmo claimed the title of the fastest production car in Japan until being surpassed by the 1983 R30 Skyline 2000 Turbo RS. By 1990, the FC RX-7, with its turbocharged 13B engine delivering approximately 200 horsepower, was nearing the end of its journey.
However, Mazda had a vision that had been germinating since the introduction of the MX-03 concept in 1985. They aspired to create a vehicle powered not by one or two, but three rotary rotors, and to add an extra layer of excitement, they decided to turbocharge it. The result was the launch of the Eunos Cosmo in 1990, a luxurious Grand Tourer poised to challenge the Toyota Soarer.
The Eunos Cosmo emerged as the first production vehicle to feature a triple-rotor 20B engine. Notably, it was also the first Japanese car to employ a twin-sequential turbo system on both its 13B and 20B engines. While less than 9,000 JC Series Cosmos were crafted, the 20B Cosmo, the Holy Grail of the rotary world, graced us with fewer than 4,000 examples from the factory.
The heart of the Eunos Cosmo was its 1,962 cc 20B engine, packing a punch of 300 horsepower and 297 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, this powerhouse remained pleasantly quiet during everyday driving, delivering a smooth and luxurious ride. It also made history by becoming the world's first production car equipped with a built-in GPS navigation system, this car was a testament to Mazda's commitment to innovation.
For rotary enthusiasts, the dream setup often involves a 4-rotor engine akin to the legendary Mazda 787B LeMans race car. However, the 20B engine, while more attainable for financial reasons, is no less thrilling. Some may prefer it without turbos, while others opt for a single turbo, but many find the stock 20B engine to be perfection. And you actually see many RX7’s out there with a 20b swap out there. You see the added torque from the extra rotor makes it an amazing powerplant.
Even in its stock form, the Eunos Cosmo demonstrated impressive performance, sprinting through the quarter-mile in under 14 seconds. And remember this wasn’t a performance car, it was a GT, and This luxury GT car also showcased the true potential of the rotary engine, as demonstrated by renowned racer Keiichi Tsuchiya's drifting feats.
Encountering a JC Series Eunos Cosmo in the wild is a rare occurrence, given that fewer than 4,000 were ever built. Today, these gems are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Interestingly, you might find a 20B Cosmo for a price comparable to an FD RX-7. Last year, one was sold for just $13,752, making this rotary legend an achievable dream for those who dare to embrace its legacy. However, expect to budget at least $25,000 to secure this piece of rotary history in today's market.
#Rotary #3rotor #JDM
This car's interior is out of this world...
Seen one today In Brisbane western suburbs - Kenmore 4.15pm (Australia). I saw the Cosmos badge on the rear left and the V for Eunos. It was mesmerising and so modern. Never seen one before and it was in Immaculate condition in a Beige body/ brown Interior. It was ahead of its time and so beautiful. A chook cooker it maybe (rotisserie) but this was out of this World. To tell you the truth I own a very rare Australian car, signed by Peter perfect himself but this made me Smile.
So I'm writing this while taking a break from the FD3S Wiring Bible (including the Spirit R) and it's pretty cool that you got most of the details correct. Just a minor nitpick, but it is pronounced "you-nose" when translated from Japanese (ユーノス or Yunosu in Romanji). I can attest to how a 20B-REW completely changes how a RX7 behaves, I had one in my FC. If you'd like some more information about the Car Communication System,, how it works, and how it can self-diagnose, please let me know as I'm the one that wrote the Workshop Manual for the Eunos Cosmo.
Beautiful car. I wish i'd bought one of these back in the late 90's
I Did the locations and the local crewing for the 20b launch TVC (shot in the Lake District and on the B6318 road near Housesteads fort on Hadrian’s Wall. Copies of the ad are on TH-cam (also worked for Mazdaspeed at LeMans a couple of times).
I’m buying mine in a few months. My series 1 SA22C will always be my favorite car I own for sentimental reasons making it my anchor car and my RX-8 R3 will always be my favorite car to drive above all others, however, the Cosmo is my ultimate dream rotary car. The only downside of the Cosmo is the fact they only came with an awful 4 speed Jatco automatic transmission, but fortunately manual swapping is very easy and that will be the very first mod I do to mine.
Oooooh that's tough having to choose between the two 🤔🤔 for me the 20B and scarcity of the Cosmo gives it the edge over the RX7. Either cars though are guaranteed to turn heads.
The last generation of the Cosmo is my favorite Wankel-powered Mazda/Eunos of all time. I like it even better than the RX-7.
Truth be told, if I had enough coin, I'd buy one and convert to a 6-speed manual.
Since I already have an FD and a Shinka, I'll gladly take a Cosmo (20b) next.
Cosmo.
BRAP BRAP !! ❤
the cosmo would be super cool ! and very comorftable
I drove one modified Cosmo JC in Gran Turismo Playstation 1. Still my favourite Mazda. Why Mazda no right hand drive version? Why?
Magnificent shape, luxurious and fast, everything.
Would choose to buy an 20B if I was in Japan or Australia.
Cosmo, don’t care if it’s 13B or 20B. It’s unique. I’ve had 5 RX7s, an RX8 and 2 Millenia S. We want what we cannot have. I’m bummed.
Ha, your cover car (promo shot) was a 13B Type-S that I imported into Sydney & given to my parents. Then sold to a young guy in Adelaide whom fitted the big wheels
Would you happen to know his Instagram, or other social media accounts? I’d like to see more photos of this car.
@@Lange900
Sorry, I sold that Cosmo to the Adelaide guy back in 2005 long before Insta was around. I even have a pic of it with mum driving it away after I registered it
Cosmo
I would always drive my black Cosmo with my Darth Vader helmet on.
The Cosmo in not cooler then Rx-7 . However new wheels and tires would do wonders for that car. Also a carbon fiber hood with some NACA ducts would bring that car into sportier Fashion. And axle back muffler would loosen up some power.
I liked your video 😊
👍💪✌️
I have 2 FD rx7s and a 20b Cosmo.
Living the dream haha.
Forgot to mention that they are all automatic...
The Eunos Cosmo would have been a great flagship for the Amati luxury brand for Mazda.
Nee fok!?!
RX 7 like all rotary cars nice for 80k miles then it is rebuild engine time. By design it has few parts that move so they are going to wear much faster than any other type engine. if you do not mind rebuilding engines a lot they are great cars.
Useless opiniom by person who dont have any od it.
I have 3.
@@h-rttv7374 trade one for typing lesson
@@h-rttv7374yep absolutely full of sh*t. I’ve had three 7’s and a 3, and never needed a rebuild at such low mileage
Nsu were early adopters and it killed the company .
That was probably not the problem, it was the gasoline rationing in the 70s most likely as I remember.
@@rjung_ch The engines were also not good which gave them a terrible name.