Mazda Capella GS-II Renesis Rotary

Introduction

The first Mazda Capella was introduced in May 1970 and lasted until 1978, and was introduced as an intermediate alternative to the smaller Mazda Familia and the larger Mazda Luce. It was powered by four-cylinder SOHC valve engines of 1.5 or 1.6 litre capacity. Output was 92 or 100 PS (68 or 74 kW), respectively; and 144 N⋅m (106 lb⋅ft) of torque for the larger displacement version.

The first Capella's had rectangular headlights, while the rotary-engined models received round twin headlamps beginning in October 1971. From 1972 all models received the double headlamps, so this is not an ideal way to spot the road-racer RX2 version. The taillight design was changed repeatedly over the production run. For export markets Mazda marketed the Capella as the "616" in sedan and, for some markets, coupé configurations. There was also a Mazda 618 briefly sold in the United States.

Capella GSII

The Capella GSII was based on the Capella GS couple, powered by a 120 bhp version of the type 12A twin rotor Wankel - at the time this engine being the smoothest and most powerful of the Mazda rotary family. The GS could be ordered with either a manual four-speed gearbox or an RE-matic automatic transmission. In the GSII version Capella the rotary engine was tweaked to produce 125bhp at 7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 16.3 kg-m (99 lb.ft) at 4000 rpm. A new five-speed gearbox was developed specifically for this engine, offering internal ratios of 3.683, 2.263, 1.397, 1.000 and 0.862. The final ratio was 4.111 to 1, compared to the four speed models 3.900 to 1.

The tyres were 165SR13 radials, however many owners subsequently fitted 175HR13 to better handle the performance on offer - a point of conjecture at the pub maybe with an old GSII owner. For the record though, off the factory floor, it did come with the 165S. Steering was by the usual (for the period) Mazda recirculating ball system of the stock Capella, having a ratio of 17.0-19.0 to 1. Mazda chassis designers, headed by Director Wantanabe, who was an enthusiast himself and was well aware of "western driving habits" did his utmost to remove they typical vaugeness away from the recirculating ball type steering. Unfortunately rack-and-pinion was still a few years away.

The brakes were also inherited from the stock Capella, however the suspension was stiffened, lowered and tuned to handle the increased performance. The GSII was lower by 40mm (1.58 inches) over the stock GS coupe, and weighed in as a remarkable 980kg. The rotary version of the Capella was a serious threat to street racers proudly sporting the "twin-cam" badge on their Escorts and such. Unfortunately today, few GS-II Coupes survive.