The third generation RX-7 was introduced in 1991, 13 years after the launch of the first generation RX-7 in 1978, which became Mazda's most iconic sports car. Like the first and second generation RX-7s, the RX-7's main feature was that it was powered by Mazda's lightweight, compact and low-vibration rotary engine, the only one in the world to have been put to practical use. The period from 1986, when development of the third-generation RX-7 began, to 1991, when it went on sale, was a time of rapid progress in the electronic control and higher output of sports cars. The Porsche 959, which appeared in 1986, was equipped with an electronically controlled 4WD system that made it possible for everyone to enjoy the high power output that had been difficult for ordinary drivers to control in relative safety. The Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32 model), which appeared in 1989 and mimicked the electronically controlled 4WD system of the Porsche 959, completely controlled its large output with an electronically controlled 4WD system called ATTESA E-TS, and went on to demonstrate unbeatable fighting power in Group A races in which production-based vehicles compete. The car had reached the point where it could demonstrate unrivalled fighting power in Group A races in which production-based vehicles competed. While rivals such as the Skyline GT-R were going high-tech and increasing power output, Mazda engineers chose to develop the "rotary engine best pure sports car" rather than a 4WD with increased weight or extreme high power, and to make the most of the lightweight and compact rotary engine's characteristics. The philosophy from the first generation RX-7 was to make the most of the characteristics of the lightweight and compact rotary engine, and to further pursue the front midship RWD layout, low centre of gravity, low moment of inertia and light weight. The development of the third generation RX-7 was funded by an extremely generous development budget, thanks to Japan's booming economy, and Mazda engineers worked hard to pursue the ideal sports car in terms of body design, suspension, aerodynamics and so on. Although the engine type itself was based on the 13B used in the first generation RX-7, the engine was completely revised and an extremely expensive sequential twin-turbo system (in the previous generation, a single turbocharged turbo system) was adopted. Mazda's ideal of the sports car was realised. The third generation RX-7, in pursuit of the sports car ideal, demonstrated extremely high turning performance, and even today, in the 21st century, it is one of the fastest cornering machines ever made by a Japanese car, and is an extremely rare machine that continues to play a leading role on mountain passes, circuits and other stages.