Photo: Mazda
Forza Horizon 4 recently added the 1973 Mazda RX-3 and the 1972 Mazda Cosmo to its roster of virtual race cars. Here’s a look back at these classic cars — and how you can unlock them in the game.
Meet the Mazda Cosmo
Photo: Mazda
In 1967, Mazda released the Cosmo. It was Mazda’s first foray into the world of rotary-engine-powered sports cars, which eventually become the brand’s signature. Since each model was hand-built, it was always in limited supply, but that was okay with Mazda. The Cosmo was a true halo car — not a model that was meant to be a big seller.
The rotary engine delivered more power, had fewer components, and took up less space than conventional models, making it optimal for performance vehicles. But Mazda didn’t just drop a rotary engine into the Cosmo — no, the Cosmo was designed from the ground up around the rotary engine, while also taking inspiration from the Jaguar E-type and the Thunderbird. Production of this sporty little halo car ran until 1972.
While the Cosmo may be long gone from the Mazda lineup, you can get a virtual version in Forza Horizon 4 by finishing the “Mazda’s Guide to the Galaxy” autumn championship.
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Get to know the Mazda RX-3
Later on, Mazda would give us another rotary-engine-powered sports car. The car we know as the Mazda RX-3 has had a few different names over the years. Its piston-engine variant was called the Grand Familia, its rotary-engine variant was called the RX, and in its homeland of Japan, it was called the Savanna.
Thanks to its unique and innovative rotary engine, the RX-3 quickly became one of Mazda’s most iconic models. Although the model was initially meant to sport a conventional passenger car’s piston engine, the compact and streamlined rotary engine really helped the RX-3 make a name for itself.
The one-liter rotary mill produced as much power as a piston engine that was four times its size. As a result, the RX-3 could drastically reduce its weight and become a top-tier competitor on the track. The model became such a hit with motorsport enthusiasts, nearly every example being shown or sold today boasts some kind of upgrade or modification.
If you want to add the RX-3 to your Forza Horizon 4 garage, you’ll have to complete at least half of the summer seasonal playlist.
Kimiko Kidd is a native Daytonian. She graduated from Wright State University with degrees in environmental science and sociology. She loves her trusty old Honda Civic, but dreams of owning a 1974 Ford Falcon XB with a custom paint job and a vintage Kawasaki Z1000. In her free time, Kimiko can be found watercolor-painting, baking muffins, collecting rocks, playing old-school Nintendo games, writing her novel, sewing stuffed animals, and cosplaying as her favorite Mad Max characters. See more articles by Kimiko.
