The Mazda RX-7 Veilside, often recognized due to its appearance in pop culture (notably in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift), refers to an RX-7 that has been heavily modified with the famous Veilside Fortune body kit. Veilside is a renowned Japanese tuning company that specializes in aggressive, wide-body kits, performance parts, and high-end automotive customizations. When combined with the iconic Mazda RX-7, the result is a visually striking and performance-oriented vehicle that has become a legend among car enthusiasts.
Here’s a detailed look at the Mazda RX-7 Veilside Fortune Edition:
1. The Base Car: Mazda RX-7 (FD)
Generation: The Mazda RX-7 (FD), produced between 1992-2002, serves as the foundation for this modification. It is renowned for its 1.3L twin-turbocharged 13B-REW rotary engine, which provides a unique power delivery and lightweight design.
Performance: In stock form, the FD RX-7 produces 276 horsepower (in its highest form), weighs around 2,800 lbs, and has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, making it one of the best-handling cars of its era.
2. The Veilside Fortune Kit
Veilside’s Fortune Kit transforms the RX-7 into an even more aggressive, exotic-looking machine. The wide-body kit is one of the most comprehensive and visually striking on the market. Here’s what the kit typically includes:
Exterior Modifications:
Wide Body: The Veilside kit includes dramatically widened front and rear fenders, giving the RX-7 a muscular and aggressive stance. The widened track also improves stability.
Custom Front Bumper: The front bumper features large air intakes, angular lines, and an aerodynamic splitter, providing improved airflow and cooling while giving the car a sharp, menacing look.
Side Skirts: These run along the lower body of the car, smoothing the airflow and contributing to the sleek, race-ready appearance.
Rear Bumper and Diffuser: The rear bumper is completely redesigned with an integrated diffuser, improving downforce and stability at high speeds. The exhaust is often repositioned for a more aggressive look.
Large Rear Wing: A massive rear wing is part of the package, enhancing the aerodynamics and providing additional downforce at high speeds.
Custom Hood: The kit often includes a vented hood, improving engine cooling and adding to the car's aggressive, race-inspired appearance.
Unique Headlights: The pop-up headlights of the original RX-7 are replaced with fixed, integrated headlights that flow with the design of the body kit.
Materials:
The Veilside kit is typically made from lightweight fiberglass, which helps reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. High-quality materials ensure that the kit is durable and designed for high-performance driving.
3. Performance Modifications
While the Veilside Fortune kit is largely an exterior transformation, it is often paired with performance upgrades to match the aggressive looks. Common modifications include:
Upgraded Turbochargers: Many Veilside RX-7s are equipped with upgraded turbo systems to increase horsepower, often pushing the car well beyond the stock 276 horsepower.
Engine Tuning: Custom ECU tuning, upgraded fuel systems, and intercooler upgrades are typically part of the build to support higher boost levels and ensure reliability.
Exhaust System: A custom Veilside exhaust system not only improves power but also provides a distinct, aggressive exhaust note.
Suspension: Lowered, adjustable coilover suspension systems are usually installed to enhance handling and match the aggressive look with better road and track performance.
Brakes: Performance brake kits are often added to provide greater stopping power to handle the increased performance of the car.
4. Interior Customization
Many RX-7s fitted with the Veilside Fortune kit also undergo interior customization to reflect the car's high-performance nature and exotic exterior. Common upgrades include:
Racing Seats: Lightweight, bucket racing seats provide greater support during high-speed driving and give the interior a race-ready feel.
Custom Upholstery: The interior can be reupholstered with premium materials such as leather, Alcantara, or carbon fiber accents to match the car’s overall aesthetic.
Steering Wheel and Gauges: Aftermarket steering wheels and performance gauges are often added to improve driver control and monitor the car’s performance more effectively.
5. Cultural Impact
The Mazda RX-7 Veilside Fortune Edition gained widespread attention when it appeared in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, driven by Han (one of the franchise's iconic characters). Its bold, futuristic design and stunning looks made it one of the most memorable cars in the series. This exposure contributed to the car's massive popularity among car enthusiasts, collectors, and the tuning community worldwide.
