Aoshima Mazda RX-7 Savanna FC3S

In November 2005 Aoshima suddenly released a pair of brand new FC3S kits.
The bodies of these kits are very accurate and come with separate front and rear bumpers, a separate hood, separate head lights, separate side moldings (aka 'rubbing strips') and all indicator and tail light lenses are molded in orange and red colored transparent plastic.
Unfortunately Aoshima used the chassis parts from their venerable FD3S kit for these FC3S kits, the most obvious differences are in the rear axle assembly, the power plant frame and the streamline cover under the gearbox (still this chassis is closer to the real thing than the simplified Fujimi FC3S chassis).
The powerplant frame (part 8) can simply be left off and the gearbox cover can be cut off (from part 14), but if you are picky about chassis detail, the Aoshima body fits well over the accurate Tamiya FC3S chassis.
Aoshima includes all chassis parts from the new FD3S Drift Machine so on the FC3S kits both types of wheels can be fitted.

Best Car GT Series Nr. 70, Mazda Savanna RX-7 FC3S '85

released in November 2005

This kit represents an early Japanese FC3S Turbo II (GT-X). It comes with a well detailed cabin interior with righthand drive dashboard, separate seats and separate door panels, separate manual shift knob, handbrake handle and rear view mirror. No pedals are included. The cabin tub comes with rear seats molded in and the clear tub for the front and side windows includes molded in sun visors and a small overhead console.
All light lenses are included as clear parts, including the lenses for the pop up head lights.
The wheels are 18in Work Meister fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tires.
The decal sheet offers Japanese street license plates and showroom plates, an instrument panel face, wheel decals and two sets of Mazda, RX-7 and GT-X legends, one set in white, the other in black.
Spare decals are included for a late style instrument panel and GT-R legends.
Body and exterior parts are molded in white, chassis and interior parts are molded in black. The wheels are satin aluminum plated with separate brightly plated rims.

Best Car GT Series Nr. 71, Mazda Savanna RX-7 FC3S '89

released in November 2005

This is a variation on the '85 FC3S kit, representing a late style GT-R Turbo II. New parts in this kit (compared to the '85 FC3S kit) are: New front and rear bumpers. New side mold strips. New tail and indicator light lenses. GT-R style rear spoiler and side skirts. new front and rear wheel hubs and brakes, steering arm and rear axle assembly. 18in Yokohama AVS Model 5 wheels fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tires. In addition to the new parts, some of the parts that came as spares in the '85 kit are now used, such as the late style steering wheel, different exhaust tips and the spoiler kit. Body, exterior, chassis and interior parts are all molded in black.The AVS wheels are satin aluminum plated.

Best Car GT Series Nr. 71, Mazda Savanna RX-7 FC3S '89 Left Hand Drive Model

released in October 2006

US distributer Bluefin Corp offered a version of this kit with additional K-parts containing a lefthand drive dash and reversed windshield wipers.

Best Car GT Series Nr. 71, Mazda Savanna RX-7 FC3S '89

released in February 2009
rereleased in August 2011
rereleased in November 2016

In February 2009 Aoshima did a rerelease of the popular FC3S '89 version.
The only changes are in the box art and the instruction sheet, all parts are the same as the original release.

Best Car GT Series Nr. 35, Infinity Savanna RX-7 FC3S

released in August 2008

The Infinity models were a series of factory produced lightweight versions of the FC3S. The box does not specify which version exactly, but it looks to me the kit represents the Infinity III (twin exhaust pipes), the penultimate version.
This kit is basically an FC3S '89 kit with some additional parts:

• new K-parts containing a new interior tub (without rear seats), seats, steering wheel, knee pads and a passenger foot rest
  
• new 17in BBS RG wheels fitted with Bridgestone Expedia S-07 tires
  
• a new decal set including Infinity logo's for the rear and the wheel centers
  

All bodyparts are molded in a very dark metallic green (close to the original Infinity III 'Shade Green' color), this is nicely done without visible flow marks. Interior parts are molded in medium gray, chassis parts in black and the wheels are satin aluminum plated.

Best Car GT Series Nr. 70, Savanna RX-7 FC3S Winning Limited

released in June 2012

In Japan, Mazda released this limited edition FC3S version in August 1991 to commemorate winning the 1991 Le Mans 24hr race.
The "Winning Limited" edition is basically an FC3S GT-R model fitted with a lot of Infinity parts. The 'Winning Limited' edition was painted in either 'Blaze Red' or 'Noble Green' (the same shade of dark metallic green as the Infinity IV version).
This kit contains all the parts of the FC3S Infinity kit but with an additional set of interior parts (B-parts containing interior bucket with rear seats and standard front seats). The K-parts are still included to provide the Momo steering wheel and the knee pads, so you also get the (unmentioned) option of building the kit with or without rear seats (rear seats were optional in Japan).
A new set of decals and paint masks for the front and rear windows are included.
All bodyparts are now molded in white, interior parts are molded in medium gray, chassis parts in black and the wheels are satin aluminum plated.

The Model Car Series Nr. 64, Mazda Savanna RX-7 FC3S '89

released in March 2018
rereleased in November 2024

This is a variation on the earlier '89 FC3S kit, representing a late style (type III) Turbo II with factory 16in wheels.
New parts in this kit (compared to the '89 FC3S kit) are:

• New 16in 7JJ factory wheels with matching 205/55 VR16 Yokohama Advan dB tires.
• Lefthand drive dashboard and windshield wipers (N-parts).
• Early style bumpers (J-parts), side moldings (H-parts and Z-parts), tail light clusters (O-parts), exhaust tips (parts 33-A), steering wheel (part 37) and early instrument decal (decal nr. 6).
• a pair of blank aluminum license plates.

In addition to the new parts, a new set of decals offers old and new style dashboard instruments, showroom plates, Japanese license plates and ornament decals for a Japanese GT-X or GT-R. Two sets of ornament decals are included, one in white and one in black.
Despite the optional lefthand drive parts, no decals are included for export versions, a pity since these 16in wheels were introduced first on the 1989 US-only GTU-S model and were also fitted to all 1990 and 1991 Turbo II models sold in Europe.
The license plate decals come in two versions: one with base color printed and one without in case you prefer to paint the aluminum plates yourself.
A set of self-adhesive masks for the insides of the windshield and rear window is included.
Body and aerokit are molded in white, interior parts are molded in medium gray, chassis parts are molded in black. The wheels and the brake discs, mirror faces and exhaust tips are brightly aluminum plated.

Note: for some reason this kit also includes the early style aerokit and tail light clusters and the instructions mention these as an option for a GT-X version, however be aware that Mazda introduced the late style aerokit about half a year before the new style 16in wheels were introduced.

The 2024 rerelease of this kit has a new catalog number, slightly revised box art and instructions and now also includes a small sheet of self-adhesive chrome foil for the mirror faces.
Apart from that some parts trees were renamed: the K-tree is now part of the I-tree and the M-tree is now part of the H-tree, otherwise the kit is unchanged.

Itasha Series Nr.4, Mazda Savanna RX-7 FC3S 'Little Busters !'

released in October 2008

This kit is basically a FC3S '89 kit with a large new set of decals containing not only the usual emblems, instrument bezels and license plates but also a large number of anime graphics to adorn the car to your own taste. The decal set contains more anime items than can be fitted to the car.
The only other difference between the regular '89 kit and this one is the Y-shaped exhaust downpipe which is brightly plated in this kit.
Body parts are molded in white, chassis and interior parts are molded in black, wheels are satin aluminum plated.

Initial D Series Nr.3, FC3S RX-7 'Ryosuke Takahashi'

released in March 2007
rereleased in July 2012
rereleased in February 2013

A nice surprise in Aoshima's new 'Initial D' series: this kit comes with a detailed engine bay containing a tuned 13B rotary. The kit, like the car in the 'Initial D' stories, is basically an Infinity IV (single exhaust pipe). The kit is based on the FC3S '89 kit with a number of new parts added: D-1 parts containing airdam, aero door mirrors and license plate holder D-2 parts containing single pipe exhaust and front shock tower brace engine parts 18in Work Meister S1 wheels with separate brightly plated rims and Pirelli P-Zero tires small new decal set including Initial D and Red Suns logos The engine parts offer the upper half of the engine only as the lower engine half is already molded in with the chassis. Body parts are molded in white, chassis and interior parts are molded in black, engine and D-2 parts are molded in silver-gray, wheels are brightly plated.

Initial D Series Nr.3, FC3S RX-7 'Ryosuke Takahashi'

released in October 2020

This is an improved version of the FC3S RX-7 'Ryosuke Takahashi' kit, this time the correct Infinity interior parts (K-parts 08-1005) with bucket seats and a tub with luggage bins instead of rear seats are included. The B-parts frame (05-31 interior parts) was truncated to delete the original interior tub. A new frame (94-26 'Seat B' parts) containing a racing bucket seat and an optional steering wheel is included. The remainder of the parts are identical to the earlier release. A new set of decals now offers additional sponsor decals for the doors. A set of window masks is included. Body parts are molded in white, chassis and interior parts are molded in black, engine and D-2 parts are molded in medium gray, wheels are brightly plated. Tires are 18in Pirelli P-Zero. The slightly revised box art has a marking to celebrate 25 years of 'Initial D'.

Initial D Series Nr.2, FC3S RX-7 'Ryosuke Takahashi' (Akina Confrontation)

released in April 2023

This is a variation on the improved FC3S RX-7 'Ryosuke Takahashi' kit, representing the car as it appeared in Vol.5 of the 'Initial D' books. For this version a new front fascia with brake cooling vents in the skirt was added. The interior parts are again the correct Infinity parts (K-parts 08-1005) with bucket seats and a tub with luggage bins instead of rear seats. The optional front fascia on the D-1 frame (06-43) and the engine detail parts have been deleted, the remainder of the parts are identical to the earlier release. The decals are the also same as is the set of window masks. Body parts and D-2 parts are molded in white, chassis and interior parts are molded in medium gray. The Work Meister S1 wheels are satin plated with separate brightly plated rims. Tires are 18in Pirelli P-Zero.

Initial D Series Nr.7, Ryosuke Takahashi FC3S RX-7 (Hakone Battle Version)

released in March 2016

This is an updated version of the Ryosuke Takahashi FC3S kit, it represents the car as it appeared in Vol.28 of the 'Initial D' books.
In addition to the engine parts, strut brace and big bore exhaust, the kit includes these new parts:

• clear M-parts for recessed Amemiya style headlights
  
• new P-parts containing new front fascia
  
• new R-parts containing a full roll cage
  
• new S-parts containing a new raised rear wing
  
• new Q-parts containing a new bonnet with recessed venting slot
  
• new 18in wheels fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tires
  
• new decal set with instrument panel, Mazda, Infinity and Initial D logos and carbon print for the bonnet
  

As the Ryosuke Takahashi FC3S in the 'Initial D' series is an Infinity IV type (no rear seats) I would have expected the K-parts from the Infinity kit to be included, but instead only the B-parts tree with rear seats is in this kit.

Body parts and wheels are molded in white, interior parts are molded in gray and chassis parts are molded in black.

Hobby Design makes an Upgrade Parts Set for this model kit.

Initial D Series Nr.7, Ryosuke Takahashi FC3S RX-7 (Hakone Battle Version)

released in April 2021

This is an improved rerelease of the Ryosuke Takahashi FC3S Hakone Battle Version kit.
The kit includes these new parts:

• new K-1-parts containing interior tub without rear seats and a pair of semi-racing seats
  
• new decal set with instrument panel, Mazda, Infinity, Red Suns logos and sponsor logos for the doors
  

The kit now includes the correct interior tub with luggage bins instead of rear seats.
The B-parts frame (05-31 interior parts) was truncated to delete the original interior tub and the unused front bumpers were deleted from the K-2-tree and from the L-tree.

Body parts and wheels are molded in white, interior and chassis parts are molded in black and engine bay parts are molded in gray.
The decal set is now the same as in the Initial D Nr.3 kit and no longer includes any carbon print for the bonnet. A set of window masks is included.
The slightly revised box art now has a marking to celebrate 25 years of 'Initial D'.

Hobby Design makes an Upgrade Parts Set for this model kit.

Pre Painted Model Initial D Series Nr.I-02, Ryosuke Takahashi FC3S RX-7 (Akagi Showdown Version)

released in Oct 2022

Sofar no regular kit has been released of this prepainted model, it represents the car as it appeared in Vol.11 of the 'Initial D' books.
The only visible differences between this version and the one in the Initial D Nr.3 kit are a new set of Watanabe wheels and the addition of Red Sun logos to the rear fenders.
This prepainted kit does not include the engine bay details that come with the Initial D Nr.3 kit.

Body parts and rear spoiler are painted white, chassis parts are painted black and all interior and detail parts are painted in appropriate colors. Window parts are painted with black frames and a black ceiling.

Compared to the Initial D Nr.3 kit, the following changes were made:

• new Watanabe wheels replacing the Work Meister S1 wheels
  
• O-parts with engine details deleted
  
• spare seats deleted from B-parts
  
• new decal set with instrument panel, Mazda, Infinity, Red Suns logos and sponsor logos for the doors
  
• As the windows are prepainted, the paint masks have been deleted
  

The decal set contains all of the items from the set in the Initial D Nr.3 kit with some new sponsor decals added.

Pre Painted Model Initial D Series Nr.I-03, Ryosuke Takahashi FC3S RX-7 (Hakone Battle Version)

released in Oct 2022

This is a prepainted version of the Ryosuke Takahashi FC3S Hakone Battle Version kit, without the engine parts.

Body parts are painted white, the hood and rear wing are painted gun metal, wheels are painted gold, chassis parts and roll-cage are painted black and all interior and detail parts are painted in appropriate colors. Window parts are painted with black frames and a black ceiling.

Compared to the regular kit, the following changes were made:

• O-parts with engine details deleted
  
• spare seat deleted from B-parts, spare front facia deleted from J-parts
  
• new decal set with instrument panel, Mazda, Infinity, Red Suns logos and sponsor logos for the doors
  
• As the windows are prepainted, the paint masks have been deleted
  

The decal set is the same as in the Pre Painted Initial D Series Nr.I-02 kit.

S Package Ver.R Series Nr. 50, RE Amemiya Savanna RX-7 FC3S

released in October 2008

At last an FC3S kit gets the RE Amemiya treatment ! This kit comes with recessed headlights, front airdam, raised Type IV rear wing and RE Amemiya AW-7 wheels. The kit is based on the FC3S '89 kit with some new parts added: new K-parts containing front airdam, rear wing and the bases for the recessed headlights new L-parts containing a brightly plated shell-type muffler new M-parts containing headlight lenses, headlight covers and foglight lenses new 18in AW-7 wheels fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tires new decals including a set of white and a set of gold 'RE Amemiya' logos Body parts are molded in white, interior parts are molded in gray, chassis parts are molded in black and the wheels are brightly plated. Images of actual cars of similar specs can be found on the RE Amemiya website.

Itasha Series Nr.13, FC3S RX-7 late type RE Amemiya specs 'Air'

released in March 2010

This is basically the RE Amemiya Savanna RX-7 FC3S kit with the bonnet replaced by one without turbo scoop and the decals replaced by a large sheet of Itasha decals.
The decal sheet offers plenty of spare items to customize the car to your own taste, the printing quality of these decals is simply amazing.

Body and aerokit parts are molded in white, interior parts are molded in gray, chassis parts are molded in black and the wheels and custom exhaust are brightly plated.

S Package Ver.R Series Nr. 49, RE Amemiya Savanna RX-7 FC3S Full Aero Version

released in February 2009

This kit represents the 'RE super G' version, the hottest RE Amemiya version which contains all of the technology that is also applied to the RE Amemiya race cars competing in the Japanese GT Championship.
This kit is based on the RE Amemiya FC3S with yet more parts added:

• new N-parts containing a slotted aero bonnet, a Type I rear wing, side skirts and Type I aero door mirrors
  
• new decals including a set of white and a set of gold 'RE Amemiya' and 'RE super G' logos
  

Body parts and aerokit are molded in white, interior parts are molded in gray, chassis parts are molded in black and the wheels and exhaust pipe are brightly plated.

Images of actual cars of similar specs can be found on the RE Amemiya website.

The Tuned Car Series Nr. 58, RE Amemiya Savanna RX-7 FC3S Full Aero Version

released in July 2018

This is a rerelease of the 'RE super G' kit that used to be in the S Package Ver.R series. The only difference is that some new parts are added:

• new B-parts containing a bucket seat and a steering wheel
  
• new raised rear wing added to the K-parts tree
  

Although the instructions are revised, the new bucket seat is not mentioned. The raised rear wing is presented as an option.

Body parts and aerokit are molded in white, interior parts and chassis parts are molded in black and the wheels and exhaust pipe are brightly plated.

Images of actual cars of similar specs can be found on the RE Amemiya website.

The Tuned Car Series Nr. 58, RE Amemiya Savanna RX-7 FC3S Full Aero Version

released in Feb 2021

This is a rerelease of the 'RE super G' kit. The only difference is the new box art, the contents of the box are identical to the 2018 release.

Body parts and aerokit are molded in white, interior parts and chassis parts are molded in black and the wheels and exhaust pipe are brightly plated.

Images of actual cars of similar specs can be found on the RE Amemiya website.

S Package Ver.R Series Nr. 93, BN Sports Savanna RX-7 FC3S

released in July 2006

This kit represents a Tuner Special, actually a street legal version of the Team Samurai Drift racer kit. The kit contains most of the parts from the Team Samurai kit, apart from: the hood, door mirrors and rear wing which are replaced with the stock hood, mirrors and rear wing from the '89 street kit 18in Rays 57F-pro wheels fitted with Bridgestone G-Grid tires a large new decal sheet with gold colored graphics, plus badges, instrument panel and license plates Body and aerokit are molded in red, chassis parts are molded in black. The wheels and the big BN Sports exhaust pipe are brightly plated.

The Tuned Car Series Nr. 40, BN Sports Savanna RX-7 FC3S

released in October 2017

This is a rerelease of the BN Sports FC3S kit that used to be in the S Package Ver.R series. The only differences are the color of the plastic for the body parts and the addition of the other half of the Aero-A parts of the Team Samurai Drift racer kit so an additional vented hood, another steering wheel and a set of streamlined door mirrors are now included. The new instructions do mention the steering wheel and the door mirrors, the extra hood is for the spares box. In all this kit contains 2 types of seats, 4 steering wheels, 2 sets of brake discs, 2 sets of suspension parts, 2 hoods, 2 rear wings and 2 sets of side skirts. The wheels are again 18in Rays 57F-pro wheels fitted with Bridgestone G-Grid tires. Body and aerokit are now molded in white, interior and chassis parts are molded in black. The wheels, the optional racing brakes and the big BN Sports exhaust pipe are brightly plated.

The Tuned Car Series Nr. 40, BN Sports Savanna RX-7 FC3S

released in December 2020

This is a rerelease of the BN Sports FC3S kit. Compared to the 2017 release no changes were made to the contents of the box, just the box art was changed. The wheels are again 18in Rays 57F-pro wheels fitted with Bridgestone G-Grid tires. Body and aerokit are molded in white, interior and chassis parts are molded in black. The wheels, the optional racing brakes and the big BN Sports exhaust pipe are brightly plated.

The Tuned Car Series Nr. 40, BN Sports Savanna RX-7 FC3S

released in April 2024

This is a rerelease of the BN Sports FC3S kit. Compared to the 2020 release no changes were made to the contents of the box, just the box art, catalog number and price were changed. The wheels are again 18in Rays 57F-pro wheels fitted with Bridgestone G-Grid tires. Body and aerokit are molded in white, interior and chassis parts are molded in black. The wheels, the optional racing brakes and the big BN Sports exhaust pipe are brightly plated.

Itasha Series Nr. 31, Senran Kagura BN Sports Savanna RX-7 FC3S

released in Mar 2013

This is the BN Sports Savanna RX-7 FC3S kit with the decals replaced by a large set of Itasha decals. The decals have been printed using a premium silk-screen technique.

S Package Ver.R Series Nr. SP, Racing Beat FC3S RX-7 Bonneville

released in September 2006

This is a limited edition kit of the RX-7 FC that was used by Car and Driver magazine editor Don Sherman to break the land speed record in its class in 1986 at Bonneville (Class C Grand Touring Sports, 238.442 mph average; 382 km/h).
The kit is basically an '85 FC3S kit apart from:

• new D-parts with lefthand drive dashboard and windshield wipers
  
• a bonnet without a turbo scoop added to the I-parts
  
• the wheels and tires are replaced with new narrow wheels with molded-on tires
  
• a new decal sheet
  

The actual car was prepared by rotary specialist Jim Mederer and his Racing Beat company crew and included some interesting modifications such as a 25 gallon reservoir with an ice/water mixture (coolant for the air-water intercooler) fitted in the trunk, a brake chute fitted over the rear license plate and 21in. Enkei wheels with narrow (5.5in front, 8in rear) Goodyear Eagle Funny Car tires.
The brake chute pack and the narrow tires are faithfully represented in the kit, the ice water tank, the full roll cage and some more modifications you have to do yourself.

The exhaust tubes are not included, these should protrude from the lower rear corner of the front wheel well on each side.
The car had modified and lowered suspension and no rear disc brakes fitted, most of which is hidden from view by the solid wheels.
The kit uses a stock lefthand drive dashboard, which is okay if you modify part B35. To be completely accurate the center console needs some modifications and you'll need to fit a 2-spoke Mazda RX-7 steering wheel (which can be found as an unused part in most Fujimi RX-7 FC kits: part B44).
Note that all windows of this car should be tinted in a rather dark blueish-green tint.
Body parts and wheels are molded in white, chassis parts are molded in black.
Decals cover the paint scheme at race day and include a nice representation of the custom made dashboard instruments. Note that the Car and Driver stickers for the front bumper, rear window and the door windows are not included (these might have been added for the magazine photoshoot only) whilst decals nr.11 are included but not mentioned. Decals 11 should be placed on the C-pillars above 'C-GT' decals nrs. 19.
The instruction sheet offers some clear and useful grayscale pictures of the real car. A lot of useful color pictures, full details of the car and an account of the record attempts can be found in the December 1986 issue of Car and Driver magazine (vol.32,nr.6).

D1 Grand Prix Series Nr. 11, Team Samurai Project FC3S RX-7 2006~

released in April 2006

This is a Drift race variant of the FC3S '89 kit. The kit contains the following new parts:

• an aerokit consisting of front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a new vented hood, a raised rear wing and small streamlined door mirrors
• new drivers seat and steering wheel
• two large intercoolers
• a set of recessed headlights
• a new BN Sports big bore exhaust pipe
• a very large sheet of decals

Wheels are the same 18in Work Meister S1 wheels fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tires that are also included in the '85 FC3S kit.
Body and aerokit are molded in orange-yellow, chassis parts are molded in black. The wheel rims and the exhaust pipe are brightly plated, the wheel centers are factory painted dark metallic brown.
Apart from the spectacular box top picture, two more action pictures are printed on the edge of the box. These pictures reveal some differences between the kit and the actual car, first of all there's a vent cut in the fender behind the front wheel arch, there are two identical seats in the car (only one racing seat is included in the kit), there's no roll cage provided in the kit and lastly the kit wheels differ from the Work Emotion CR Kai wheels on the pictures on the box. Aoshima does sell 18in Work Emotion CR Kai wheels separately (S-Parts Tire&Wheel Set Nr.133, cat nr. 036914).

D1 Grand Prix Series Nr. SP, HPI FC3S RX-7 2005

released in April 2006

This is a limited edition, based on the regular Team Samurai D1 kit. The only differences are in the large decal sheet and the color of the wheel centers (which are brightly plated in this kit).

Aoshima Mazda RX-7 FC Upgrade Parts

Hobby Design "Ryosuke Takahashi FC3S RX-7" (cat nr.HD02-0345)

released in October 2016

This set contains detail items for the Initial D FC3S RX-7 Hakone Battle Version kit although most of the parts in this set can also be used for the earlier Initial D FC3S RX-7 kit.
Three sheets of etched metal offer replacement parts like wing supports and end plates, brake disc faces, wipers for windshield and rear window, intercooler face, radiator fan and seat belt hardware.
In addition to this a bag with tiny metal rivets, some black fabric for seat belts and a pair of resin seat belt locks is included.

Links to Car Tuners, etc.

Note, some of the following links point to pages written in Japanese. A crude but easy way to translate Japanese web pages is by using Google or a similar free online translation engine.

• D1 Grand Prix official homepage
  
• BN Sports
  
• RE-Amemiya
  
• Car and Driver magazine
  
• Racing Beat Inc.