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Jon Leverett, a Mazda USA product launch veteran, shares a trove of automotive passion and behind-the-scenes industry stories focused on the legendary RX-7 and Mazda’s rotary engine heritage. As a self-professed “rotary kid” (his family owned 20 RX-7s!), Jon’s enthusiasm is infectious when he describes the unique sound and feel of his first car – a silver ’88 RX-7 that cemented his love for Mazda.
He then pulls back the curtain on Mazda’s product development: listeners get to ride along as Jon recounts launching new models, including the thrill and pressure of unveiling the FD RX-7 in the ’90s with its cutting-edge twin-turbo rotary. He shares car culture tidbits like the internal debates at Mazda about manual vs. automatic sports cars and how customer car stories often influenced marketing strategy. Jon also reveals his most exciting restoration project, dubbed the “Red Dragon” – bringing a Rotary engine back to life in tribute to Mazda’s innovation.
Don't miss Jon's favorite episode, "Stainless Steel Dreams – Mike’s Time-Traveling Journey with a DeLorean and Beyond" https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16723792-stainless-steel-dreams-mike-s-time-traveling-journey-with-a-delorean-and-beyond
It’s not all tech talk; Jon’s stories brim with personal moments, like road-tripping an RX-7 across country to prove its grand touring chops, and the camaraderie of the Mazda fan community.
Whether you’re a die-hard rotary engine fan or just curious about how a car company brings a vehicle to market, this episode offers an engaging blend of personal memoir and insider know-how. It’s a celebration of innovation, persistence, and the quirky, wonderful world of rotary sports cars.
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