Eunos Cosmo classic cars for sale

History of the Eunos Cosmo

The Eunos Cosmo’s story begins at the end of Mazda’s long journey with the Cosmo nameplate, which first appeared in 1967 and was pivotal for introducing the Wankel rotary engine. In the early 1990s, Mazda used the Eunos brand to position itself as a luxury alternative in Japan. The Eunos Cosmo, produced from 1990 to 1996, was the ultimate expression of this vision, debuting with a never-before-seen three-rotor rotary engine and sophisticated electronic amenities. The car was not exported directly and was aimed exclusively at the Japanese market, giving it true rarity outside of Japan. Over its production span, the Eunos Cosmo represented both Mazda’s engineering ambition and the height of Japanese Bubble-era luxury.

Model History

Eunos Cosmo represents the final generation of the Mazda Cosmo lineage, starting in 1990 and remaining in production through 1996. Unlike its predecessors, the Eunos Cosmo was sold solely under Mazda's luxury-oriented Eunos sub-brand in Japan. The Cosmo’s immediate predecessor was the HB Cosmo coupe of the 1980s, but where the HB was globally available under the Mazda brand, the Eunos Cosmo was reserved for domestic luxury customers. Production ended in 1996, with no direct successor, as Mazda refocused its efforts amid changing economic realities.

Highlights of the Eunos Cosmo

The most striking innovation is the three-rotor 20B-REW rotary engine—the only mass-produced model ever offered with such a configuration. In addition, the Eunos Cosmo introduced the Car Communication System, one of the earliest touch-screen interfaces, integrating navigation, climate, and entertainment controls. The model’s exclusivity is underlined by its limited market release and advanced features unusual even by today’s standards.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

There have been no widely-recognised special editions directly from the factory; however, early models with untouched original triple-rotor engines and Car Communication System intact are especially valued among enthusiasts for their historical and technological significance.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Eunos Cosmo equipped with the 20B-REW three-rotor engine delivered up to 280 PS (Japanese limit) with twin sequential turbochargers, ensuring substantial straight-line performance and a characteristic rotary feel. The car’s suspension was tuned for comfort over outright sharpness, fitting its luxury grand-touring brief. Rear-wheel drive solidified the Cosmo’s reputation for smooth, refined driving, but weight and complexity result in more emphasis on comfort than agility. Notable variants include the 20B-REW three-rotor twin-turbo model, which stands out for being the only mass-production car to use a triple-rotor rotary engine. The 13B-RE twin-rotor version is mechanically simpler but less rare.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The Eunos Cosmo’s design is classically '90s Japanese grand tourer: restrained yet forward-looking, with a cab-forward stance and smooth surfaces. The interior was a showcase of technology, from the touch-screen Car Communication System to digital displays and advanced climate controls. Real wood and leather frequently featured in higher trims. Exterior paint options often included deep metallics and pearls, aligning with the era’s luxury cues. Accessories ranged from high-end audio to factory navigation—a rarity even among Western contemporaries.

Summary

The Eunos Cosmo sits at the intersection of Japanese luxury, advanced engineering, and exclusivity. Its pioneering rotary engines and technological innovations like the Car Communication System keep it highly relevant for enthusiasts of unique Japanese vehicles. With limited numbers produced and distributed only within Japan, the Eunos Cosmo maintains a distinct identity in the world of classic cars.