Positioning:
The Mazda RX-8 was a unique sports car positioned to offer accessible rotary performance and distinctive styling, targeting enthusiasts seeking an alternative to traditional piston-engine sports coupes.
Competitors:
Competed with cars like the Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, and to some extent, the Ford Mustang GT and Chevrolet Corvette in terms of performance and enthusiast appeal, though its rotary engine set it apart.
Features:
Renowned for its free-revving naturally aspirated rotary engine (Renesis), balanced chassis with near 50/50 weight distribution, suicide rear doors (freestyle doors) for improved rear access, and engaging driving dynamics.
Systems Covered:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 150-250 (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era and complexity).
Powertrain Systems:
Rotary Wankel engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition, exhaust.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension, steering, braking, wheels and tires.
Electrical Systems:
Lighting, instruments, infotainment, power accessories, battery, fuses.
Interior Systems:
Climate control, seating adjustments, safety restraints, door locks, security system.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, jump starting, replacing wiper blades, bulb replacement (where accessible).
User Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, operating the transmission, climate controls, infotainment system, exterior lighting, wipers, power windows, locks, security system.
Troubleshooting:
Interpretation of warning lights and indicators, basic advice for common minor issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information covering operation, basic maintenance, and safety features. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP Renesis
Displacement:
1.3L (effectively 2.6L equivalent displacement due to rotary design)
Horsepower:
Approx. 232 hp (manual transmission) / 212 hp (automatic transmission) for the 2006 model year.
Torque:
Approx. 159 lb-ft (manual) / 159 lb-ft (automatic).
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher).
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines consume oil as part of their design for apex seal lubrication; regular oil level checks are critical.
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
Optional 6-speed Activematic (Automatic Transmission with paddle shifters).
Manual Transmission Features:
Close-ratio gearing for sporty performance.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mazda GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5 specification).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF JWS3309 (or equivalent Toyota Type T-IV spec).
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (for both driver and passenger) in U.S. testing.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS standard.
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS).
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (standard on most trims).
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Approximately every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. More frequent checks for oil level are recommended between changes due to rotary engine design.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically at higher mileage intervals due to specific rotary spark plug design (often requiring specialized plugs).
Air Filter Replacement:
Check at every oil change, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG, SH, SJ, or SL, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (synthetic recommended for optimal protection).
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant (or equivalent OAT coolant, typically pink or orange).
Brake Fluid:
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3.
Rotary Engine Maintenance:
Sensitivity to proper warm-up/cool-down cycles, potential for carbon buildup, importance of oil level and quality, risk of apex seal wear if not maintained. Periodic 'decarbonization' might be necessary.
Ignition System:
Weak coil packs or fouled spark plugs can cause misfires.
Engine Oil Filter Example:
Mazda OEM: B6Y1-14-302 or equivalent (e.g., Purolator L14670, Fram PH7317).
Air Filter Example:
Mazda OEM: AJ03-13-Z40 or equivalent.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.4 US quarts (5.1 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.2 US quarts (6.8 liters).
Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long and storied history with the rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo in the 1960s, and is the only manufacturer to successfully mass-produce and race rotary engines.
Rx Series:
The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7 (FC and FD generations) as Mazda's rotary-powered sports car, offering a more practical and user-friendly package with its unique door configuration and naturally aspirated engine.
Production Years:
2003-2012 (globally).
Key Updates 2006:
For 2006, minor updates included revised suspension tuning, an improved interior, and optional equipment changes. The base engine saw a slight horsepower increase for manual transmissions.
