Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Rotary Coupe
Unique Selling Proposition:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine, distinctive freestyle rear doors, balanced chassis, high-revving performance.
Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Toyota Celica GT-S (historically), Subaru Impreza WRX (performance-oriented competitors)
Powertrain Highlight:
Rotary engine offers a unique driving experience and compact packaging.
Design Highlight:
Freestyle doors provide enhanced rear-seat access, suicide-style opening.
Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a unique, engaging, and dynamically capable sports coupe with a focus on handling and engine character.
Primary Coverage:
Complete vehicle repair and service
Secondary Coverage:
Diagnostics, troubleshooting, maintenance, component replacement, technical specifications
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 3000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (Rotary, 13B-MSP Renesis), clutch, transmission (manual & automatic options), driveshafts, differential, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brakes (front & rear discs, ABS, DSC), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), audio system, power windows/locks/mirrors, HVAC controls, SRS airbag system, engine control module (ECM), ignition system
Body:
Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, seats, bumpers
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation
Repair:
Engine overhaul (apex seals, rotor housings, rotor seals), transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair
Installation:
Component installation and removal procedures for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP Renesis
Displacement:
1.3L (twin rotor)
Horsepower:
238 hp @ 8200 rpm (Manual Transmission) / 212 hp @ 7600 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Torque:
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (Manual Transmission) / 149 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Maintenance Considerations
Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 recommended (API certified)
Oil Capacity:
4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change
Spark Plugs:
Specific multi-electrode rotary plugs (e.g., NGK RE7CL)
Type:
6-speed Activematic Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Manual Transmission Features:
Close-ratio gearing, short-throw shifter
Automatic Transmission Features
Features:
Sport mode, paddle shifters for manual gear selection
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mazda GL-4 Gear Oil 75W-90 or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF JWS3309 or equivalent
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star (Front Seat), 5-Star (Rear Seat)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Brake Assist:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver & passenger), Side-impact airbags, Curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with CD player, AM/FM radio, and steering wheel controls (on some trims).
Navigation:
Optional DVD-based navigation system.
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on most models.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack.
Tachometer:
Prominent center-mounted tachometer, redlining at 9000 RPM.
Oil Meter:
Unique rotary oil metering gauge.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oil is highly recommended for rotary engines.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace annually or every 15,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 30,000 miles (using specific rotary plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF or equivalent
Coolant:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix)
Apex Seal Wear:
Premature wear of apex seals can lead to loss of compression and engine failure. Proper pre-mix or diligent oil level checks are crucial.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged due to oil consumption or incomplete combustion, leading to reduced power.
Ignition Coils:
Can fail, causing misfires and rough running.
Starter Motor:
Some models can experience starter issues, especially when the engine is hot.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil for lubrication; regular monitoring and top-offs are essential.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long and storied history with the rotary engine, beginning with the Cosmo in the 1960s and famously culminating in the Le Mans-winning 787B.
Rx7 Predecessor:
The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7 (FC and FD generations), carrying on the rotary performance lineage.
First Generation Launch:
The RX-8 was first introduced in 2003 (as a 2004 model year) and ran until 2012.
Production Years:
2003-2012
Assembly Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
