Positioning:
Unique sports car focused on rotary engine performance and handling
Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Porsche Cayman, BMW Z4 (historically)
Engine Type:
Renesis Rotary Engine (unique selling proposition)
Layout:
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive with near 50/50 weight distribution
Doors:
Unique Freestyle doors (suicide-style rear doors)
Cost Saving Potential:
Save $50-$60 per hour on shop labor costs by performing DIY servicing
Target Audience:
RX-8 owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, professional technicians
Authenticity:
Actual Genuine Repair Service Factory Manuals (not 3rd party)
Engine Service Repair:
Yes, comprehensive
Transmission Service Repair:
Yes, covers both manual and automatic variants if applicable
Brake System:
Yes, detailed service and repair
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes, comprehensive electrical schematics
Electrical System:
Yes, diagnostics and repair
Suspension:
Yes, service and repair
Steering:
Yes, service and repair
Cooling System:
Yes, maintenance and repair
Fuel Injection Fuel System:
Yes, including component testing and calibration
Emission System:
Yes, diagnostics and repair
Heater Air Conditioning:
Yes, service and repair
Engine Control System:
Yes, including ECU diagnostics and programming information
Chassis Body:
Yes, repair and alignment specifications
Restraint System:
Yes, including SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components
Interior:
Yes, trim removal and installation
Differential Drive:
Yes, service and repair
Axle:
Yes, service and repair
General Maintenance:
Yes, routine checks and servicing
Troubleshooting:
Yes, advanced diagnostic guide
Periodic Lubrication:
Yes, lubrication points and schedules
Depth:
Complete factory-level diagnosis, repair, rebuilding, refurbishing, and restoration
Engine Code:
13B-MSP Renesis
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3 L (654 cc x 2 rotor housings)
Horsepower Peak:
Approximately 232 hp @ 8200 rpm (manual transmission), 212 hp @ 7500 rpm (automatic transmission) for 2009+ models.
Torque Peak:
Approximately 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (manual), 155 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (automatic) for 2009+ models.
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Apex Seals:
Critical wear item, manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Oil Consumption:
Normal operating characteristic, manual details proper oil checks and top-up procedures.
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda Type R154 or similar)
Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential Shift Mode
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
Manual Fluid Type:
Mazda GL-4 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (specific part number required from manual)
Automatic Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF Type T-IV or equivalent (specific part number required from manual)
Length:
Approximately 4505 mm (177.4 in)
Width:
Approximately 1770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
Approximately 1340 mm (52.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1441 kg (3177 lbs) for manual, 1460 kg (3219 lbs) for automatic.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for 2009 model year, check manual for specific year ratings)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for 2009 model year, check manual for specific year ratings)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
TCS:
Standard Traction Control System
Dsc:
Dynamic Stability Control (standard)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification based on driving conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific interval, typically around 30,000-50,000 miles. Uses specialized two-piece spark plug system.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity and API rating. Mazda recommends a specific synthetic oil for rotary engines.
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant or equivalent (green coolant).
Engine Apex Seal Wear:
A common concern with rotary engines; manual provides diagnostic steps and replacement procedures.
Carbon Buildup:
Can occur in rotor housings; manual details cleaning procedures and preventative measures.
Fuel Pump Failures:
Some models may experience premature fuel pump failure; manual guides diagnosis.
Ignition Coils:
Can fail; manual details testing and replacement.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 US quarts (5.2 L) with filter change. (Verify with manual)
Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's long history with the rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo and RX-7 series.
Second Gen Update:
The 2009 model year represented a mid-cycle refresh for the RX-8, with updated styling, suspension tuning, and engine improvements.
Production Years:
2003-2012
Factory:
Mazda's factory in Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
