Niche:
Performance sports coupe with unique rotary engine technology
Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Toyota Celica GT-S (though RX-8 targeted a more dedicated enthusiast market)
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine (RENESIS) known for high-revving nature and compact size
Chassis Design:
Lightweight construction, near 50/50 weight distribution, unique freestyle rear doors for enhanced practicality
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Benefits:
Empowers owners to perform complex repairs, understand vehicle systems, and make informed maintenance decisions.
Powertrain:
Engine (RENESIS rotary), Transmission (manual/automatic), Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering System, Braking System, Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Electrical Distribution System, Lighting System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Audio System, HVAC Controls
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Bumpers
HVAC:
Air Conditioning System, Heating System, Ventilation
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, DTC code explanations, component testing procedures
Repair:
Engine component removal and installation, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnostics and repair
Disassembly:
Step-by-step disassembly guides for all major vehicle components
Assembly:
Step-by-step assembly guides, including torque specifications and procedures
Cleaning:
Procedures for cleaning specific components, particularly relevant for rotary engines
Reinstalling:
Correct procedures for reinstallation of repaired or replaced components
Level:
Comprehensive (designed for professional technicians, accessible to skilled DIYers)
Engine Name:
13B-MSP RENESIS
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Two-Rotor)
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (80 cu in) (effective displacement)
Horsepower:
Approx. 232 hp @ 8200 rpm (for manual transmission models)
Torque:
Approx. 159 lb-ft (216 Nm) @ 5500 rpm (for manual transmission models)
Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Unleaded Recommended)
Type:
Wet Sump with Oil Cooler
Recommended Oil:
API SG, SH, SJ, SL or ILSAC GF-2 or GF-3; viscosity 5W-30 (check manual for specific Mazda recommendations)
Type:
Double Iridium Tip Spark Plugs (specific part numbers vary by manufacturer, e.g., NGK R2691-8)
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda 'RX-8 Series II' F6MTA)
Type:
6-speed Sport Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters on some models)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Varies by gear, refer to manual for precise ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.765, 2nd: 2.000, 3rd: 1.367, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.872, 6th: 0.774, Reverse: 3.746)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mazda GL-5 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (refer to manual for specific part numbers like 8055-00-100)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-TZ (Type T-IV equivalent, refer to manual for specific part numbers)
Length:
Approx. 4,435 mm (174.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,340 mm (52.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,350 - 1,440 kg (2,976 - 3,175 lbs) depending on transmission and options
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 297 Liters (10.5 cu ft)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) often standard or available
Airbags:
Front Airbags, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags
Seat Belts:
Pretensioners and Load Limiters
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (highly recommended due to rotary oil consumption/needs)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000-60,000 miles (specific to double iridium plugs, check manual)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change (refer to manual for exact)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mixture)
Apex Seals:
Degradation of apex seals, leading to compression loss and engine issues. Regular maintenance and proper warm-up/cool-down are crucial.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil for lubrication; maintaining oil levels diligently is critical.
Carbon Buildup:
Can occur in exhaust ports and on rotor housings. Regular high-rev driving and periodic 'Italian tune-ups' can help mitigate this.
Catalytic Converter:
Can be susceptible to damage from incomplete combustion or engine misfires.
Rotary History:
Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, originating with the Cosmo and RX-7 series.
Predecessor:
Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Launch Year:
2003 (for the 2004 model year)
Production Period:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
