Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Key Competitors Era:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Subaru BRZ (later models), Toyota GT86 (later models).
Unique Selling Proposition:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine (RENESIS), unique 'freestyle' door system, balanced chassis.
Target Audience Benefit:
Empowers both professional technicians and DIY enthusiasts with factory-level repair and maintenance knowledge for the 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Powertrain:
Rotary engine (RENESIS), clutch, manual transmission (M/T), rear-wheel drive (RWD) driveline.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS and DSC), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting systems, instrument cluster, audio system, power accessories, wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, airbags, climate control system, interior trim, body sealing.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, diagnostic procedures.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, coolant flushes, ignition coil replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting common issues, fault code interpretation, electrical system diagnostics, rotary engine specific diagnostics.
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Printability:
Full printable quality, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.
Digital Binding Analogy:
N/A (Digital Download)
Digital Paper Analogy:
N/A (Digital Download)
Zoom Capability:
YES (Zoom IN/OUT functionality within Adobe PDF Reader)
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for potential extraction if zipped)
Operating Systems:
Compatible with All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP RENESIS
Displacement:
1308 cc (equivalent to ~2.6L conventional piston engine)
Horsepower Gt:
232 hp (for GT trim) / 212 hp (for Sport trim)
Torque Lb-Ft:
159 lb-ft (for GT trim) / 156 lb-ft (for Sport trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with twin spark plugs per rotor housing.
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-II or GF-III certified synthetic oil recommended (specific viscosity grade depends on climate, e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40).
Apex Seal Material:
Typically carbon-fiber reinforced composite or similar durable material.
Transmission Type Standard:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
Transmission Type Optional:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Sport-shift with paddle shifters on GT trim)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mazda GL-5 Gear Oil 75W-90 (or equivalent specification).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF JWS 3309 (or equivalent specification).
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) standard.
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, ventilated front and rear discs.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
Pretensioner and load-limiter front seat belts.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system available on GT trim, with CD player, AM/FM radio, and auxiliary input.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system available.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Note: Rotary engines consume oil as part of their operation.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs. Specific plugs are required for the rotary engine (e.g., two plugs per rotor).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or as needed, depending on driving conditions.
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approximately 5.5 quarts (including oil injection system).
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Engine Coolant (or equivalent P-HOAT coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Apex Seal Wear:
Potential for wear over time, leading to compression loss and starting issues. Regular maintenance and proper warm-up/cool-down procedures are critical.
Ignition Coil Failure:
Early models were prone to ignition coil failure. The 2010 model generally has improved coil design, but it remains a component to monitor.
Carbon Buildup:
Rotary engines can be susceptible to carbon buildup in the combustion chambers and exhaust ports, especially with short-trip driving. Regular high-RPM driving or a 'decarbonization' service can help.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication and sealing process. The manual will detail the expected consumption and procedures for topping up.
Ward'S 10 Best Engines:
The RENESIS rotary engine was recognized on Ward's 10 Best Engines list multiple times, including in 2003.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Mazda RX-8 was featured on Car and Driver's 10Best list for several years.
Manual Authenticity:
Implied factory service manual content, designed to mirror the accuracy and completeness of OEM documentation.
