Market Position:
The 2007 Mazda RX-8 was positioned as a unique and accessible sports car, renowned for its rotary engine and distinctive 'freestyle' door system. It aimed to offer a blend of performance, practicality (relative to traditional coupes), and driving engagement.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with cars like the Nissan 350Z, Ford Mustang GT, and Chevrolet Corvette in terms of performance and sporty aspirations, but differentiated itself with its rotary engine technology and four-door coupe layout.
Key Features:
Unique Renesis Rotary Engine, Freestyle Door System (two small rear-opening doors), sporty handling, balanced chassis, distinctive styling.
Systems Covered:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving Operations, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (US only), Cleaning, Maintenance, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.
Technical Depth:
Covers operation, features, basic maintenance, fluid specifications, and general care. Focuses on owner-level understanding and common tasks, not in-depth repair diagnostics.
Procedures Included:
Understanding dashboard indicators, operating audio and climate systems, proper use of lights and driver controls, locking and security features, seatbelt usage, basic driving techniques, customer service information, cleaning procedures, checking and topping up fluids (oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid), battery care, fuel recommendations, air filter checks, and accessory installation guidelines.
Fluid Checks And Refills:
Step-by-step guidance for checking and topping up engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid. Information on the correct types of fluids and their capacities.
Tire Maintenance:
Recommended tire pressures, inspection for wear and damage, and general tire care. May include information on temporary spare tire use.
Cleaning And Care:
Detailed instructions on interior and exterior cleaning, including specific recommendations for upholstery, plastics, and paintwork to maintain the vehicle's appearance.
Electrical System Overview:
Covers operation of headlights, taillights, interior lighting, turn signals, hazard lights, and basic electrical features like power windows and door locks.
Climate Controls:
Detailed explanation of manual or automatic climate control systems, fan speeds, temperature adjustments, air direction, and recirculation.
Safety Restraints:
Instructions on proper seatbelt usage, airbag system explanations, child seat installation guidance (LATCH system).
Troubleshooting Basic:
Provides information on what to do in case of dashboard warning lights, low fluid levels, or minor operational issues, guiding the owner to seek professional help when necessary.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
RENESIS (13B-MSP)
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (2 x 654cc housings)
Horsepower:
232 hp @ 8,200 rpm (for manual transmission models, specific output could vary slightly by market and emissions regulations)
Torque:
159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (for manual transmission models)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance and longevity)
Maintenance Considerations
Apex Seal Life:
Apex seals are a critical wear component in rotary engines; proper warm-up and cool-down procedures are vital. Manual likely covers recommended practices.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume a small amount of oil as part of their lubrication system. The manual would specify checking oil levels frequently.
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., Aisin AXM-940-2)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters on some trims/markets)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate clutch (for manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Likely a specific GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil. Manual would specify exact viscosity and specification. (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Specific ATF fluid meeting Mazda's requirements. Manual would specify exact type. (e.g., Mazda ATF MV)
Length:
Approximately 172.2 inches (4,375 mm)
Width:
Approximately 69.1 inches (1,755 mm)
Height:
Approximately 52.8 inches (1,340 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 106.4 inches (2,700 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,800 - 3,000 lbs (1,270 - 1,360 kg), depending on transmission and options.
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 7.6 cubic feet (215 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (for 2007 models, typically)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for 2007 models, typically)
IIHS Side Impact Driver:
Good (for 2007 models, typically)
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs (ABS standard)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Front Airbags, Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags (in some configurations)
Seat Belts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Manual would specify exact recommendation based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Rotary engines use two spark plugs per rotor. Replacement intervals are critical and often shorter than piston engines. Manual likely recommends checking/replacing around 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (standard vs. long-life).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended inspection every 15,000 miles, replacement as needed or every 30,000 miles. Manual would specify.
Coolant Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years. Manual would specify the Mazda Super Long Life Coolant.
Engine Oil Specification:
Likely a 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting API SN or ILSAC GF-5 standards. Manual would be definitive. Special consideration for rotary engine oil is critical.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid. Manual would specify exact type and change interval.
Coolant Specification:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. Manual would specify concentration and type.
Common Issues:
Premature apex seal wear (if engine is not properly maintained/warmed up), ignition coil failure, oil seal leaks, carbon build-up in the rotary housing, starting issues when warm (common rotary trait). The manual provides guidance on proper operation to mitigate these.
Part Numbers Listing:
The manual includes a section on 'Part numbers' which likely refers to owner-replaceable parts and fluids, providing reference numbers for purchasing.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.7 US quarts (5.4 Liters) with filter change. Manual would confirm exact capacity.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.6 US quarts (7.2 Liters). Manual would confirm exact capacity.
Brand Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of innovation in automotive engineering, most notably with its development and popularization of the Wankel rotary engine, starting with the Mazda Cosmo.
Model Evolution:
The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7. It was designed to be a more practical and accessible sports car, retaining the rotary engine while adopting a unique four-door, four-seat coupe body style. The 2007 model year represents the first major facelift (Series 2) for the RX-8, though significant redesigns occurred in later years.
Production Years:
2003-2012
Production Locations:
Hiroshima, Japan