Niche Appeal:
        
        
            The RX-8 occupied a unique market position as a practical, four-door sports coupe with a distinctive rotary engine, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a different driving experience.
        
     
    
    
        
            Rivals 2007:
        
        
            Competed indirectly with sports sedans and coupes like the BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35, and Acura TSX, though its rotary engine set it apart.
        
     
    
    
        
            Rotary Powertrain:
        
        
            The 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine was the RX-8's defining characteristic, offering a high-revving, smooth power delivery.
        
     
    
        
            Freestyle Doors:
        
        
            Innovative 'freestyle' rear doors provided easier access to the rear seats, enhancing practicality.
        
     
    
    
        
            Dealer Grade Information:
        
        
            This manual is derived from the same documentation used by certified Mazda technicians, ensuring accuracy and completeness for all repair and maintenance tasks.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Management:
        
        
            Comprehensive coverage of the Renesis rotary engine, including lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel injection, emissions control, and rotary specific diagnostics.
        
     
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, clutch system, driveshafts, differentials, and axle assemblies.
        
     
    
        
            Chassis And Suspension:
        
        
            Complete coverage of front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment specifications, and body structural data.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            In-depth information on brake system components (ABS, EBD, DSC), hydraulic circuits, disc and pad replacement, caliper overhaul, and bleeding procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Extensive wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures for lighting, power accessories, instrumentation, starting, charging, and body control modules.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Procedures for body panel removal and installation, interior trim components, seats, airbags, HVAC system, and exterior lighting.
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil and filter changes (engine, transmission, differential), coolant flush, spark plug replacement (apex seals, side seals), air filter replacement, brake fluid flush.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Systematic diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with explanations and repair procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Component Repair And Overhaul:
        
        
            Detailed steps for engine component replacement (e.g., rotor housing, eccentric shaft, oil injectors), transmission rebuild, brake caliper servicing, alternator/starter replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications And Tolerances:
        
        
            Precise torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, wear limits, and critical measurements for engine and chassis components.
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools And Equipment:
        
        
            Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for rotary engine service and other complex repairs.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Level:
        
        
            Extremely high; covers everything from basic fluid checks and tire rotations to full engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical system diagnostics.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            File Format:
        
        
            If digital, typically PDF. Searchable text is a key feature of high-quality digital manuals.
        
     
    
    
        
            Print Quality:
        
        
            High-resolution images, clear diagrams, and easily readable text, typical of factory-produced documentation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding Type:
        
        
            If printed, likely a durable spiral-bound or perfect-bound format suitable for workshop use.
        
     
    
    
        
            Paper Type:
        
        
            If printed, typically heavy-duty, coated paper to resist grease and wear in a shop environment.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Mazda Renesis (13B-MSP) Rotary Engine
        
     
    
        
            Engine Configuration:
        
        
            Naturally aspirated, two-rotor, Wankel
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            1.3 L (1308 cc actual displacement, often marketed as 2.6L equivalent)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            232 hp @ 8200 rpm (Manual Transmission) / 212 hp @ 7400 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (Manual Transmission) / 151 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Fuel:
        
        
            Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance)
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Type Spec:
        
        
            Mazda DEXELIA ULTRA 5W-30 API SL/CF or ILSAC GF-3 (equivalent API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 also acceptable per later Mazda recommendations for similar engines)
        
     
    
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol-based coolant with Organic Acid Technology (OAT).
        
     
    
    
        
            Spark Plugs:
        
        
            Iridium-tip spark plugs are critical for rotary engines. Manual will specify exact part numbers and replacement intervals for leading and trailing plugs.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Std:
        
        
            6-speed manual transmission (Mazda Type-R, Mazda M6)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Opt:
        
        
            6-speed Sport Automatic transmission (with paddle shifters in some trims)
        
     
    
    
        
            Clutch Type:
        
        
            Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch (manual)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
        
        
            Likely API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Specific Mazda fluid P/N will be listed.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
        
        
            Mazda ATF-FZ or equivalent compatible with Mazda's 6-speed automatic transmissions. Specific Mazda fluid P/N will be listed.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            175.6 inches (4460 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            70.4 inches (1788 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            52.9 inches (1344 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            106.4 inches (2700 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Min:
        
        
            Approx. 2,955 lbs (1340 kg) for manual transmission models.
        
     
    
        
            Curb Weight Max:
        
        
            Approx. 3,100 lbs (1406 kg) for automatic transmission models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume:
        
        
            Small but usable trunk space, typically around 7.6 cubic feet (215 liters), with split-folding rear seats for larger items.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact:
        
        
            5-star rating for driver and front passenger (2007 model year)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Side Impact:
        
        
            Good rating (2007 model year)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Roof Strength:
        
        
            Acceptable rating (2007 model year)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Stability Control:
        
        
            Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Sport Mode that allows for more driver engagement.
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Available Bose premium audio system, CD player, AM/FM radio, and in some trims, an auxiliary input jack.
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Optional factory GPS navigation system available on higher trims.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard cruise control functionality.
        
     
    
    
        
            Keyless Entry:
        
        
            Standard keyless entry system.
        
     
    
        
            Power Windows Locks:
        
        
            Standard power windows, door locks, and mirrors.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, but the manual will provide specific recommendations based on driving conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Critical for rotary engines. Manual will specify intervals for leading and trailing plugs, often around 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type and use.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on dusty conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush Interval:
        
        
            First at 10 years/100,000 miles, then every 5 years/50,000 miles.
        
     
    
    
        
            Brake Fluid Spec:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for exact specification)
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Dexron III ATF or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
        
     
    
    
        
            Apex Seal Wear:
        
        
            Potential for apex seal wear if the engine is not properly maintained (e.g., infrequent oil changes, 'flooding' the engine, carbon buildup). Manual provides diagnostic and replacement procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Oil Consumption:
        
        
            Rotary engines inherently consume oil for lubrication. Manual will detail the expected consumption rate and how to check/replenish.
        
     
    
        
            Catalytic Converter:
        
        
            Can be susceptible to damage from unburnt fuel or excessive oil consumption. Manual offers diagnostic methods.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mazda Rotary Legacy:
        
        
            Mazda's pioneering history with the Wankel rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo in the 1960s.
        
     
    
    
        
            Rx Series Lineage:
        
        
            Successor to the RX-7, aiming for a balance of performance, practicality, and unique engineering. Introduced as a 2004 model.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Years Rx8:
        
        
            2003-2012
        
     
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Mazda's Fuchu Plant in Hiroshima, Japan.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Ward S 10 Best Engines:
        
        
            The Renesis rotary engine was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld's '10 Best Engines' list for 2004 and 2005, highlighting its innovative design and performance.
        
     
    
        
            Car And Driver 10Best:
        
        
            The RX-8 was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times, including for 2004 and 2005, praising its handling and unique powertrain.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Reliability:
        
        
            Varied reliability ratings over its lifecycle, often influenced by the specific maintenance requirements of the rotary engine. The manual is crucial for proper care.