Positioning:
The Mazda RX-8, launched in 2003, was a unique sports coupe positioned as a practical yet performance-oriented vehicle, renowned for its rotary engine and distinctive 'freestyle' door system.
Competitors:
Competed against other compact sports cars and performance coupes of its era, such as the Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, and some higher-performance variants of the Toyota Celica and Honda S2000.
Distinctive Features:
High-revving RENESIS rotary engine, unique suicide rear doors (freestyle doors) for easier rear-seat access, excellent weight distribution (50/50), sporty handling, and innovative interior design.
Engine:
Rotary (RENESIS - 13B-MSP), including lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, starting, charging, emissions, and engine management systems.
Transmission:
Manual (M6), Automatic (A6), including clutch, gearbox, differentials, driveshafts, and related systems.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake, hydraulic component replacement, bleeding procedures.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, body electricals, power accessories, ECUs (Engine Control Units), sensors, wiring diagrams.
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control systems, refrigerant handling, component testing.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, interior trim, safety features (airbags, seatbelts), chassis components, corrosion protection.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting charts, diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (specific rotary plugs), fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication.
Repair:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation for all major systems, including detailed torque specifications.
Technical Specifications:
Detailed specifications for all components, including clearances, tolerances, pressures, and electrical values.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle electrical systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from routine maintenance to complex diagnostics and engine rebuilds. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP (RENESIS)
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (80 cubic inches) - equivalent to approximately 2.6 Liters in piston engine displacement for tax purposes.
Horsepower:
232 hp @ 8200 rpm (manual transmission, high-power model); 212 hp @ 7400 rpm (automatic and lower-power manual models).
Torque:
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (high-power model); 150 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (lower-power models).
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended, 91 octane or higher)
Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ classification. Refer to manual for specific viscosity grades (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30 depending on climate).
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change.
Spark Plugs:
Specific multi-ground (side and apex) rotary spark plugs. Refer to manual for part numbers and gap specifications (e.g., NGK RE7C/RE9B).
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze) with distilled water.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.1 US quarts (6.7 liters).
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, especially critical for rotary engines. Refer to manual for specific intervals and oil type.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.
Cabin Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (typically a set of 4 apex and 4 side plugs).
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: Inspect annually, replace every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace every 60,000 miles.
Coolant:
Replace every 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on original fill. Refer to manual.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon. Refer to manual.
Apex Seals:
Potential for wear or failure if maintenance is neglected or the engine is operated improperly (e.g., overheating, prolonged low-RPM operation without adequate lubrication).
Carbon Buildup:
Common in rotary engines, requiring occasional decarbonizing procedures (e.g., 'Italian tune-up' or specific cleaning methods outlined in the manual).
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil as part of their lubrication system. The manual details the expected consumption rate and checks.
Catalytic Converter:
Can be susceptible to damage from rich fuel mixtures or engine misfires.
Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long and unique history with the rotary engine, dating back to the Mazda Cosmo and the iconic RX-7 series. The RX-8 continued this legacy, adapting the rotary for modern emissions and performance standards.
Introduction:
The RX-8 was introduced as the successor to the RX-7 FD generation, aiming for a more practical and accessible sports car experience.
Design Philosophy:
The RENESIS engine was designed to address some of the previous rotary engines' drawbacks, such as emissions and oil consumption, by repositioning the intake and exhaust ports.
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda's Hiroshima plant, Japan.
Production Years:
2003-2012
