Positioning:
The Mazda RX-8 was a unique sports coupe, positioned as a practical yet exhilarating driver's car with its rotary engine technology and distinctive 'freestyle' doors. It appealed to enthusiasts seeking a different driving experience compared to conventional piston-engine sports cars.
Competitors:
Competed against cars like the Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, and entry-level Porsche Boxster, offering a unique blend of performance and practicality, especially with its rear suicide doors.
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated 13B-MSP RENESIS rotary engine (sequential twin rotors).
Doors:
Unique 'freestyle' door system (small rear-opening doors for improved rear passenger access).
Chassis:
Sports-tuned chassis with excellent weight distribution and handling characteristics.
Engine:
Rotary (RENESIS Wankel), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU/PCM), troubleshooting.
Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission (Mazda's Type-A), clutch system, driveline, axles, differentials, troubleshooting.
Suspension:
Front suspension (double wishbone), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, wheel alignment specifications, troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, troubleshooting.
Steering:
Power assisted steering system, steering column, steering rack, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays, body electrical systems, troubleshooting.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heating system, climate control, refrigerant specifications, troubleshooting.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, locks, hinges, body repair procedures, corrosion protection.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS components, troubleshooting.
Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, ignition coil inspection, battery maintenance.
Repair:
Engine component overhaul (apex seals, rotor housings, side seals – if applicable to rebuild level), transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Fault code retrieval (OBD-II), diagnostic procedures for all major systems, troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, engine clearances, wheel alignment angles, electrical system specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and component-level repairs. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Mazda RENESIS (13B-MSP) Rotary Engine
Rotor Displacement:
654 cc per rotor (1308 cc total effective displacement)
Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated, Rotary (Wankel), Sequential Twin Rotor
Horsepower:
Approximately 232 hp @ 8,200 rpm (for manual transmission models, early 2009 specification; later models and automatics may vary slightly).
Torque:
Approximately 159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (for manual transmission models).
Induction:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Type:
Mazda Certified API SL/SM, ILSAC GF-3 or GF-4, SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (Specific Mazda PN often recommended, e.g., K001-99-99-00-5W30 or similar).
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (FL22) – Blue color. Mixture: 50/50 with distilled water.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.2 US quarts (7.8 liters).
Spark Plugs:
Coil-on-plug ignition. Specialized long-life, fine-wire platinum or iridium plugs. NGK are common. (e.g., NGK R2558H-9 for trailing, R2558H-10 for leading – specific part numbers vary by revision).
Transmission Type:
Mazda's RX-8 6-speed manual transmission (Type-A)
Transmission Type:
6-speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters on some models)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Close-ratio gear set for sporty performance (specific ratios vary slightly between early and late models, but typical final drive is 4.444:1).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Mazda Manual Transmission Fluid API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Specific Mazda PN often recommended, e.g., 8300-33-002 or similar).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF M-V (Type-A transmission fluid, red color). Specific Mazda PN recommended.
Length:
Approximately 170.5 inches (4330 mm)
Width:
Approximately 69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height:
Approximately 54.1 inches (1375 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 106.4 inches (2700 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,000 - 3,200 lbs (1361 - 1452 kg), depending on trim and transmission.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4,079 lbs (1850 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (for the driver and front passenger in earlier models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Brakes:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (standard on most 2009+ models)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Frequent checks are recommended due to rotary engine oil consumption.
Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km), depending on plug type and driving conditions. Crucial for rotary engine health.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF (check manual for exact specification).
Brake Fluid:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS 116 DOT 3 (DOT 4 is also often acceptable).
Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals are a common concern with rotary engines, leading to loss of compression. Proper maintenance and avoiding prolonged low RPM operation are critical.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system. The manual will detail the expected consumption and proper methods for topping up.
Ignition Coils:
Ignition coils can be a failure point, impacting performance and emissions. Diagnosis and replacement procedures will be covered.
Carbon Buildup:
Potential for carbon buildup in the rotor housings, especially with short trips or infrequent high-RPM operation. The manual will include procedures for cleaning or decarbonizing.
Mazda Rotary:
Mazda has a long and unique history with the Wankel rotary engine, dating back to the Mazda Cosmo and RX series (RX-7). The RX-8 continued this legacy.
Generation:
Second generation RX-8 (facelifted model, production started in 2008 for model year 2009). This included revised styling, updated interior, and minor mechanical enhancements.
Production Years:
2003-2012 (globally). The manual covers the final years of its production.
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Hiroshima Plant, Japan.
