Vehicle Segment:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Key Selling Points:
Rotary engine, exceptional handling, distinctive styling
Primary Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, Porsche 911
Unique Selling Proposition:
Twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine (13B-REW)
Handling Focus:
Balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, advanced suspension
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, starting, charging, accessories, ECUs
Body:
Interior, exterior panels, glass, seals, HVAC
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, component testing
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, rebuild procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values
Depth Level:
Professional Technician Level
Detail Level:
Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and step-by-step instructions
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel) Twin-Turbocharged
Engine Configuration:
Two-Rotor
Displacement:
1308 cc (2 x 654 cc)
Horsepower Hp:
280 PS (276 hp; 206 kW) at 6500 rpm
Torque Lb Ft:
294 lb-ft (399 Nm) at 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (S-MPFI) with sequential twin-turbocharging
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Cooling Type:
Liquid-Cooled
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (less common)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Clutch
Gear Ratios Manual:
1st: 3.333, 2nd: 2.157, 3rd: 1.481, 4th: 1.150, 5th: 1.000, 6th: 0.794 (typical for '01 model)
Drivetrain Layout:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Differential Type:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Oil Change Interval Miles:
5,000 miles (or as per manual recommendation)
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
60,000 miles (specialized rotary spark plugs)
Timing Belt Replacement Miles:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use apex seals and a different timing system)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (Synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
5.1 liters (with filter)
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Apex Seal Wear:
Potential for wear over time, leading to compression loss. Regular oil changes and proper engine warm-up are crucial.
Vacuum Lines:
Aging rubber vacuum lines can crack and cause boost leaks or rough idling.
Ignition System:
Coil packs and igniters can fail. Regular inspection and replacement are recommended.
Oil Metering Pump:
Can become clogged or fail, affecting lubrication to the apex seals.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's long-standing commitment and pioneering work with the Wankel rotary engine.
Third Generation Fd:
Introduced in 1991, considered a design and engineering masterpiece, celebrated for its performance and handling.
Series 6 Updates:
The 2001 model year falls within the Series 6 updates, featuring subtle cosmetic and mechanical refinements over earlier models.
Production Years:
1991-2002
Production Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan
Car And Driver Ten Best:
Named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list multiple times.
Motor Trend Import Car Of The Year:
Nominated for MotorTrend's Import Car of the Year.
Handling Reputation:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its superb handling dynamics and driver engagement.