Market Position:
The Mazda RX-8 was positioned as a unique, sporty four-door coupe with a focus on driving dynamics and a distinctive rotary engine, targeting enthusiasts and those seeking an alternative to traditional sedans and sports cars.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed indirectly with sport sedans and coupes like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, and Subaru WRX, offering a unique rotary powertrain and Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' driving philosophy.
Key Features:
RENESIS rotary engine, 'freestyle' rear-hinged doors, near 50/50 weight distribution, exceptional handling, sporty design.
Rotary Engine Advantage:
The RENESIS rotary engine is praised for its high-revving nature, smooth power delivery, compact size, and relatively light weight, contributing to the RX-8's balanced chassis.
Systems Covered:
Engine (RENESIS rotary), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Powertrain, Brakes, Electric Power Steering, Suspension, HVAC, Body, Safety Systems, Electrical Systems, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Parts Identification
Electrical System Coverage:
Comprehensive: Detailed wiring diagrams, component location charts, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems including lighting, ignition, fuel injection, power accessories, and sensors.
Suspension Coverage:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorber and spring replacement, bushing inspection and replacement.
Brake System Coverage:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush and bleeding, ABS component testing, parking brake adjustment.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms (including freestyle doors), interior trim, chassis component inspection, rust prevention, and basic body repair techniques.
Procedures Included:
Disassembly and Reassembly, Inspection, Maintenance, Component Identification, Unit Repair, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Component Replacement, Adjustment Procedures, Calibration
Engine Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, component inspection (e.g., apex seals, rotor housing wear), reassembly, and essential sealing procedures specific to the RENESIS rotary engine.
Troubleshooting Engine Performance:
Dedicated section for diagnosing common and uncommon engine performance issues, including misfires, power loss, and starting problems, with diagnostic flowcharts.
HVAC System Repair:
Procedures for diagnosis and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant handling, component replacement, and control module diagnosis.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics, component-level repair, and full system overhauls. Includes detailed wiring diagrams, torque specifications, and service data.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive torque specifications for all critical fasteners across all major components and systems.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Detailed listing and explanation of all OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) relevant to the RX-8, along with diagnostic procedures for each.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP RENESIS
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (equivalent to ~2.6 Liters piston displacement for tax purposes)
Horsepower Ps:
Approx. 238 PS @ 8500 RPM (for 6-speed manual transmission models)
Torque Nm:
Approx. 211 Nm @ 7000 RPM (for 6-speed manual transmission models)
Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Oil Type:
Specific Rotary Engine Oil (e.g., Mazda Rotary lubricant, API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30)
Spark Plug Type:
Two spark plugs per rotor (e.g., NGK R7437-9, NGK R7437-8)
Rotary Oil Injection System:
Integrated oil metering pump for automatic lubrication of apex and side seals.
Standard Transmission:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
6-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission (with Paddle Shifters in some markets)
Transmission Features:
Lightweight design, precise shifting (manual), smooth gear changes (automatic).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF JWS3309 / Type T-IV equivalent
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star
IIHS Front Impact Rating:
Good
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, Side airbags, Side curtain airbags, Seatbelt pretensioners, Crumple zones, Reinforced passenger compartment
Oil Change Interval Km Months:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (more frequent recommended for rotary engines)
Air Filter Replacement Interval Km:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 km
Spark Plug Replacement Interval Km:
Every 40,000 - 50,000 km (specific for rotary plugs)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent HOAT)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF)
Known Issues:
Apex seal wear, engine flooding (cold start issues), oil consumption, starter motor issues, ignition coil failure, catalytic converter failure (due to oil burning), coolant seal leaks.
Brand Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of innovation, notably with its pioneering development and production of rotary engines, dating back to the Cosmo.
Model Evolution:
The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7 (FC and FD generations). It represented a shift towards a more practical and accessible sports car, embracing the rotary engine's unique characteristics in a four-door, four-seat configuration.
Production Period:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Hiroshima plant, Japan
