Vehicle Class:
Sports Car, Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, tuners, rotary engine aficionados
Key Rivals:
Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Porsche 968, Chevrolet Corvette (C4/C5)
Unique Selling Points:
Twin-rotor Wankel engine, lightweight construction, advanced chassis, iconic design
Engine Systems:
Rotary engine theory, operation, maintenance, tuning, common issues, rebuild procedures, twin-turbo system, intercooler, exhaust, cooling system
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (Type R, FD5), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axle specifications, maintenance
Chassis Suspension:
Suspension geometry, components (springs, dampers, bushings), alignment specifications, steering system, wheel bearing maintenance
Braking System:
Brake system design (Brembo optional), components, fluid specifications, maintenance, performance upgrades
Electrical System:
ECU, ignition system, charging system, lighting, wiring diagrams (may be limited to performance relevant aspects)
Bodywork Aerodynamics:
Aerodynamic enhancements, body panel fitment, lightweighting considerations
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug (rotary igniter) replacement, apex seal inspection
Troubleshooting:
Common performance-related issues, diagnostic codes (OBD-I/II depending on market/year), root cause analysis
Performance Tuning:
ECU tuning basics, intake/exhaust modifications, boost control, fuel system upgrades, suspension tuning for track use
Repair Instructions:
Detailed component replacement, engine rebuild steps, turbocharger servicing
Modification Guidance:
Advice on common aftermarket performance parts and their installation
Depth Level:
Advanced technical details for enthusiasts and tuners, beyond basic owner's manual
Diagnostic Capability:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for rotary engine-specific issues
Rebuild Information:
Comprehensive rebuild procedures for the 13B-REW rotary engine
Engine Type:
Sequential Twin-Turbocharged Rotary
Displacement:
1.3 L (1308 cc)
Horsepower Early Models:
255 PS (252 hp) @ 6500 rpm
Horsepower Late Models:
280 PS (276 hp) @ 6500 rpm (JDM, European specification)
Torque Early Models:
347 Nm (256 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Torque Late Models:
370 Nm (273 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (JDM, European specification)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), sequential twin-turbo setup
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91-93 Octane)
Rotary Specifics:
Apex seals, side seals, rotor housing coating, lubrication system (oiling system critical)
Transmission Type:
Mazda Type R (RX-7 specific) 5-speed Manual
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (less common, not performance-oriented)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Actuated Single-Plate Clutch (early models), Twin-Plate Clutch (later performance models or aftermarket)
Final Drive Ratio:
4.300:1 (common for manual transmission)
Crash Test Results:
Limited official crash test data available, emphasis on chassis rigidity and occupant protection for its era
Braking:
4-wheel disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard, optional Brembo brakes on some models
Traction Control:
TCS (Traction Control System) available on select models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags
Chassis Design:
Advanced front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout for optimal weight distribution and handling; integrated roll cage structure
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-4 months, depending on driving conditions. Critical for rotary engines.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles (specific rotary igniters require careful handling)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH/SJ or higher, viscosity grade typically 10W-30 or 10W-40. Specific rotary oil for pre-mix (if applicable) or oil metering injection.
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol-based)
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent ATF for automatic; GL-4 gear oil for manual transmission (specific viscosity recommended)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 compatible brake fluid
Apex Seal Wear:
Common issue with high mileage or improper maintenance leading to loss of compression and engine power
Sequential Turbo Failure:
Failure of the primary or secondary turbocharger, often due to oil starvation or wear
Injector Clogging:
Fuel injector clogging can affect performance and fuel delivery, especially with age
Vacuum Hose Leaks:
Degradation of rubber vacuum lines can lead to boost leaks and rough idling
Cooling System Issues:
Overheating due to radiator degradation, fan control issues, or coolant leaks
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's pioneering development and successful implementation of the Wankel rotary engine in production vehicles since the 1960s
Previous Generations:
SA22C (1978-1985), FB (1985-1991)
Fd Development Focus:
Performance, handling, lightweight design, aerodynamics, refinement over previous generations
Production Years:
1992-2002
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Notable Editions:
Spirit R, Type R, Type RS
