Historical Significance:
Pioneering rotary-powered production car from Mazda, established the brand's reputation for rotary technology and sporty coupes.
Competitors:
Competed with other sporty coupes and sedans of the era, but its rotary engine offered a unique selling proposition.
Distinctive Attributes:
Compact size, lightweight construction, distinctive coupe styling, and the innovative Wankel rotary engine.
Engine Systems:
Rotary engine (10A, 12A configurations), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (4-speed and possibly 5-speed), clutch system, driveline
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, drum/disc configurations), wheels, tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, ignition, charging, accessories, starter motor
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, lubrication points
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic charts for common symptoms, electrical fault finding, engine performance issues
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhauls, brake caliper rebuilds, suspension component replacement
Installation And Adjustment:
Component timing adjustments, carburetor tuning, brake adjustments, alignment procedures
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, in-depth troubleshooting, and complete mechanical/electrical system overhauls
Engine Type:
Wankel Rotary
Engine Code Common:
10A (initial production), 12A (later models)
Engine Displacement Cc:
982 cc (10A), 1146 cc (12A) - actual displacement calculated differently for rotary engines
Horsepower Approx:
10A: ~100-110 hp, 12A: ~120-130 hp (depending on specific tuning and market)
Torque Approx:
10A: ~90-100 lb-ft, 12A: ~110-120 lb-ft (depending on specific tuning and market)
Carburetion:
Twin-choke downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)
Rotor Design:
Two-rotor Wankel configuration
Historical Safety Standards:
Standards of the era, likely lacking modern safety features such as airbags or advanced crumple zones.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes common. Power assist may be optional.
Seatbelts:
Lap belts likely standard, 3-point belts possibly optional or fitted later.
Body Construction:
Unitary construction, designed for lightness and rigidity.
Oil Change Interval Approx:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (common for the era and rotary engines).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval Approx:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles, depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SE or SF, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (specific manual should be consulted for precise recommendation).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual, e.g., 80W-90).
Rotary Specific Wear:
Apex seal wear, potential for oil seal issues, need for regular decarbonization. Rotary engines require a slightly different maintenance approach than piston engines.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can be sensitive to altitude, fuel quality, and require periodic adjustment for optimal performance and emissions.
Electrical Reliability:
Older vehicles can experience issues with aging wiring insulation, connectors, and components.
Ignition Timing Spec:
Specific timing marks and degrees to be found in the manual, crucial for rotary engine operation.
Valve Clearance Adjustment:
Rotary engines do not have traditional valves, but apex seal and side seal clearances are critical and detailed in the manual.
Mazda Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda was a pioneer in developing and mass-producing Wankel rotary engines, starting with the Cosmo and continuing with the R100 and Luce models.
Relationship To Luce Familia:
The R100 was based on the Mazda Familia platform but exclusively featured the rotary engine, distinguishing it as a sportier variant.
Production Period:
Approximately 1968-1973
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Motorsport Heritage:
The Mazda rotary engine achieved significant success in motorsport, including victories at Le Mans, showcasing the engine's potential, though the R100 itself was more of a road car.
Historical Reviews:
Contemporary reviews often praised its unique engine, sporty handling, and stylish design, but sometimes noted its thirst for fuel and the specialized nature of rotary maintenance.
