Segment:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking performance, handling, and iconic rotary engine technology.
Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, Porsche 968, Chevrolet Corvette C4.
Design Philosophy:
Rotary engine packaging, lightweight construction, advanced aerodynamics, near 50/50 weight distribution.
Performance Highlights:
Twin-turbocharged rotary engine, exceptional handling, agile chassis.
Powertrain:
Engine (Rotary Wankel 13B-REW), Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual), Driveshaft, Differential, Axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (ABS), Wheels, Tires.
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Module, Air Conditioning System.
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Seats, Dashboard, Trim, Safety Restraints (Airbags - early implementation for some markets).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Component testing, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, fault finding procedures for all major systems.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostic procedures. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Type:
Rotary (Wankel) Twin-Spark Ignition
Displacement Equivalent:
2.6 Liters (157.5 cu in) - based on equivalent displacement for rotary engines.
Bore X Stroke:
100 mm x 61.5 mm (per rotor) x 2 (rotors)
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (U.S. specification)
Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (U.S. specification)
Induction:
Sequential Twin Turbochargers (Hitachi HT07)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Octane Recommended)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated ignition and fuel control.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.2 US quarts (4.9 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.8 US quarts (7.4 Liters)
Gear Ratios:
First: 3.320, Second: 2.070, Third: 1.430, Fourth: 1.000, Fifth: 0.760, Reverse: 2.978
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (available in some markets)
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch system (unique to rotary engines).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Check manual for exact specification.
Length:
169.9 inches (4315 mm)
Width:
69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
48.2 inches (1225 mm)
Wheelbase:
95.5 inches (2425 mm)
Front Track:
57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Rear Track:
57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,900 - 3,000 lbs (1315 - 1361 kg) depending on trim and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (typically not specified in service manuals for sports cars)
Wheel Size:
16 x 7.0J (front), 16 x 8.0J (rear) standard.
Tire Size:
225/50ZR16 (front), 245/45ZR16 (rear) standard.
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inch)
Crash Test Results:
Information not readily available from standard sources for this model year and market. Refer to specific government agency reports if available.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard in most markets. Passenger airbag optional or not available depending on market and trim.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Mazda ETR/Cassette, optional CD player. Likely basic AM/FM stereo with 4-6 speakers.
Traction Control:
Not standard. Some markets or trims may have offered a limited form of stability or traction control as an option, but less common than on modern vehicles.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Bluetooth Usb:
Not available for this model year.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for precise recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual. Rotary apex seals and spark plug life can vary. Early indication of issues via poor starting/idle.
Timing Belt Equivalent:
Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use internal chain/sprockets for rotor gear drive. No specific interval, but requires specialized inspection.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SF, or SE rated, SAE 10W-30 recommended. Crucial to use quality oil for rotary longevity. Premixing 2-stroke oil is NOT a factory spec for the FD, rely on the automatic oil injection system.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Mazda FL22 coolant may be suitable as a long-life option.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Rotary Specific:
Apex seal wear, eccentric shaft wear, oil seal issues, potential for overheating if cooling system is not maintained. Premature failure if oil injection system fails or inadequate lubrication is provided.
Turbocharger System:
Sequential turbo system complexity can lead to vacuum hose issues, boost leaks, and turbo failure if not serviced.
Electrical:
Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses, ECU capacitor issues (common on later FD models, less so on early ones, but still possible).
Fuel System:
Fuel injector clogging, fuel pump degradation.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, hose degradation, water pump failure.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's long history with the Wankel rotary engine, dating back to the Mazda Cosmo.
Rx-7 Generations:
FD is the third generation (1992-2002), renowned for its advanced engineering and styling. Successor to the FC (1985-1991).
Fd Design Team:
Led by Chief Engineer Akihisa Maiya.
Production Start Year:
1992 (for 1992 model year)
Production End Year:
2002
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Car And Driver:
Named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list multiple times, including for its debut year.
Motor Trend:
Often praised by automotive journalists for its handling and unique rotary engine.
Automotive Journalism Praise:
Widely considered one of the best sports cars of its era, lauded for its pure driving experience and engineering innovation.