Positioning:
Sporty, unique-engine performance car targeting enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX STI (in performance segment), though unique rotary engine sets it apart.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine with high-revving characteristics and unique exhaust note.
Design:
Freestyle doors (suicide doors) for rear-seat access, balanced 50/50 weight distribution.
Powertrain:
Engine (RENESIS rotary), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, EBD, DSC)
Electrical:
Power Distribution, Lighting, Ignition, Starting System, Charging System, Body Electronics, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, Audio System
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC System (Evaporator, Blower Motor, Condenser)
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnostics, Trouble Codes (DTCs), Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement (Rotary Specific), Coolant Service
Repair:
Engine Rebuild (Apex Seals, Rotor Housing Inspection), Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Service, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Disassembly And Assembly:
Component Level Disassembly and Reassembly for all major systems
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic flowcharts
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission repairs, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Name:
RENESIS (13B-MSP)
Displacement:
1.3L (2 x 654cc rotor chambers)
Horsepower:
212 hp @ 7,600 rpm (Manual Transmission), 200 hp @ 7,600 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Torque:
159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (Manual Transmission), 151 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, Premium (91+ octane recommended)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated ignition and fuel control
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-star
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Front and side-impact airbags, active front head restraints
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (or as per manual, often with specific rotary oil recommendation).
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual; typically requires special rotary spark plugs and specific replacement intervals due to unique combustion.
Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ/SL grade oil, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific rotary oil recommendations and 2-stroke oil injection).
Coolant:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Mazda GL-4 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda Genuine ATF-FZ (or equivalent).
Differential Fluid:
Mazda Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 80W-90 (API GL-5).
Apex Seals:
Premature wear and failure of apex seals is a common concern with rotary engines, often related to oil consumption, infrequent oil changes, or lack of proper warm-up/cool-down cycles.
Carbon Buildup:
Carbon deposits can form in the rotor housings and exhaust ports, leading to rough idling or starting issues. Regular engine cleaning procedures are advised.
Oil Level:
Rotary engines consume oil by design for lubrication. It is critical to regularly check and maintain the oil level to prevent engine damage.
Starter Slow Crank:
Some early models experienced starter motor issues leading to slow cranking, especially when the engine was hot. Can be exacerbated by carbon buildup.
