Market Segment:
Sport compact, performance sedan, niche sports car.
Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Subaru Impreza WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine, unique 'freestyle' door system, balanced chassis, RWD performance.
Primary Users:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, professional technicians, Mazda RX-8 owners.
Engine Systems:
Rotary engine (RENESIS Wankel), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine management (ECU).
Transmission Systems:
6-speed manual transmission, clutch system, driveline, differential.
Braking Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, EBD, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).
Suspension Steering:
Front double wishbone, rear multi-link, power steering system (electric-assist).
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electronics, power accessories, chassis electronics.
Body Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, HVAC system.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault tracing, component testing, wiring diagrams.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds (rotary specific), transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork repair.
Diagnostics Techniques:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), scan tool usage, oscilloscope troubleshooting, pressure testing, leak detection.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain overhaul; includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
RENESIS (13B-MSP)
Displacement:
1308 cc (equivalent to approx. 2.6L piston engine displacement)
Horsepower:
232 hp @ 8200 rpm (Sport trims), 212 hp @ 7600 rpm (Base trims)
Torque:
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (Sport trims), 157 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm (Base trims)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (check manual for exact specification)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts) with filter change (check manual for precise capacity)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (9.0 US Quarts) (check manual for precise capacity)
Spark Plugs:
Platinum or Iridium tip, long reach, specific Mazda part numbers (e.g., NGK RE7C-L, RE9B-T, RE13B-T - check manual for exact fitment)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
No automatic transmission offered on 2012 RX-8 in most markets.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda GL-5 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (check manual for specific part numbers and alternatives)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1.9 Liters (2.0 US Quarts) (check manual for precise capacity)
NHTSA Ratings:
Front: 4 Stars, Side: 5 Stars, Rollover: 4 Stars (May vary slightly by year/region, check specific year reports)
Active Safety:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, front active head restraints, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with 8 speakers (optional), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, auxiliary audio input, optional satellite radio.
Navigation:
Optional touch-screen DVD-based navigation system.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry and ignition with push-button start.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or more frequently under severe driving conditions - consult manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type and driving conditions (critical for rotary engine health - consult manual).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection (consult manual).
Engine Oil Level Check:
Check frequently, especially before long trips, due to rotary engine oil consumption.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent (check manual for exact specification).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation).
Apex Seal Wear:
Premature wear of apex seals can lead to compression loss, rough running, and starting issues. Proper maintenance and avoiding extended idling/lugging are crucial.
Ignition System Issues:
Coil pack failures and spark plug fouling can cause misfires and engine performance problems. Regular inspection and replacement of ignition components are vital.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system. Monitoring and topping up oil levels is critical to prevent engine damage.
Carbon Buildup:
Can occur in the rotor housings and exhaust ports, particularly with short trips or poor driving habits. Occasional spirited driving or specific cleaning procedures may be needed.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long and unique history with the rotary engine, dating back to the NSU license. The RX-8 is the culmination of decades of development, following the RX-7 lineage.
Rx8 Generations:
First generation (2003-2008), Second generation (2009-2012), representing a mid-cycle refresh.
Production Period:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
