Vehicle Segment:
Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Rotary-powered sports car.
Competitors 1997:
Porsche 911 (993), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Chevrolet Corvette (C5), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4.
Key Differentiation:
Unique twin-rotor Wankel engine, lightweight chassis, exceptional handling, and distinctive styling.
Engine Technology:
Sequential twin-turbocharged 13B-REW rotary engine, known for high revving capabilities and unique power delivery.
Chassis Design:
Lightweight construction with a focus on weight distribution for optimal balance and agility. Double wishbone suspension.
Aerodynamics:
Sleek, aerodynamic body design contributing to high-speed stability and performance.
Performance Focus:
Designed as a pure sports car, emphasizing driver engagement and exhilarating performance.
Powertrain:
Engine (13B-REW Rotary), Turbocharging System (Sequential Twin-Turbo), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic options), Drivetrain Components.
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear Disc, ABS), Wheels & Tires.
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Audio System, Instrument Cluster, Power Accessories, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Immobilizer System.
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Windows, Interior Trim, Seating, HVAC System, Airbags.
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Fluid Checks and Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid, Differential Fluid), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Wiring Diagram Interpretation, Component Testing.
Repair:
Engine Component Rebuilds (Apex Seals, Rotor Housing Inspection), Turbocharger Rebuild/Replacement, Fuel Injector Service, Brake Caliper Overhaul, Suspension Bushing Replacement, Electrical Component Repair.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to complex engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed torque specifications and diagnostic procedures.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick navigation to specific topics.
Clarity:
High resolution scans ensuring clear diagrams, illustrations, and text for readability.
Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, wiring schematics, and photographic illustrations.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Configuration:
Twin-Rotor, Twin-Turbocharged, Intercooled
Displacement:
1.3L (1308 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
104.2 mm x 69.6 mm (per rotor)
Horsepower Hp:
255 hp @ 6500 RPM
Torque Lb-Ft:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Direct Ignition System - DIS)
Cooling Type:
Water-Cooled, Pressurized System
Lubrication:
Forced Lubrication with Wet Sump
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (or as specified in manual for specific climate)
Transmission Type Std:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated, Dry Single Plate (Manual)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or as specified in manual)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III or equivalent (or as specified in manual)
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically 4.300 (Manual), 3.600 (Automatic) - verify for specific markets/trims.
Length Mm:
4295 mm (169.1 in)
Width Mm:
1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height Mm:
1230 mm (48.4 in)
Wheelbase Mm:
2505 mm (98.6 in)
Front Track Mm:
1470 mm (57.9 in)
Rear Track Mm:
1460 mm (57.5 in)
Curb Weight Kg:
Approximately 1310-1400 kg (2888-3086 lbs) depending on transmission and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
Not commonly specified in marketing, but essential for service.
Fuel Tank Capacity Liters:
76 Liters (20 US Gallons)
NHTSA Rating:
Not readily available for this era and specific model from official NHTSA records.
IIHS Rating:
Not readily available for this era and specific model from official IIHS records.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some later models or as an option.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point Inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Chassis Safety:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM stereo with Cassette player and CD player (optional), typically 6-speaker system. Bose premium audio available on some trims.
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control (ACC) systems depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control.
Vehicle Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) system, requiring specific diagnostic tools for data retrieval.
Gauge Cluster:
Comprehensive analog gauge cluster including tachometer, speedometer, boost gauge, oil temperature, and voltage meter.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) - requires specific platinum tipped plugs suitable for rotary engines.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they utilize a timing chain and chain sprockets).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
Approximately 4.7 Liters (with filter change)
Coolant Capacity Liters:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (with heater core)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Apex Seal Wear:
Potential for apex seal wear and failure if the engine is improperly maintained, overheated, or subjected to detonation.
Vacuum Lines:
Aging and brittle vacuum lines can lead to boost leaks and drivability issues.
Sequential Turbo System:
The complex sequential turbo system can be a source of issues if not properly maintained, with potential for actuator problems or intercooler blockages.
Oil Metering Pump:
The oil metering pump (which injects oil into the engine for lubrication) can fail, leading to accelerated wear. Periodic inspection and adjustment are crucial.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged over time, especially with improper engine operation, affecting performance.
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, dating back to the Cosmo and RX series.
Rx7 Generations:
First Generation (SA/FB), Second Generation (FC), Third Generation (FD). The 1997 model is part of the highly acclaimed third generation (FD).
Fd Generation Timeline:
Introduced in 1992 (Japan) and 1993 (USA), with revisions throughout its production life, including updates for the 1996 model year (Series 7 in Japan) which influenced the 1997 North American model.
Production Period Fd:
1992 - 2002
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Japan
Key Market Regions:
Japan, North America, Europe, Australia
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run, particularly for the FD generation.
Automobile Magazine All Stars:
Received Automobile Magazine's All-Star award.
Iconic Status:
Widely considered one of the greatest Japanese sports cars of the 1990s and an automotive icon.