Target audience:
Sports car buyers wanting a unique rotary engine with practical four-door, four-seat layout
Competitive segment:
Rivaled Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35 coupe, Audi TT
Key advantage:
Only production rotary-engine vehicle of its era; 50:50 weight balance and front-midship layout
Key features:
Renesis 13B-MSP rotary engine, freestyle rear doors, near-perfect weight distribution
Instruments and controls:
Complete operation of gauges, switches and indicators
Starting and driving:
Rotary engine starting procedures, break-in recommendations
Keys and security:
Keyless entry system, immobilizer operation
Seats and restraints:
Seat adjustment, seat belt use, child restraint installation
Climate control:
Manual and automatic air conditioning operation
Audio system:
Radio, CD player operation and settings
Fuel and refueling:
Fuel type requirements and filler procedures
Routine maintenance:
Owner-performed checks and service schedules
Fluid specifications:
Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission oil capacities and grades
Wheels and tires:
Tire pressures, sizes, rotation and replacement guidance
Fuses and bulbs:
Fuse locations and ratings, exterior/interior bulb replacement
Emergency procedures:
Jump starting, towing, flat tire, overheat procedures
Technical specifications:
Full factory specifications and capacities
Warning indicators:
Meaning of all warning and indicator lights
Rotary engine notes:
Oil metering system and engine oil top-up requirements
Warranty and consumer information:
Ownership care guidelines
Diagnostic guidance:
Indicator-based troubleshooting references
Parts information:
Genuine Mazda part and fluid references
Page count:
N/A - not specified for this listing
Wiring schematics:
N/A - owner's manual, not a workshop manual; see listing for service manual alternative
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Engine:
13B-MSP Renesis twin-rotor rotary (Wankel) engine
Displacement:
1.3 L (654 cc x 2 rotors)
Power (6MT):
Approximately 231 PS (170 kW)
Power (4AT):
Approximately 197 PS (145 kW)
Torque (6MT):
Approximately 211 Nm at 5,500 rpm
Fuel system:
Sequential electronic fuel injection
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded gasoline (high octane)
Oil consumption:
Rotary design meters engine oil into the combustion chamber; regular oil level checks required
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,325 mm (91.5 in)
Length:
Approximately 4,425 mm (174.2 in)
Width:
Approximately 1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
Approximately 1,340 mm (52.8 in)
Seating:
4 seats, freestyle rear-hinged half doors
Curb weight (6MT):
Approximately 1,300-1,370 kg depending on trim
Front airbags:
Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags
Side airbags:
Front seat-mounted side airbags
Seat belts:
Pretensioners and force limiters at front seats
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock braking system
Traction control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control (where equipped)
Crash test ratings:
N/A - not specified for this model
Child seat anchors:
ISOFIX / LATCH rear anchor points
Audio system:
AM/FM radio with CD player; Bose premium audio available on higher trims
Climate control:
Automatic climate control on higher trims
Keyless entry:
Remote keyless entry with immobilizer
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer with 9,000 rpm redline, digital odometer
Driver assistance:
N/A - modern ADAS features not offered on 2004 RX-8
Engine oil change interval:
Per scheduled maintenance; rotary oil consumption requires frequent level checks
Recommended engine oil:
SAE 5W-30 API grade per owner's manual specification
Coolant:
Genuine Mazda long-life coolant
Spark plugs:
Two per rotor (leading and trailing), periodic replacement
Air filter:
Periodic inspection and replacement
Brake fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Manual transmission oil:
Gear oil per factory specification (see manual for grade and capacity)
Differential oil:
Rear axle gear oil per factory specification
Tire rotation:
Recommended at regular service intervals
Known issue:
Apex seal and oil consumption concerns common to rotary engines; monitor oil level closely
Common wear items:
Clutch, brake pads, ignition coils and spark plugs are frequent service items
Manufacturer:
Mazda Motor Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan
Rotary heritage:
Mazda is the only automaker to build the Wankel rotary engine in volume, from the Cosmo Sport through the RX-7 to the RX-8
Model evolution:
RX-8 introduced 2003 as successor to the RX-7; unique freestyle four-door coupe layout with front-midship rotary
Production location:
Hiroshima, Japan
International Engine of the Year:
Renesis engine named International Engine of the Year 2003 (2.5-3.0 L class)
Design recognition:
Freestyle door concept widely praised for combining coupe styling with four-door practicality
Motorsport heritage:
Rotary engine lineage includes the 787B's 1991 Le Mans overall victory
