Segment:
Front-engine, Rear-wheel-drive, Sports Car, Rotary-powered GT
Key Rivals:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (JZA70/JZA80), Mitsubishi 3000GT (Z16A), Porsche 968, Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
Rotary Engine:
Unique sequential twin-turbocharged 13B-REW rotary engine, offering high-revving performance and compact design.
Chassis Dynamics:
Advanced chassis design, lightweight construction, near 50/50 weight distribution, sophisticated suspension geometry for exceptional handling.
Design:
Iconic, aerodynamic 'Kiyoku' (clean) design language, featuring pop-up headlights (early models) and a sleek profile.
Engine System:
Rotary engine (13B-REW), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging
Transmission System:
Manual transmission (R154 for some markets, Mazda M015/M016), clutch, driveline, limited-slip differential (LSD)
Brake System:
Hydraulic system, ABS, front and rear disc brakes, parking brake
Suspension System:
Front (double wishbone), Rear (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, bushings, steering linkage
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, lighting, fuses, relays, ECUs, sensors, immobilizer
Body And Interior:
Body panels, chassis structure, doors, windows, seats, HVAC, dashboard, trim, sound system
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, emissions canister
Cooling System:
Radiator, fans, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, emissions control components (e.g., air pump, EGR)
Air Conditioning:
Compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant, system servicing
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks/replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections
Engine Repair:
Apex seal replacement, rotor housing inspection/lapping, seal kit installation, engine disassembly/assembly, balancing
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox overhaul, synchro ring replacement, bearing replacement, clutch assembly
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock absorber replacement, bushing replacement, wheel alignment, power steering system service
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake bleeding, ABS sensor diagnosis
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring harness repair, sensor diagnostics, ECU flashing, component testing
Body And Frame Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, rust treatment, door and window glass replacement
Fuel System Service:
Fuel injector cleaning/replacement, fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement
Cooling System Service:
Radiator flush, thermostat replacement, water pump replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault code retrieval (OBD-I/II dependent on year), symptom analysis, component testing procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, full electrical schematics, and bodywork)
Engine Type:
Rotary, Wankel, Twin-Rotor
Aspiration:
Twin-Turbocharged (Sequential)
Displacement:
1.3L (654cc per rotor x 2)
Bore X Stroke:
N/A (Rotary engine dimensions differ from piston engines; effective displacement quoted)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 255-280 hp (varies by year and market, e.g., 255 hp for early US models, 280 hp for later JDM models)
Torque Range:
Approx. 217-231 lb-ft (varies by year and market)
Redline:
7,500 RPM (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane recommended)
Fuel Injectors:
Side-feed or Top-feed injectors (e.g., 550cc primary, 750cc secondary on some later models)
Ignition Type:
Direct Ignition System (DIS) with trailing and leading spark plugs per rotor
Oil Type Recommendation:
High-quality synthetic oil, API SG or higher, viscosity 10W-30 or 5W-30 (refer to specific manual for precise recommendations)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5-6.0 US Quarts (with filter)
Oil Pump:
Engine-driven oil pump with a dedicated oil metering pump (OMP) for 2-stroke oil injection into intake ports
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda M015/M016) on most models. Some early models or specific markets may have used different transmissions.
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (R4A-EL) was optional on some markets.
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by model year and market; manual transmissions generally feature close-ratio gearing for sporty performance.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate clutch (typically dry, single-plate for manual; wet multi-plate on some earlier rotary engines).
Driveshaft:
One-piece or two-piece driveshaft depending on year and specific configuration.
Differential:
Standard Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) on most performance variants.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact specifications and capacity)
Length:
Approx. 4,280-4,315 mm (168.5-170.0 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1,750 mm (68.9 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1,230-1,250 mm (48.4-49.2 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,445 mm (96.3 inches)
Front Track:
Approx. 1,470-1,480 mm (57.9-58.3 inches)
Rear Track:
Approx. 1,460-1,470 mm (57.5-57.9 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,250-1,350 kg (2,755-2,976 lbs), varies by trim and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle placard for specific GVWR
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (often shorter intervals recommended by enthusiasts due to rotary engine characteristics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Specific interval varies.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Replace every 30,000 miles (using appropriate platinum or iridium plugs). Rotary engines use two plugs per rotor.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use a chain or gear-driven eccentric shaft).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for precise type and capacity).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific power steering fluid as per Mazda recommendations.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water). Mazda's 'FL22' coolant or equivalent is often recommended for later models.
Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals is a common concern in high-mileage rotary engines, leading to compression loss. Requires engine rebuild.
Oil Seals:
Eccentric shaft oil seals and corner seals can degrade over time, leading to oil consumption and potential engine damage if not addressed.
Cooling System:
Overheating can be a significant issue due to the rotary engine's high heat output. Ensuring proper cooling system maintenance is critical.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump failure and clogged fuel injectors can affect performance.
Turbocharger Issues:
Wear and failure of turbochargers and associated plumbing (e.g., wastegate, boost control solenoids) can occur.
Vacuum Lines:
Degradation of vacuum hoses can lead to vacuum leaks, causing drivability issues and engine misfires.
Emissions System:
Problems with the air pump system, O2 sensors, and catalytic converters can arise, especially on high-mileage vehicles.
