Vehicle Segment:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Designer Intent:
Performance-oriented, driver-focused, rotary engine unique selling proposition
Key Competitors:
Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Mitsubishi 3000GT, Porsche 968
Powertrain Innovation:
Sequential twin-turbocharged 13B-REW rotary engine
Chassis Design:
Advanced suspension geometry, balanced weight distribution, sophisticated chassis engineering
Aerodynamics:
Sleek, flowing bodywork designed for high-speed stability and downforce
Interior Design:
Driver-centric cockpit, premium materials, intuitive layout
Engine Systems:
Rotary Engine (13B-REW), lubrication, cooling, fuel, emissions, ignition, starting, charging
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (if applicable), propeller shaft, axles, differential
Chassis Systems:
Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Suspension (front and rear), exhaust
Body And Interior:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, glass, interior trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Electrical Systems:
Engine electrical, body electrical, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment wiring, power distribution
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system servicing, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics, body repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code identification, circuit testing, component diagnosis
Special Procedures:
Rotary engine apex seal inspection/replacement, turbocharger servicing, ignition timing adjustment, emission control system diagnosis
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Diagnostic Capability:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, component testing procedures, wiring diagrams for accurate troubleshooting
Repair Detail:
Step-by-step repair instructions with torque specifications, special tool requirements, and illustrations/diagrams
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel) Twin-Rotor
Displacement:
1.3 L (1308 cc)
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (U.S. spec)
Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (U.S. spec)
Induction:
Sequential Twin-Turbocharged
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Oiling System:
Forced lubrication with oil cooler
Cooling System:
Water-cooled, pressurized system with electric cooling fan
Crash Test Data:
Limited official NHTSA ratings for this era, but generally considered a safe structure for its class
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag (standard)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts
Chassis Safety:
Reinforced safety cell construction
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo, optional CD player
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, manual headlight leveling
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control (depending on trim)
Windows:
Power windows, power door locks
Seats:
Sport seats, power-adjustable driver's seat (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Use high-quality synthetic oil specifically for rotary engines.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles for leading and trailing plugs (specific types required).
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have a timing belt; they use a timing chain or gears, which are generally maintenance-free under normal conditions).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, Viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Rotary-specific oils highly recommended (e.g., Idemitsu Rotary Oil).
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5, viscosity 75W-90
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, viscosity 80W-90
Coolant Type:
Mazda-spec long-life coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant)
Common Issues:
Apex seal wear, oil seal degradation, vacuum hose degradation, thermal breakdown of wiring, catalytic converter failure (due to oil burning), turbocharger reliability (especially early models).
Rotary Specific Maintenance:
Regularly check oil levels, use premix or oil injection system correctly, avoid prolonged idling, ensure proper engine temperature.
Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's iconic commitment to rotary engine technology, dating back to the Cosmo and RX series
Fd Generation:
Third generation (FD) RX-7, introduced in 1992
Design Philosophy:
Chassis development by former Porsche engineer Takaharu Nakajima
Production Years:
1992-2002
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
