Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Rotary Sports Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a unique driving experience and owners looking for in-depth maintenance knowledge.
Key Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Toyota Supra (later generations), Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4
Unique Selling Proposition:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine (RENESIS), rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, and distinctive 'suicide' rear doors.
Benefits For Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and extending vehicle life. Facilitates informed decision-making with mechanics.
Engine System:
Detailed information on the RENESIS rotary engine, including its unique lubrication, cooling, and ignition systems.
Engine Control:
Engine control module (ECM) operation, sensors, actuators, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and reprogramming.
Transmission System:
Coverage for both the manual (6-speed) and automatic transmissions, including removal, installation, and internal component repair.
Drivetrain System:
Components like the driveshaft, differential, axles, and wheel bearings.
Brakes System:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), parking brake, and rotor/pad replacement.
Steering System:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and wheel alignment procedures.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control module, and refrigerant handling.
Body System:
Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, and related hardware.
Safety System:
Airbags, seatbelts, crumple zones, and related restraint system components.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, power windows, starter, alternator, and battery.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic approach to diagnosing problems, using schematics and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance tasks like oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes (specific to rotary), and fluid checks.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Detailed guides for diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required diagnostic tools, scan tools, and specialized equipment.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostics, including sensor data interpretation and circuit testing.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding major components such as the RENESIS engine and transmissions.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP RENESIS
Displacement:
1.3L (654cc x 2 rotors = 1308cc nominal)
Horsepower Early:
247 hp @ 8,000 rpm (manual transmission)
Horsepower Late:
238 hp @ 8,000 rpm (automatic transmission)
Torque:
159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (manual transmission)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Type Recommendation:
Full synthetic, API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific Mazda recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 or equivalent Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (RX-8 GT/GTS trims)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential Shift (RX-8 Sport/Touring trims)
Manual Transmission Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios; known for close ratios and high engagement.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Paddle shifters (Sport Shift) on some models, allows manual gear selection.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 API (refer to manual for specific Mazda part numbers, e.g., Mazda gear oil).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification).
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
Five-star rating
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
Five-star rating
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good rating
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or as specified in the owner's manual).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (specific two-piece rotary spark plugs require careful attention).
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 US quarts (5.2 L) with filter change (refer to manual for exact capacity and level checking procedure).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.2 US quarts (6.8 L)
Apex Seal Wear:
Premature wear of apex seals is a well-documented issue if the engine is not properly maintained, warmed up, and shut down.
Carbon Buildup:
Carbon deposit buildup in the rotor housings and exhaust ports can occur, requiring specific cleaning procedures.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil for lubrication; owners must regularly check and top up the oil level.
Ignition System:
Coil packs and spark plugs can require more frequent replacement than in piston engines.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's long and storied history with rotary engines, dating back to the Cosmo and RX-7 series, culminating in the RX-8.
Introduction Year:
The RX-8 was introduced globally in 2003 for the 2004 model year, replacing the RX-7 FD.
Design Philosophy:
Designed to be a practical sports car with unique styling, exceptional handling, and a high-revving rotary engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Fuchu Plant, Hiroshima, Japan
Production Years:
2003-2012