Market Position:
The Mazda RX-8 carved a unique niche as a practical sports car with a rotary engine, appealing to enthusiasts seeking distinct performance and handling characteristics.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35, and Subaru WRX, though its rotary powerplant set it apart.
Key Features:
Renesis rotary engine, unique freestyle doors (suicide doors), rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, high-revving engine characteristics.
Engine Mechanical:
Rotary Engine (RENESIS), Apex Seal inspection/replacement, Rotor Housing inspection, Oil Metering Pump, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics, sensor specifications
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (MX-A, RWD), Automatic Transmission (optional, if applicable), clutch system, drivetrain components
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, wheel alignment
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, audio system, starting and charging system
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater, climate control
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, SRS, seatbelt maintenance
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (if applicable)
Repair:
Engine overhauls, transmission repairs, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation
Disassembly And Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and reinstallation
Diagnostics:
Use of diagnostic tools, OBD-II system, specific component testing
Depth:
Factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP (RENESIS)
Displacement:
1.3L (2 x 654cc rotor chambers)
Horsepower:
Approximately 232 hp (for the 6-speed manual transmission variant in most markets)
Torque:
Approximately 159 lb-ft (for the 6-speed manual transmission variant in most markets)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended)
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG/SH or ILSAC GF-II or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-20 (refer to manual for exact specification and regional variations)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug
Transmission Type Standard:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (Activematic)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, single dry plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Manual Type:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic Type:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid
Length:
Approximately 174.0 inches
Width:
Approximately 69.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 52.5 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 106.4 inches
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3000-3100 lbs (depending on transmission and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4000 lbs
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5 Stars (for driver and front passenger)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (in certain years/configurations)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-impact curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Infotainment System:
Standard audio system with CD player, optional Bose premium audio system, optional navigation system (market dependent).
Driver Assistance Features:
Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cruise Control.
Connectivity Features:
Auxiliary audio input jack.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or as indicated by the oil life monitoring system. Critical for rotary engines.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual; typically at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 60,000 miles) due to unique ignition needs of rotary engines.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Approximately every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as recommended by Mazda.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 US quarts (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent blue coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Apex Seal Wear:
A well-documented concern with rotary engines, leading to compression loss if not maintained correctly. Regular oil changes and proper engine warm-up/cool-down are crucial.
Carbon Buildup:
Can occur in exhaust ports and rotor housings, especially with short trips. Periodic high-RPM driving (Italian tune-up) or specific cleaning procedures may be required.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil as part of their lubrication system. The oil metering pump injects oil into the combustion chambers. Monitoring oil levels is critical.
Starter Hot Start Issue:
Some RX-8s can experience difficulty starting when the engine is hot, often related to heat soak in the starter motor or fuel vapor issues. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures.
Eccentric Shaft Seal Failure:
Less common but can lead to significant oil leaks and engine damage.
Brand Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of engineering innovation, including its pioneering work with rotary engines, dating back to the Mazda Cosmo.
Model Evolution Rx8:
The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7 (FC and FD generations), carrying forward the rotary engine legacy while adopting a more practical four-door, four-seat coupe design.
Production Years:
2003-2012
Major Updates 2008:
For 2008, the RX-8 received subtle styling tweaks, suspension improvements for better handling, and a power bump for the manual transmission model (sometimes referred to as the 'High Power' or 'R3' package depending on market).
