Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car
Unique Selling Proposition:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine, 2+2 seating, distinctive suicide doors, balanced chassis.
Direct Competitors Era:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Honda S2000 (though higher performance segment).
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Door Configuration:
Freestyle doors (rear-hinged rear doors)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Powertrain:
Rotary engine (RENESIS), ignition system, fuel system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU), transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, braking system (ABS, DSC), wheels, tires, chassis components, subframes.
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, electrical components, body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, lighting, audio system, navigation system, climate control, power accessories, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, airbags, interior trim, HVAC system, body sealing.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (specific rotary requirements), fluid checks and changes, inspections.
Repair:
Engine teardown and rebuild (apex seals, rotor housing inspection), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, body panel repair and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, live data analysis, fuel pressure testing, compression testing (rotary specific), electrical system diagnostics.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, wear limits for engine components, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures for the unique RENESIS rotary engine.
Engine Code:
RENESIS (13B-MSP)
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated, twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine
Displacement Cc:
1308 cc (effectively 2.6L according to rotary displacement calculation)
Bore Stroke Mm:
105.0 mm x 87.5 mm (per rotor)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Hp:
232 hp @ 8200 rpm (Manual Transmission) / 212 hp @ 7600 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Torque Lb-Ft:
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (Manual Transmission) / 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-point fuel injection (S-MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Induction:
Naturally aspirated, port intake
Ignition Type:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with 8 spark plugs (2 per rotor apex)
Maintenance Considerations
Oil Type:
Full synthetic, SAE 5W-30 recommended. Crucial to maintain oil level due to oil consumption inherent in rotary design.
Apex Seals:
Critical wear item. Manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Engine Rebuild:
The manual will provide in-depth instructions for rebuilding the RENESIS engine, including proper torque sequences and component clearances.
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda Type R15M)
Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential Sport Shift (Mazda FW6A-EL)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Detailed ratios for 1st through 6th gear and reverse will be provided in the manual.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Paddle shifters on steering wheel, manual mode selection, adaptive shift control.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Specific Mazda part numbers will be listed in the manual).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF FZ (or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON compatible fluid, check manual for precise spec).
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-star (for driver and passenger in earlier models, check specific year ratings)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (for models tested)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) standard
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (standard).
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, active head restraints.
Chassis Design:
Advanced front crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced passenger compartment.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with 8 speakers (optional on some trims).
Navigation:
Optional HDD-based navigation system with touch screen interface.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth hands-free connectivity (optional), auxiliary audio input.
Key Features:
Keyless entry and start, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls.
Headlights:
Projector beam headlights, Xenon HID headlights available on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Manual will provide exact OEM recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Spark plugs (long-life iridium) are critical for rotary engines. Intervals are typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, but the manual will specify exact types and procedures for the dual spark plug system.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as specified by Mazda. Use of Mazda FL22 coolant is often recommended.
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF DEXTRON III or equivalent.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Inherent characteristic of rotary engines. Manual will explain proper checking and topping off.
Apex Seal Wear:
Potential issue if engine is abused or not maintained. Manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures.
Catalytic Converter Fouling:
Can occur with insufficient warm-up or engine issues. Manual covers diagnostic procedures.
Ignition Coil Failure:
Common wear item, manual details testing and replacement.
Rotary Lineage:
Mazda has a long and storied history with rotary engines, dating back to the Cosmo and RX-7 models. The RX-8 represents the evolution of this unique powertrain.
Generation:
Second generation RX-8 (FE Platform). Introduced in 2003 (as a 2004 model) and received minor updates and facelifts throughout its production life, including the 2009-2012 models covered by this manual.
Facelift 2009:
The 2009 model year saw significant revisions, including improved suspension tuning, revised aerodynamics, updated interior trim, and enhancements to the RENESIS engine (e.g., improved oil metering, revised intake and exhaust).
Production Period:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
