Positioning:
Performance-oriented sports coupe, unique in its class for its rotary engine and distinctive styling.
Competitors:
Nissan 350Z/370Z, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru WRX STI, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro.
Unique Selling Point:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine offering high RPM power and a unique driving experience.
Design Elements:
Freestyle doors (suicide doors) for rear-seat access, near 50/50 weight distribution.
Engine:
Renesis Rotary Engine (13B-MSP) including lubrication, cooling, intake, exhaust, fuel injection, ignition, starting and charging.
Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission (Aisin AY6), 6-speed Sport Automatic transmission (MZR RE-Sure) including overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid specifications.
Chassis:
Front suspension (double wishbone), Rear suspension (multi-link), steering system, brake system (front ventilated discs, rear solid discs), wheel specifications, and tire fitment.
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), lighting, power accessories, audio system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, fuses, and relays.
Body And Interior:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC system, door mechanisms, and body sealing.
Emission Control:
Secondary air injection system, catalytic converter, evaporative emission control system (EVAP), and emission-related diagnostic procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil change procedures, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, and general inspection points.
Repair:
Engine rebuild (apex seal replacement, rotor housing inspection), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, and electrical component diagnostics.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, starting problems, electrical faults, and HVAC system malfunctions.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, live data interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, and specific rotary engine diagnostic techniques.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Print Quality:
High-resolution, fully printable pages.
Searchability:
Searchable PDF text for quick information retrieval.
Binding:
Digital Download (PDF)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital)
Software Requirements:
Adobe Acrobat Reader, WinZip or compatible unzipping software.
Compatibility:
Compatible with all Windows and Mac operating systems.
Engine Type:
Mazda Renesis 13B-MSP Rotary Engine
Engine Configuration:
Two-rotor, naturally aspirated, Wankel
Horsepower Hp:
232 hp @ 8200 rpm (Manual Transmission)
Torque Lb Ft:
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (S-MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Displacement Cc:
1308 cc (2 x 654 cc per rotor)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Lubrication System:
Forced lubrication with oil cooler; separate oil metering system for apex seals.
Required Oil:
API SG, SH, SJ, or ILSAC GF-2 compatible, viscosity SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific Mazda recommendations, often synthetic).
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Aisin AY6)
Type:
6-speed Sport Automatic Transmission (MZR RE-Sure)
Manual Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.757, 2nd: 2.251, 3rd: 1.533, 4th: 1.171, 5th: 1.000, 6th: 0.821, Reverse: 3.166
Automatic Features:
Paddle shifters, Sport mode, manual shifting capability.
Manual Fluid:
Mazda Manual Transmission Fluid (or equivalent GL-4 75W-80/75W-90, consult manual for specific PN).
Automatic Fluid:
Mazda ATF-Type TZ or equivalent. (Capacity: approx. 7.6 liters for overhaul).
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact:
5 Stars
ABS:
Standard, 4-wheel disc ABS
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Electronic Stability:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with 6-disc CD changer, SiriusXM satellite radio capability (subscription required).
Display:
Multi-information display (MID) with trip computer, fuel economy, and system status. Optional navigation system available.
Key Features:
Keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, power windows/locks/mirrors.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming (depending on trim and options).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or as per manual recommendation, often with synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (special 2-piece spark plugs required for rotary engine).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: 60,000 miles or 4 years. Automatic: 30,000 miles or 2 years (or more frequently under severe conditions).
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
4.5 Liters (with filter, for 13B-MSP)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent.
Rotary Specific Issues:
Risk of apex seal wear and subsequent compression loss if not properly maintained, prone to oil consumption, potential for carbon buildup in intake ports, requires regular oil top-ups.
Common Failures:
Ignition coils, fuel injectors, starter motor, thermostat, and water pump seals can be common failure points.
Apex Seal Care:
Regular oil checks and top-ups are crucial. Avoid extended idling and high RPMs when the engine is cold. Periodic 'Italian tune-up' (high RPM driving) can help clear carbon deposits.
Brand Focus:
Mazda is known for its focus on driving dynamics ('Jinba Ittai' - horse and rider as one) and innovative engineering.
First Generation:
Introduced in 2003 (for the 2004 model year) as a successor to the RX-7.
Facelift Series2:
The 2009 model year marks the 'Series 2' facelift, featuring updated exterior styling (bumpers, headlights, taillights), interior refinements, and improved handling dynamics.
Production Years:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Ward Auto Worlds 10 Best Engines:
Renesis rotary engine was named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list multiple times (including around the RX-8's introduction).
Performance Car Of The Year:
Often praised for its handling and driving engagement, frequently appearing in 'best handling' lists.