Vehicle Segment:
Sports Car / Coupe
Unique Selling Proposition:
Wankel Rotary Engine technology, unique 'freestyle' door system
Key Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Subaru BRZ (later generation)
Manual Value:
Provides factory-level technical information, empowering owners for efficient maintenance and repair
Manual Benefit:
Enables informed decision-making for repairs, potentially reducing dealership costs
Primary Coverage:
Repair and Service for Mazda RX-8 (2011)
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Overhaul
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine:
Rotary (RENESIS) Engine (13B-MSP), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transmission (AT - if applicable for the trim), clutch, driveshafts, differential
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, brake fluid, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (double-wishbone), power steering system, steering rack, wheel alignment
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams, wiring schematics
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, blower motor, climate control module
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, airbags, safety restraints
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, troubleshooting guides
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement (specific to rotary), ignition coil checks
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and reinstalling major components and sub-assemblies
Cleaning:
Cleaning procedures for engine components, fuel injectors, and other parts
Reinstalling:
Correct procedures for reassembling components with proper torque specifications
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls)
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP RENESIS
Displacement:
2 x 654 cc (totaling 1308 cc equivalent)
Rotor Design:
Apex seals, side seals, corner seals
Horsepower:
Approximately 232 hp (Sport Trim), 212 hp (Standard Trim) - Varies slightly by market and specific model year updates.
Torque:
Approximately 159 lb-ft (Sport Trim), 155 lb-ft (Standard Trim)
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)
Oil Type Capacity:
Specific rotary engine oil required (e.g., Idemitsu Racing Rotary Oil or equivalent API SG/SH/SJ or higher ACEA A3/B3 or higher); capacity approx. 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) for engine oil; 0.5 US quarts (0.5 liters) for oil metering injection.
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda Speed)
Type:
6-speed Activematic Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate (Manual)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Mazda GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or equivalent API GL-4
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATX/ATF-FZ or equivalent Dexron III H / Mercon
NHTSA Front Crash:
5-Star (for driver and passenger, model year 2007 - similar structure)
IIHS Side Crash:
Good (for model year 2007 - similar structure)
Traction Control:
Yes (TCS)
Stability Control:
Yes (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system (optional), CD player, AM/FM radio, auxiliary input.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system.
Keyless Entry Start:
Keyless entry and push-button start (standard on many trims).
Bluetooth:
Available on some trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Frequent checks are critical due to oil consumption inherent to rotary engines.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Specific rotary spark plugs (two per rotor) require replacement at intervals recommended by Mazda, often around 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on type and driving.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual.
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to engine_specs for specific rotary oil type (essential for apex seal lubrication).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent
Apex Seal Wear:
A primary concern for rotary engines. Symptoms include low compression, starting issues, and rough running. Requires specialized knowledge for diagnosis and repair.
Carbon Buildup:
Can occur in the exhaust ports and leading spark plug ports, affecting performance. Regular decarbonization procedures are often recommended.
Oil Consumption:
Normal for rotary engines, but excessive consumption can indicate seal issues. Constant monitoring is crucial.
Starter Motor Heat Soak:
Can lead to difficult hot starts; often addressed by improved cooling or battery modifications.
Catastrophic Engine Failure:
Can occur if maintenance is neglected or critical issues like low compression are ignored.
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, dating back to the Cosmo Sport in the 1960s. RX-8 represents the pinnacle of naturally aspirated rotary development.
Rx7 Successor:
The RX-8 was developed as the successor to the legendary RX-7, offering a different approach with a focus on practicality (four seats) and balanced performance.
Generations:
Two generations: First Generation (2003-2008), Second Generation (2009-2012).
Production Period:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
