Class:
Sports Car, Grand Tourer
Segment:
Rear-wheel drive, two-seater coupe
Key Competitors:
Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Mitsubishi 3000GT, Chevrolet Corvette
Powertrain:
Twin-sequential turbocharged rotary engine, exceptional power-to-weight ratio
Handling:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, precise steering, and exceptional grip
Design:
Iconic flowing lines, aerodynamic profile, driver-focused cockpit
Engine:
Rotary (13B-REW), fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emission control
Transmission:
Manual (R154/Mazda Spec), clutch, drivetrain
Brakes:
ABS, hydraulic system, friction materials, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules, wiring diagrams
Body Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, HVAC, security system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, ECU testing, sensor calibration, component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain overhauls. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and repair sequences.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel), Twin-Sequential Turbocharged
Displacement:
1.3L (2 x 654cc rotor housings)
Horsepower:
280 PS (276 bhp) @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
318 Nm (234 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Turbocharger System:
Hitachi HT07-4A (primary) and HT07-4A (secondary), sequential operation
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated or available for this model year (typical for sports cars of the era)
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Not rated or available for this model year
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional (TCS) on some models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette player with optional CD changer, Bose premium audio system available on some trims
Display:
Digital climate control display, analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, and water temperature
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Headlights:
Pop-up headlights (iconic design feature), automatic lighting control on some trims
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, aftermarket solutions typically required for modern device connectivity
Keyless Entry:
Available on some higher trims
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (specific rotary plugs required)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ, ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific recommendations and temperature ranges)
Transmission Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF-MA, or equivalent DEXRON III / MERCON compatible fluid for automatic; GL-5 SAE 75W-90 for manual
Coolant:
Mazda FL22 High Performance Long Life Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Apex Seals:
Premature wear or failure of apex seals due to overheating, poor lubrication, or incorrect fuel. Regular maintenance and proper driving habits are critical.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil; proper monitoring and topping up is essential. Premature high consumption can indicate seal wear.
Premix Reliance:
Some owners choose to premix 2-stroke oil with fuel to ensure adequate lubrication for the apex seals, especially in higher-performance applications.
Sequential Turbo Issues:
Failure of the secondary turbocharger or its control solenoids can lead to a significant loss of power.
Cooling System:
Overheating can lead to apex seal failure. Ensuring the cooling system is in top condition is paramount.
Mazda Sports Cars:
Mazda has a long history of producing sporty, driver-focused vehicles, including the iconic RX-7 lineage and the Miata.
Rx7 Generations:
SA/FB (1978-1985), FC (1985-1992), FD (1992-2002). The FD generation is celebrated for its advanced rotary engine technology and chassis design.
Production Years Fd:
1992-2002 (with phased discontinuation in certain markets)
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
