Segment Positioning:
Unique rotary-powered sports car targeting enthusiasts seeking distinctive performance and handling
Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Porsche Cayman (entry-level), various European sports coupes
Unique Selling Proposition:
Naturally aspirated RENESIS rotary engine, rear-wheel drive, near 50/50 weight distribution, suicide doors (freestyle doors)
Target Audience:
RX-8 owners, independent repair shops, automotive technicians, DIY enthusiasts
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (Software-based, not a fixed page count)
Type:
Official Factory Service Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (Likely proprietary executable or searchable PDF suite)
Engine Mechanical:
Wankel Rotary Engine (RENESIS), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control
Transmission:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Aisin AY6), clutch system, drivetrain components
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD, DSC), wheel bearings
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, locks, mirrors, keyless entry
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control, audio system
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), sensor data, common symptoms, repair procedures based on fault codes
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant service, brake fluid flush, inspection schedules
Repair Procedures:
Engine component removal and installation, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Troubleshooting Guides:
System-specific symptom analysis, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams with component identification
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Factory-level detail, including diagnostic procedures, wiring schematics, and component-level repair instructions
Engine Type:
Mazda RENESIS (13B-MSP) Rotary Engine
Engine Configuration:
Two-Rotor, Naturally Aspirated, Sequential Port Induction
Displacement:
1308 cc (combined rotor displacement)
Horsepower Hp:
232 hp @ 8500 rpm (for manual transmission models)
Torque Lb-Ft:
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Antifreeze (or equivalent long-life silicate-free coolant)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN or ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 (check owner's manual for specific conditions)
Maintenance Considerations
Apex Seal Life:
Key concern; proper warm-up/cool-down and oil maintenance crucial
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (Aisin AY6)
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Sport Automatic (with paddle shifters on some trims)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for Mazda-specific part numbers)
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear)
Electronic Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) standard
Antilock Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system available on higher trims, CD player, auxiliary input
Navigation:
Optional GPS Navigation system available on some trims
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Remote keyless entry system
Paddle Shifters:
Available with the automatic transmission for manual gear selection
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving) - consult manual for specifics on rotary engine oil needs
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (specific multi-ground electrode plugs are critical)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 36 months
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon (check manual)
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil
Engine Apex Seals:
Degradation leading to low compression and starting issues, particularly if not warmed up properly or if carbon build-up occurs.
Oil Consumption:
Higher than piston engines; requires regular checks and topping up. Integrated oil metering system is crucial.
Ignition Coils:
Prone to failure, leading to misfires and rough running.
Starter Motor:
Some models may experience slower cranking due to heat soak around the engine.
