Segment:
Sports Car / Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a unique driving experience, performance-oriented buyers.
Key Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Porsche Cayman, BMW Z4, Audi TT.
Powertrain Uniqueness:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine (RENESIS) with sequential intake ports, known for its smooth power delivery and high-revving nature.
Chassis Design:
Front-mid engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with near 50/50 weight distribution for exceptional handling and balance.
Design Language:
Distinctive styling with suicide rear doors (freestyle doors) for improved rear-seat access.
Engine:
Rotary engine (RENESIS), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, engine management (ECU/PCM).
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transmission (AT) - including gear selection, clutch operation, differential.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, axles, propeller shaft, limited-slip differential (LSD).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, steering knuckle, bushings.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS, EBD, brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, tie rods.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition system, instrument panel, power distribution, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, trim, interior components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, heater core.
Safety Restraints:
Airbags, seat belts, SRS system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding procedures for all major systems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for component replacement and overhaul.
Rebuilds:
Engine rebuild specifications, transmission overhaul, component rebuilding.
Adjustments:
Alignment procedures, component adjustments (e.g., idle speed).
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Code:
13B-MSP RENESIS
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (80 cu in)
Rotor Housing Volume:
654 cc per rotor (total displacement equivalent to approx. 2.6L piston engine)
Horsepower:
238 hp @ 8200 rpm (for manual transmission variants)
Torque:
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (for manual transmission variants)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Apex Seals:
Nitride-treated steel (critical wear component requiring specific maintenance).
Cooling System:
Water-cooled with a thermostat and cooling fan. Sensitive to coolant level and type.
Lubrication System:
Wet sump. Requires specific rotary oil (APOILS) injection for apex seal lubrication, in addition to engine oil.
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda Type R154)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (RE4R01A)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Typical Ratios: 1st: 3.76, 2nd: 2.33, 3rd: 1.59, 4th: 1.14, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.86, Reverse: 3.67. Final Drive: 4.44 (often with LSD).
Automatic Features:
Sport mode, manual shifting capability (Activematic).
Manual Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific Mazda recommendation).
Automatic Fluid:
Mazda ATF-MAZDA (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid).
NHTSA Front Crash:
5 Stars (for 2003 model)
NHTSA Side Crash:
4 Stars (front seat), 4 Stars (rear seat)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) often standard or optional on higher trims.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, side-impact airbags, front seat-mounted airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, LATCH system for rear.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Rotary engines require frequent oil changes and checking oil levels.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, but typically at higher mileage intervals than piston engines. Specific rotary spark plugs are used.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush:
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Automatic: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed.
Engine Oil:
Wankel Rotary Engine Oil (e.g., Mazda AP07-20-5Z00 or equivalent synthetic, check manual for specific viscosity and API rating).
Coolant:
Mazda Long Life Coolant (FL22) or equivalent HOAT coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF or specific Mazda fluid.
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Premature wear or failure of apex seals is a well-known issue, often exacerbated by poor maintenance, low oil levels, or detonation. Proper pre-mix or oil injection system maintenance is crucial.
Ignition System:
Coil packs and spark plugs (especially trailing plugs) can fail, affecting engine performance and emissions.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume oil for lubrication. Insufficient oil can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Regular checks and topping up are essential.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged due to unburned fuel or oil, especially if the engine is not running optimally.
Eccentric Shaft Seal:
Can fail, leading to oil leaks. The manual will detail inspection and replacement.
