Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking a unique rotary-powered four-seat sports car; owners performing own maintenance and repair.
Key Advantage:
Naturally aspirated 1.3L Renesis rotary engine with high-revving character and near 50:50 weight balance.
Versus Rivals:
Lower center of gravity than piston-engine rivals; rear-hinged rear doors give genuine four-door practicality.
Engine:
13B-MSP Renesis two-rotor Wankel rotary
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive with front-mid engine placement
Body Style:
4-door, 4-seat coupe with freestyle doors
Coverage Areas:
Complete service, repair, rebuild, and refurbish procedures for all systems
Page Count:
N/A - paginated digitally, all pages printable
Manual Type:
Workshop service and repair manual
Delivery Method:
Instant download after payment
Engine:
13B-MSP Renesis rotary: disassembly, inspection, rebuild, seals and rotors
Fuel and Emissions:
Fuel delivery, injectors, evaporative system, emissions controls
Ignition and Charging:
Ignition coils, plugs, alternator, starter
Transmission:
6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic overhaul and adjustment
Clutch and Driveline:
Clutch replacement, differential, driveshaft, axles
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, multi-link rear, bushings, dampers
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering, rack inspection and service
Brakes:
Disc brakes, ABS, master cylinder, bleeding procedures
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning service
Electrical:
Full wiring schematics, connector locations, component testing
Diagnostics:
Fault code retrieval, troubleshooting charts, sensor testing
Maintenance:
Scheduled service, fluid changes, adjustments
Removal and Installation:
Step-by-step component R&I for all major assemblies
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams, and wiring schematics throughout
Level:
Full workshop level - from routine service to complete engine rebuild
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, and tuning data included
Torque Specs:
Complete fastener torque tables
Fluid Capacities:
All fluid types and capacities specified
Part Numbers:
Reference part listings for common service items
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Engine Type:
13B-MSP Renesis twin-rotor Wankel rotary
Displacement:
1.3L (1308 cc, two 654 cc rotors)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 10.0:1
Induction:
Naturally aspirated with sequential port intake
Power (manual):
Approximately 231 hp at 8,500 rpm
Power (automatic):
Approximately 192 hp at 7,000 rpm
Redline:
9,000 rpm (manual)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential electronic fuel injection
Fuel Grade:
Premium unleaded recommended
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,325 mm (91.5 in)
Length:
Approximately 4,425 mm (174.3 in)
Width:
Approximately 1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
Approximately 1,340 mm (52.8 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,300-1,380 kg (2,866-3,042 lb) depending on trim
Weight Distribution:
Near 50:50 front-to-rear
Crash Test Information:
N/A - manual covers systems, not rating results
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock braking system
Traction Control:
Dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control
Braking Assistance:
Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Dual front, side, and curtain airbags (market dependent)
Structure:
Triple-H body construction with crumple zones
Restraints:
Front pretensioner seatbelts
Oil Change:
Approximately every 5,000 miles / 8,000 km
Spark Plugs:
Inspect regularly; rotary engines consume ignition components faster
Coolant:
Check frequently; rotary engine runs hot
Air Filter:
Inspect per severe service schedule
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (market/temperature dependent); rotary consumes oil by design
Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil for manual gearbox
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 gear oil
Coolant:
Long-life ethylene glycol coolant
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues / Wear Items
Apex Seals:
Monitor compression; seal wear is the primary rotary concern
Oil Consumption:
Normal rotary design; check level frequently
Ignition Components:
Coils and plugs are common wear items
Catalytic Converter:
Can degrade from oil consumption; keep oil topped up
Manufacturer:
Mazda Motor Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan
Rotary Legacy:
Sole manufacturer to continue series-production Wankel rotary engines, culminating in the RX-8
Predecessor:
RX-7 (FD3S), produced through 2002
Introduction:
RX-8 launched in 2003 with the new RENESIS rotary
Updates:
Facelift around 2008 with revised styling and interior; final edition in 2012
International Engine of the Year:
Renesis engine won International Engine of the Year 2003
Car and Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list (2004-2006)
Design Recognition:
Freestyle (rear-hinged) doors praised for coupe styling with four-door practicality