What are the engine specifications of the Mazda RX-8?

[LaRobert]

The engine specifications of the Mazda RX-8 are: The car is equipped with a 1.3-liter twin-rotor engine, codenamed 13B-MSP. This engine delivers a maximum power of 170 kW and a maximum torque of 211 Nm, with the maximum power achieved at 8,200 rpm and the maximum torque at 5,500 rpm. This engine features a rotary engine structure, which differs from conventional piston engines. Rotary engines do not have pistons but instead use rotors. Additionally, it incorporates direct fuel injection technology and utilizes an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. The Mazda RX-8 has a coupe-like appearance but is actually a pure 4-door, 4-seat sports car capable of accommodating four adults.

[LeBrody]

I once drove a friend's older RX8, and what impressed me most was its 1.3-liter rotary engine. Despite the small displacement, the high-revving burst was incredibly fierce—early versions could reach around 250 horsepower, while later models were slightly detuned to 231 horsepower. I remember once driving on a mountain road, revving it up to 9,000 RPM, and the engine sounded like a swarm of bees, with torque consistently in the 211-222 Nm range, delivering linear acceleration. Looking back now, though, the fuel consumption was quite high, and emissions often exceeded standards. But with its rear-wheel-drive layout and 50:50 weight distribution, cornering felt as smooth as cutting through tofu.

[EmmaMarie]

Unlike traditional piston engines, the RX8's 1.3L twin-rotor engine actually operates with two triangular rotors, delivering an effective displacement equivalent to 2.6L. Early North American models boasted a maximum power output of 184 kW, while European versions were tuned slightly more conservatively. What I love most is its 9,000 rpm redline—higher than many supercars. However, the engine block temperature tends to spike, and I've seen modified versions with triple gauges to monitor oil temperature. As for fuel consumption, city driving easily starts at 12L/100km, but Mazda equipped it with a 6-speed manual transmission. The exhaust backfire sound during rev-matching downshifts is particularly therapeutic, more addictive than the power figures on the spec sheet.

[LeDamian]

As the last mass-produced rotary engine car, the RX8's engine is most remarkable for its weight distribution. The aluminum alloy engine weighs just over 100 kg, half the weight of an iron-cast engine with the same power output. When fitted into the front compartment, it achieves perfect weight balance for the entire vehicle. In terms of specifications, the maximum torque of 222 Nm appears in the mid-to-high RPM range, so the initial acceleration isn't particularly fierce, but once past 80 km/h, the acceleration suddenly becomes sharp. I recall a test recording a 0-100 km/h time of around 6 seconds, faster than the official data, possibly due to the close-ratio transmission. However, later versions sacrificed horsepower for environmental reasons and even removed the fog light intake vents, which is somewhat regrettable.