What are the engine specifications of the Mazda RX8?
3 Answers
Mazda RX8's engine is a dual-rotor engine, codenamed 13B-MSP, which is a 1.3-liter dual-rotor naturally aspirated engine. This engine has a maximum power of 231 horsepower and a maximum torque of 211 Nm. The dual-rotor engine of the Mazda RX8 can output maximum power at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque at 8,200 rpm. The Mazda RX8 is a four-door, four-seater sports car with dimensions of 4430mm in length, 1770mm in width, and 1340mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2700mm. The virtual B-pillar of the Mazda RX8 features large tubular inner pillars on the rear doors that distribute impact forces to the bottom platform and the roof.
I once studied the RX8, whose heart is that legendary rotary engine. With a displacement of 1.3L, the unique nature of the rotary engine gives it astonishing explosive power, delivering a peak power of 231 horsepower and revving up to 9000 RPM—just hearing about it gets the blood pumping. Maximum torque of 216 Nm is achieved around 5000 RPM. This engine uses a twin-rotor structure, equipped with dual fuel injectors and variable valve timing on the intake side, boasting a high compression ratio of 10:1. It drives very linearly, with revs climbing exceptionally fast, but fuel consumption is indeed on the higher side, around 15 L/100km in the city. Back in the day, driving a friend's RX8 on mountain roads, the high-revving roar is still unforgettable. Sadly, finding one in good condition now is quite difficult.
As someone who has owned two generations of the RX8, let me talk about that rotary engine. There are two power output versions: 184 kW for the 2003-2008 models, and 170 kW (about 231 hp) for post-2009 models. With a redline at 9000 rpm, the engine's scream is incredibly thrilling! Torque is fixed at 216 Nm, so it's not super punchy off the line but has strong pull in the higher revs. The engine is exceptionally light, weighing under 100 kg, which makes the front end very agile. It requires 92 octane fuel but guzzles 13-15 liters per 100 km, and with a small fuel tank, you'll be visiting gas stations often. The biggest headache is oil consumption—about 0.5 liters every 1000 km—but for that mechanical symphony, it's worth it!
