jdachik

Sorry if this has been discussed previously, but I'm curious as to why Mazda recommends premium for the RX-8 when all previous NA rotaries have only needed regular, and I seem to recall some talk of the engine performing better, under certain circumstances, with low octane. Someone told me the Mazda factory racers used to use a special racing blend with an octane rating of about 80.

I know there may be any number af reasons to use premium in the new engine design... just curious as to what those might be.

DonG35Miata

I read somewhere that a 12A could run in 70 octane!

fritts

Ignition timing is probably highly advanced compared to earlier rotaries. Hence the need for higher octane.

kwolfman

The press kit also states the Renesis has a 10:1 compression ratio. I believe that usually requires premium to prevent detonation.