A new effort to broaden the appeal of the MX-5
Having an MX-5 makes life richer and more fun. With this small, convertible sports car, we want to offer even more people a fun-filled life through driving pleasure.
Many people who would love to own a convertible end up choosing a car with a fixed hardtop roof instead. Hoping to share the wonder and thrill that come with putting the top down with this kind of customer, we offered a Power Retractable Hardtop for the first time on the third-generation MX-5. The first and second generations had both offered a detachable hardtop, but with its motor-driven retractable roof, the third-generation model made the joy of open-top driving accessible to a wider range of people and was a hit with customers around the world. With the hardtop version of the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5, we stayed true to our aim of making open-top driving more accessible, but freed ourselves from traditional ways of thinking and took on new challenges in order to create something completely new, the Mazda MX-5 RF.
Beautiful fastback styling and a new kind of open-air feel
The development of the MX-5 RF was a new undertaking that entailed broadening the appeal of the fourth-generation soft-top model, a car that further hones the pure driving fun that has defined the model since going on sale in 1989.
The basic premise of the soft-top model is top-down driving, and in comparison we expect MX-5 RF owners will spend more time with the top closed. So we began development by throwing our thinking into reverse; our aim was a convertible sports car with gorgeous fastback lines when the roof is closed and an exhilarating open-air feel when open. We asked ourselves what it meant to make a driver’s car with a power-retractable roof, ditched the traditional idea of stowing the entire roof and realized styling that further articulates an iconic sports car design. The cabin is luxurious and quiet when closed, and the rear roof produces a completely new open-air driving feel when the top is down. And with the ability to smartly and smoothly transition between the two, the car will provide thrills in any driving conditions. I believe the MX-5 RF is a car that could only have been created at Mazda, where everyone involved in the creative process aspires to take on new challenges.
Envisioning the future with two MX-5 models
The MX-5 has been tremendously popular with car enthusiasts around the world and will soon reach the 1 million mark in global production volume. While the fourth-generation soft-top model honed the pure driving pleasure of a lightweight sports car, the hardtop model, with its exquisite fastback styling and a new open-top feel, has a personality all its own. I hope the launch of the MX-5 RF will awaken hidden emotions and dormant sensibilities among our customers. And with these two MX-5 models, I hope we can help introduce the joy of driving a convertible sports car to a wider audience and help even more people live rich, fun-filled lives. In order to achieve this, now and into the future, we will continue our efforts to “innovate in order to preserve.”
Changing Style, Unchanging Value, New Name
By the end of the third-generation MX-5’s model life, the retractable hard top model accounted for more than half of all MX-5s sold and was popular with those who wanted all-season comfort and utility.
As a member of the MX-5 family, the fourth-generation retractable hardtop model embodies the core value of “Lots of fun,” which the MX-5 has consistently offered over the past 26 years. At the same time it features a new and unique design and lets occupants enjoy a new kind of open-air driving feel. Therefore, our challenge was to create a name that would more accurately define this new, more premium experience we envision will attract a new kind of buyer, yet preserve the unchanging values that MX-5 fans have admired since the inception of the model.
The result was MX-5 RF, a name that denotes the model’s retractable hardtop and fastback styling, and will surely resonate with enthusiasts and drivers around the world.
Same philosophy. New design. MX-5 RF*. *: RF stands for “Retractable Fastback”.
2017 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA RF PRICED
IRVINE, Calif. (October 4, 2016) – Coming standard with exotic looks and an unrivaled driving experience, presale orders for the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF began last week with great fanfare for loyal Mazda customers and this week to the general public with the Launch Edition model.
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced full pricing for the 2017 MX-5 RF this past weekend at “Miatas at Mazda Raceway,” the largest MX-5 owners event in North America. MSRP[1] for Mazda’s latest model starts from $31,555.
In addition to the Launch Edition, the hardtop sibling of the 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year will come in tech-laden MX-5 RF Grand Touring and harder-edge MX-5 RF Club trim levels and will be available with a SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic in either trim level.
While most features of the MX-5 RF are carryover from soft top models, there are a few additions for 2017 that will separate the Retractable Fastback from its cloth-covered sibling, including a 4.6-inch full-color TFT gauge and the availability of Machine Gray Metallic paint in substitution of Meteor Gray Mica that is available on the soft top. For 2017, all MX-5 Club models will come standard with Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, regardless of their roof option. Previously, these features were available only on MX-5 Grand Touring models.
All MX-5 RF models come with a seven-inch MAZDA CONNECTTM touchscreen infotainment system that integrates audio, SiriusXM and HD Radio, phone and diagnostic functions that can also be used via Commander control knob or voice commands as well as a nine-speaker BOSE® audio system with integrated headrest-mounted speakers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob and LED headlights and tail lights. MX-5 Club models come with premium cloth seats with red stitching, a Bilstein suspension, front and rear black functional aerodynamic body extensions and a limited-slip differential in models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.
MX-5 RF Club models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission can be further optioned with the Brembo/BBS Package that includes a front shock-tower brace; side sill body extensions; forged, lightweight BBS 17-inch wheels; and Brembo front brakes with wider brake pads for greater heat dissipation during spirited driving. The package also includes red-painted brake calipers.
MX-5 RF Grand Touring models feature heated leather seating surfaces, Adaptive Front-lighting System, High Beam Control and Lane Departure Warning.
The MX-5 RF Launch Edition, which started preorders with loyal customers on September 26 via MX5RFPreorder.com, will be the only available hardtop model with the hand-painted black top and premium Nappa leather interior for 2017 in the U.S. Launch Edition models also feature unique door sill plates and come with a serialized, custom-designed 42mm Tourneau MX-5 RF Launch Edition watch. Preordering for remaining MX-5 RF Launch Edition models is now open to the general public and is still available while supplies of the 1,000-car allotment last*.
MSRP[2] for all models is as follows:
| MX-5 RF Club 6MT | $31,555 |
| MX-5 RF Club 6AT | $32,285 |
| • Brembo/BBS Package (6MT only) | $3,400 |
| MX-5 RF Grand Touring 6MT | $32,620 |
| MX-5 RF Grand Touring 6AT | $33,825 |
| MX-5 RF Launch Edition 6MT | $33,850 |
| MX-5 RF Launch Edition 6AT | $34,925 |
| • Advanced Keyless Entry (Standard on 6AT and Launch Edition models) | $130 |
Premium paint options:
| Soul Red Metallic | $300 |
| Machine Gray Metallic | $300 |
| Crystal White Pearl Mica (GT models only) | $200 |
All three trim levels of the 2017 MX-5 RF—Club, Grand Touring and Launch Edition—are expected to arrive at dealers nationwide by early 2017.
UK PRICING AND SPECIFICATION
- The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF Retractable Fastback on sale from the 4th March 2017.
- Priced from £22,195 to £28,995 the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF joins the award-winning MX-5 range.
- Limited to just 500 cars, the £28,995 Launch Edition features unique styling and equipment.
With production having started at Mazda’s Ujina Plant in Hiroshima Japan, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF Retractable Fastback will go on sale in the UK on the 4th March 2017. With the first cars produced heading to Europe and North America, UK drivers will be able to get behind the wheel of Mazda’s exciting new MX-5 Retractable Fastback early next year.
With a limited run of just 500 cars, the six model range will be heralded by the flagship Launch Edition. Powered by a 160ps 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine, the Launch Edition is marked out by its unique twin-tone roof, BBS wheels, black door mirrors and black rear spoiler. Available with a choice of free-of-charge Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint, it also comes with a Safety Pack as standard, while the exclusive feel continues inside with Alcantara trim and Recaro seats.
Designed to offer a new dimension of open-top driving fun, while at the same time staying true to the underlying principle of the previous generation MX-5 retractable hardtop, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF’s ‘fastback’ styling gives it a unique appearance roof up or down, broadening the appeal of the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car.
As with the established Mazda MX-5 convertible, all models powered by the 2.0-litre 160ps engine feature a limited slip differential and 17-inch wheels; while Sport Nav models (and the Launch Edition) feature Bilstein dampers and strut brace to further enhance their dynamic set up. Plus, with the introduction of the £27,095 Sport Nav Auto, the current generation of MX-5 is offered with an automatic gearbox for the first time in the UK. Offered in both SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trim, RF’s powered by the 1.5-litre 131ps engine will arrive in dealerships in May.
Developed to deliver enhanced cabin comfort and a refined ride, while at the same time maintaining the agility, performance and driver engagement of the MX-5 convertible, the suspension and electric power steering parameters of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF have been specifically tuned for the Retractable Fastback. In addition, a sound-absorbing headliner used in the front and middle roof panels combines with sound insulation around the rear wheel housings to deliver a significantly quieter cabin when the roof is closed.
“With the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF we freed ourselves from traditional ways of thinking and took on fresh challenges in order to create something new. Our aim was a convertible sports car with gorgeous fastback lines when the roof is closed and an exhilarating open-air feeling when open,” commented Nobuhiro Yamamoto, Mazda MX-5 Programme Manager.
The MX-5 RF’s retractable hardtop consists of front, middle and rear roof sections, and a rear screen. When the top is lowered the front and middle portions are stowed together, while the rear glass sits behind the seats, leaving the rear roof section in place to create a unique open-topped look, and a cabin feeling that combines a sense of open air freedom with the impression of being securely ensconced within the car.
On the Launch Edition the front and middle roof sections feature a piano black finish that contrasts with the Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint, which both use Mazda’s unique “TAKUMINURI” paint process to deliver glossy depth and nuanced shading that intensifies the contrasts between light and shadow with its high-density finish, giving the impression that the body was sculpted from a solid block of steel.
Building on the all-new Mazda MX-5’s award-winning design, the RF’s roof up style will set it apart when it arrives on UK roads early next year. A 5mm increase in roof height aside, the RF retains the same overall length, width and wheelbase as the MX-5 convertible, but thanks to gently downward slopping buttresses that tuck in at the sides to create a teardrop shape, the RF’s elegant fastback silhouette accentuates the MX-5’s dynamic and contemporary sports car proportions in a completely unique way.
“If we consider the convertible model to represent the purist of lightweight sports car appeal, the new Retractable Fastback epitomises a new type of MX-5 that aims to be a compact sports car with a natural charm that everyone will find beautiful,” commented Masashi Nakayama, Mazda MX-5 Chief Designer.
With pre-order now open, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF will arrive in dealerships on the 4th March 2017 and promises to add another chapter in the MX-5 success story. Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK said, “We’re very excited about the arrival of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF. It will add a unique and stylish model to our range, one that stands distinct from the MX-5 Convertible, yet retains all the award-winning driver appeal our sports car is famed for.”
Adding, “With over 120,000 sales since its launch in 1990, the UK has played a huge part in the MX-5 success story. The last generation of retractable hardtop accounted for a large percentage of MX-5 sales and we expect the all-new RF to continue that trend.”
All-new Mazda MX-5 RF pricing
| Mazda MX-5 RF 1.5 131ps SE-L Nav | £22,195 | |||
| Mazda MX-5 RF 1.5 131ps Sport Nav | £24,795 | |||
| Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps SE-L Nav | £23,095 | |||
| Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps Sport Nav | £25,695 | |||
| Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps Sport Nav Auto | £27,095 | |||
| Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps Launch Edition | £28,995 | |||
| Options | Basic Price | VAT | MSRP | |
| Mica/Metallic/Pearlescent Paint | £458.33 | £91.67 | £550 | |
| Soul Red or Machine Grey Metallic Paint | £558.33 | £111.67 | £670 | |
| Nappa leather trim* | £166.67 | £33.33 | £400 | |
| Safety Pack (High Beam Control and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert)** | £333.33 | £66.67 | £400 | |
| *Optional on Sport Nav models only. **Optional on 160ps Sport Nav models only. | ||||
All-new Mazda MX-5 RF Specification
SE-L Nav 1.5 131ps
- Black cloth seat trim
- LED headlights
- Climate control air-conditioning
- 7” Colour touch-screen display
- Multimedia Commander
- Cruise Control
- Integrated navigation system
- DAB radio
- Integrated Bluetooth®
- 16” Alloy wheels
- Body colour door mirrors
Additional on 2.0-litre 160ps engine
- Limited Slip Differential
- 17” Gunmetal alloy wheels
- Piano Black door mirrors
Sport Nav 1.5 -131ps (as above plus)
- Heated black leather seat trim
- Dusk-sensing lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Auto dimming rear-view mirror
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Adaptive Front lighting System
- Smart keyless entry
- Rear parking sensor
- Premium Bose® sound system
- 16” Gunmetal alloy wheels
- Piano black door mirrors
Additional on 2.0-litre 160ps engine
- Bilstein Sport suspension
- Strut brace
- 17“ Bright alloy wheels
- Body colour door mirrors
Additional on Launch Edition
- Recaro seats
- BBS wheels
- Twin tone roof
- Alcantara pack including dashboard panel, gearshift boots, handbrake boots and door cards
- Limited Edition numbering
- Piano Black door mirrors
- Piano Black rear spoiler
- Safety Pack
- Free-of-charge Soul Red / Machine Grey Metallic paint
KEY VALUES
Three key values that make the MX-5 RF unique and fun
Beautiful fastback styling that resonates with any car lover
- Appealing fastback styling with a beautiful smooth line joining the roof to the rear end. This is at the heart of all true sports car design.
- Designers worked hard to give the cabin the perfect teardrop shape.
- It features the same compact packaging as the soft-top model, including overall length, width and wheelbase. (Overall height is increased 5mm.).
- The soft touch of real Nappa leather adds a feeling of even higher quality and contributes to the relaxed, sophisticated ambience of the interior.
A new open-air sensation with a feeling of being ensconced securely in the cabin as well as a pleasing sense of freedom
- The MX-5 RF’s retractable hardtop consists of a front roof, middle roof, rear roof and back window glass.
- Detailed studies led to a roof design that, together with the retractable back window glass, realizes a new open-air experience that combines a feeling of being ensconced securely in the cabin with an invigorating sense of freedom.
- The model’s unique design featuring a back window glass that retracts when the top is down enables the driver to fully enjoy the pleasing exhaust note coming from the rear, helping to deliver the true pleasure of the open-top driving experience.
- A large acrylic aero board wind blocker helps prevent air from the rear blowing back into the cabin.
- Synchronizing and overlapping the various movements of the roof sections enables MX-5 RF to achieve one of the fastest opening/closing times of any retractable hardtop.
- When the roof is open, the front and middle roof sections are stowed together with the back window glass in the space behind the seats.
- A new power top lock makes it possible to open and close the roof with the simple flip of a switch.
- A new control system enables the roof to be opened or closed, even when in motion at speeds of 6 mph (10km/h) or less. This is particularly useful if it suddenly begins to rain.
- At 4.6 cubic feet (130L DIN), trunk capacity is the same as the soft-top model, even when the roof is stowed behind the seats. The trunk can accommodate two carry-on bags measuring 550mm x 400mm x 220mm*1.
A quiet cabin with the relaxed feeling of quality ride comfort
- The suspension and Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system have been tuned specifically for the MX-5 RF, delivering the lively driving performance one expects of the Mazda MX-5 while also delivering relaxing comfort and refined ride.
- A sound-absorbing headliner used on the inside of the front and middle roof panels combines with sound insulation around the rear wheel housings to result in a significantly quieter ride when the roof is closed. This helps provide a high-quality cabin environment worthy of the MX-5 RF.
Other noteworthy product features are as follows.
- The powertrain lineup consists of the 2.0- and 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines paired with either a six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission*2.
- A human-centric perspective was adopted in pursuing advanced safety based on the company’s safety philosophy, Mazda Proactive Safety.
- The i-ACTIVSENSE*2 advanced safety technologies employed by MX-5 RF include Mazda’s Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM*3) system and High Beam Control System (HBC), which automatically switches between high and low beam.
- MAZDA CONNECT*4 makes it less distracting and easier to take advantage of phone and internet connectivity services while enjoying a drive.
*1 Stated dimensions determined by testing with soft-sided carry-on bags.
*2 Availability depends on the destination market and model configuration.
*3 This feature is named Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) in some markets.
*4 The name Mazda Connect is used in Japan, US, Canada and Mexico.
The system is referred to as MZD Connect in other markets.
CREATING A COMPACT SPORTS CAR THAT ENVELOPS YOU IN BEAUTY
Craftsmanship that realizes the ultimate in KODO design
I wanted to introduce the fun of driving a lightweight sports car to a broader audience, and it was my love for the Mazda MX-5 that gave birth to the design of the new MX-5 RF. If we consider the soft-top model to represent the purist appeal of the lightweight sports car, which we recently honed in a stoic effort to reach new heights, then the retractable fastback represents a new type of MX-5 that aims to be a compact sports car with a natural charm that anybody and everybody will find beautiful.
DESIGN
Exterior design
The design goal for the MX-5 RF was to create the ideal form for a hardtop version of the MX-5. In other words, it was to achieve an entirely new roof design that combines a beautiful cabin with the silhouette of a hardtop and the same level of open-air comfort and freedom afforded by the soft-top version. To this end, Mazda set about creating an uncompromising design based on the following four ideals.
- A beautiful silhouette: In contrast to the open-air styling of the soft-top model the MX-5 RF will often be appreciated for its hardtop styling with the roof closed. This demands that the cabin presents a beautiful silhouette when the roof is closed.
The rear roof features side sections that slope down gently toward the rear, while also tucking in at the sides to create a perfect teardrop shape for the cabin. The flowing roof line along the A-pillars, roof sides and rear roof, which are painted in the body color, combine with the straight body line that runs from the low hood through to the rear deck, realizing an elegant, beautiful fastback silhouette that accentuates its styling.
While the overhead roof panels and back window glass are stowed out of sight, the rear roof stays in position when the top is down. This differs from any other hardtop model on the market to create a truly unique new design expression.
- Compact packaging: With the exception of a 5mm increase in the height of the roof, MX-5 RF maintains the same overall length, width and wheelbase as the soft-top model. This compact packaging properly expresses the stability and dynamism of the MX-5’s road-gripping stance.
- A new open-air experience: MX-5 RF features unique styling when the roof is open by which the overhead roof panels and back window glass are stowed away out of sight. The result is a pleasing sense of freedom combined with a reassuring feeling of being wrapped securely in the cabin. This combines with the enjoyable exhaust note coming from the rear of the car to amplify the fun of open-air driving.
- Independent trunk: MX-5 RF does not sacrifice practicality for the sake of offering a retractable roof. In addition to the efforts of the designers and packaging engineers to realize a beautiful silhouette while adopting the hardtop, the independent trunk also secures the exact same luggage capacity as on the soft-top model.
Body colors
- Machine Gray: This is a newly developed body color first introduced on the CX-9 midsize, three-row crossover SUV. Machine Gray was developed to express the beauty of a machine’s strength and precision. With strong contrast between light and shadow and a sleek, high-density finish, it gives the impression that the vehicle’s body has been sculpted from a solid steel ingot.
- Roof color*: The sides of the roof and rear roof are color matched to the body color. The top of the roof is available in either piano black or the body color.
*Availability varies depending on the market and vehicle specifications.
Interior design
Major interior design features include body panels that wrap around and extend right into the door trim, as well as a cockpit zone centered on the driver and around which all major controls are laid out in perfect symmetry. Special attention to every detail focused on transcending its existence as a mere automobile to become a sports car that owners will truly love. As with the soft-top model, the aim was to create a cockpit design that brings a smile to the face and gets the heart pounding simply by looking at it or sitting in the driver’s seat. Benefitting from its hardtop, MX-5 RF significantly improves ride quietness and heightens the feeling of high quality.
Detail design
The basic design features are essentially the same as on the soft-top model. This includes the elaborate three-meter cluster and sharp-looking, compact steering wheel, as well as the horizontal layout of the instrument panel and strong sense of front-rear movement conveyed by the door trim. The two points that differ on the MX-5 RF are as follows.
- Meters: The information display to the left of the three-meter cluster adopts a dedicated 4.6-inch color TFT LCD screen that displays an animation of the roof when it is opening or closing.
- Hardtop open/close button: A button for opening and closing the roof is positioned on the panel below the dials for the air-conditioning system.
Seat design and interior colors
The higher level of quality and soft touch of Auburn-colored Nappa leather seats enhances the interior’s relaxing and sophisticated ambience. Gray stitching is used on the seats and center sections of the door trim.
*Availability varies depending on the market and vehicle specifications.
Reference display vehicles (N. American Specification)
Major specifications (Development target figures)
| Body type | Two-door open-top |
| Seating capacity | Two passengers |
| Overall length* x width x height | 154.1 inch x 68.3 inch x 49.0 inch
(3,915mm x 1,735mm x 1,245mm) |
| Wheelbase | 90.9 inch (2,310mm) |
| Engine | SKYACTIV-G 2.0 direct-injection gasoline engine |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic transmission Six-speed manual transmission |
| Maximum output | 155HP/6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 148ft-lb/4,600rpm |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Multi-link |
| Steering | Rack-and-pinion type Electric Power Assist Steering |
| Brakes (front/rear) | Ventilated discs / Solid discs |
| Tires | P205/45 R17 |
*Without license plate holder
MAZDA DEBUTS NEW MX-5 WITH RETRACTABLE HARDTOP
- Mazda MX-5 RF on display in a world premiere at the New York International Auto Show
- To be available in Machine Grey, a new premium colour designed for KODO exteriors
New York / Leverkusen, 23 March 2016. Mazda revealed the Mazda MX-5 RF (“retractable fastback”) today on the eve of the New York International Auto Show. The latest version of the legendary sports car offers a new dimension of open-top driving fun while at the same time staying true to the purpose of Mazda’s previous retractable hardtop MX-5: Making the roadster experience accessible to a broader range of drivers.
In doing so, Mazda has broken with conventional thinking to create something entirely new. Featuring fastback styling with a smooth roofline that slopes down to the rear, the MX-5 RF’s unique rear roof and retractable back window deliver a distinctive new convertible feeling.
The power roof opens and closes with the press of a button while moving at speeds of up to 10km/h. The roof itself stows away compactly and efficiently: Despite the sleek design, the MX-5 RF offers the same boot space as the soft-top model. Also like the soft-top, the new version will be available in Europe with a choice of two revvy petrol engines – the SKYACTIV-G 1.5 and SKYACTIV-G 2.0 – mated either to a delightfully crisp shifting six-speed SKYACTIV-MT gearbox or – exclusively for the MX-5 RF – a six-speed automatic.
Another highlight of the MX-5 RF is the selection of body colours. They include Machine Grey, a new premium colour specially designed to accentuate the subtle yet dynamic surfaces of Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion exteriors. Developed in the belief that colour is one of the elements of form, Machine Grey expresses the beauty of a machine’s strength and precision. By intensifying the contrast between light and shadow with a sleek, high-density finish, it gives the impression that the vehicle’s body was sculpted from a solid block of steel.
Paint application is crucial here. Mazda progressed its Takuminuri painting technology originally created for Soul Red, Mazda’s first premium colour, to achieve a precise, high-quality finish that looks as if it were hand-painted by a master craftsman. The system uses a three-coat paint structure consisting of colour, reflective and clear coats. The reflective layer, which contains extremely thin, high-brightness aluminium flakes, shrinks during the drying process to about one-quarter the thickness of most reflective layers. This causes the flakes to lie flat with regular spacing between each flake for a high-density finish that gives the entire surface a sheen when illuminated and a genuine metallic look. Jet black pigment, meanwhile, is used in both the reflective and colour layers. It is visible through the spaces between the aluminium flakes, giving them a black hue and thus heightening the contrast. Machine Grey will be available on a range of Mazda models, including the all-new Mazda CX-9 slated to go on sale in North America this spring.
The MX-5 RF is on display at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public from 25 March to 3 April. Mazda is holding a press conference from 11:20-11:45am on 24 March, the second of two press days.
Mazda’s exhibits at the 2016 New York International Auto Show
| Show model | Mazda MX-5 RF (world premiere) |
| Model to be launched | Mazda CX-9 (North America) |
| Currently available models | Mazda CX-3, Mazda CX-5, Mazda3, Mazda6, Mazda MX-5, |
| Technology | SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5 petrol engines, SKYACTIV-G 2.5T direct-injection turbocharged engine |
MAZDA ANNOUNCES MX-5 MIATA RF LAUNCH EDITION
IRVINE, Calif. (August 18, 2016) – Revolutionary and breathtaking to look at, yet simple and elegant in concept, the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF made its debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show with rousing acclaim. MX-5 RF was introduced with a color combination that will be exclusive to MX-5 RF versus the MX-5 soft top: Machine Gray Metallic paint color, Auburn Nappa leather interior trim with a hand-painted black roof panel, based on the Grand Touring trim level.
Now, the show car is set to become the MX-5 RF Launch Edition, limited to 1,000 vehicles in the U.S. and destined for Mazda’s most loyal customers.
Initially, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) will open up the preorders to a select group of customers who will be notified via email and will have a specific window of time to preorder the MX-5 RF Launch Edition before ordering opens to the general public*. Customers who opt to purchase an MX-5 RF Launch Edition will have but one option available—SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission—with each vehicle being made to order.
“MX-5 has enjoyed 27 years of being the world’s best-selling roadster, being named 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year and receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of other accolades,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, MNAO. “Rarely does any automaker have a vehicle that garners the sort of loyalty and enthusiasm MX-5 generates—something we don’t take lightly. MX-5 RF is the next chapter of this storied model line, and we can’t think of a better way to give back than to first offer this bespoke Launch Edition to those who have stuck with us, believing in our mission to deliver the best-driving vehicles on the road.”
Outside of the exclusive color combination, MX-5 RF Launch Edition customers will receive a custom-designed, numbered 42mm Tourneau watch to complement their cars.
For those who may miss out on purchasing an MX-5 RF Launch Edition, other retractable fastback models will be available with many of the same colors and interior combinations—just not the Machine Gray Metallic exterior color on the Grand Touring trim level with the black roof, Auburn Nappa leather interior and badging. While the 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition is based on the Grand Touring trim level, other MX-5 RF models are expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2017 in either Grand Touring or Club trim levels.
Specific timing for MX-5 RF Launch Edition ordering, as well as pricing, will be announced in the coming weeks.
PRODUCTION STARTS OF THE 2017 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA RF
HIROSHIMA, Japan (October 5, 2016) — Mazda Motor Corporation started production of the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF retractable hardtop (known as Roadster RF in Japan) yesterday at Ujina Plant No.1 near its global headquarters in Hiroshima. Production began with models bound for North American and European markets, where sales launches begin from early 2017. In Japan, the MX-5 RF will go on sale later this year.
An extension of the MX-5 family, MX-5 RF fully embodies the core value of “Lots of Fun” that has defined MX-5 throughout its 27-year history. This new two-seater sports car features a unique fastback design and offers an exhilarating open-air feel.
Production of the MX-5 reached 1 million units on April 22 this year. The model is highly acclaimed, boasting over 280 automotive awards from around the world, including being the first vehicle to win World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year in the same year at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.
Mazda will continue its efforts to enrich people’s lives through a variety of touchpoints, including the production of high-quality cars, and become a brand with which customers feel a strong emotional connection.
2017 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA RF LAUNCH EDITION PREORDER OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
IRVINE, Calif. (October 3, 2016) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the preorder for the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition is now open to the general public. With a majority of the MX-5 Launch Edition cars already spoken for by loyal Mazda owners, a limited supply is still available for customers to visit MX5RFPreorder.com to submit a $500 refundable deposit toward purchasing one of the remaining 1,000 limited-edition vehicles.
Deliveries of the MX-5 RF Launch Edition will begin in early 2017.
“The MX-5 RF Launch Edition has a personality all its own, and stays true to the legacy of pure driving pleasure,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, MNAO. “The preorder is a great opportunity for current and prospective customers to join us as we usher in a new era for the beloved roadster. This helps pave the way for when the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF makes its way to dealerships next spring.”
Pricing for the MX-5 RF Launch Edition starts at an MSRP[1] from $33,850 for the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual and a MSRP1 from $34,925 for the six-speed automatic transmission. The special edition vehicle is based on the Grand Touring trim level of the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. It features a Machine Gray Metallic exterior paint color and Auburn Nappa leather interior trim with a hand-painted black roof panel. No other U.S.-bound MX-5 RF model will have the black top or Nappa leather interior available for 2017, much less in the same vehicle.
The only option customers will need to select either the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
*The invitation to the preorder the 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition does not guarantee the successful purchase. Ordering opportunities for 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition models will open to the general public on October 3, 2016, provided vehicle allotment does not sell out in the first week. Additional details for customer loyalty requirements for preordering can be found by calling the Mazda Customer Experience Center at (800) 222-5500 or visiting MX5RFPreorder.com for full details.
[2] MSRP does not include $835 for destination and handling ($880 in Alaska) or any additional taxes or fees. Dealers set actual sale prices.