Mazda has created a new model for the 2017 model year and it will be part of the fun to drive MX-5 Miata lineup. This new model is the RF version of the car and knowing what the RF stands for on this car is only part of the interesting new details for this new model. As a car that’s become an icon of fun and carries the brand mantra for Mazda in a way that’s more than what you’d expect on any lineup, the RF gives the brand a bold new flavor to be enjoyed.
RF Means Retractable Fastback – This car is a first for Mazda and this model will use the same powertrain as the soft top version, but have a foldable roof that gives the lineup a new look. With this power retractable fastback look the Miata now has more functionality and gives you a distinctly sportier appearance. This new look gives us as Miata fans a car that has a distinct coupe appearance but the ability to ride with the top down as well. This is something we’ve been wanting on the market for several years and Mazda has finally delivered with this cool looking roadster.
Still Lightweight – The new RF model looks like it would be a lot heavier than a soft top version, but it really isn’t. This car should be heavier with all the moving parts and the solid structure, but this version has had the “Gram Strategy” applied to it. This strategy is one in which the engineers at Mazda have gone over every single component of the car and saved weight gram by gram. In doing this, the weight addition to the RF model is only about 100 pounds and is said to not be meant to affect performance at all.
The Dramatic Exit – Like most high priced sports cars, you can open and close the roof of the RF model while you’re driving. This car isn’t meant to do it while driving down the street like some of the higher end models, but the ability to open and close the top while driving in a parking lot at speeds of 6 mph or less is pretty cool. This automatic roof takes 12 seconds to complete the process and looks extremely cool during the action, giving you a car that many will gawk at and want to drive.
Trunk Space is Protected – Many times a convertible car will take up a lot of the trunk space when the roof is put down. When it applies to a hard top convertible typically this space becomes even smaller because of the top. With the RF none of the trunk space is used up beyond what it would be in a typical soft top model. Even though this space is protected, there isn’t a lot of it as it only amounts to about 4.6 cubic feet of cargo room in the RF, but that is enough to hold two suitcases when riding.
It’s Coming Soon – The goal from Mazda is to have this car offered at dealerships in the first quarter of 2017. The special Launch Edition that debuted in New York has the Machine Gray Metallic paint, a black roof panel and Auburn Nappa leather upholstery. This special edition is be based on the Grand Touring version and only 1,000 will be made for the US. We don’t have pricing for the car yet and interestingly enough, Canadians will see this car before we will in the US, but we will have this car soon enough.
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