Mazda has introduced the 2017 MX-5 RF ahead of its official debut at the New York Auto Show.
The name RF stands for “retractable fastback.” Mazda has added a retractable hard top that gives the MX-5 a fastback-like silhouette when it’s in the up position. The roof panel right above the occupants automatic retracts at the push of a button at speeds of up to 6 mph, making the MX-5 RF more of a targa than a full-blown convertible. Clever packaging allows the RF to offer the same amount of trunk space as the standard MX-5, even when the top is down.
Top aside, the RF is identical to the fourth-generation MX-5. On our shores, it ships with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque. The four spins the rear wheels via either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic. Performance figures haven’t been published, so we don’t know how RF stacks up against the regular MX-5 ragtop.
The 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF will go on sale in the coming months, though a more specific time frame isn’t available. Pricing information hasn’t been announced yet, but expect the RF to carry a small premium over the MX-5.
Live images by Brian Williams.
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