Mazda Unveils MX-5 RF Targa Top In New York

By Dennis

Mazda has unveiled the MX-5 RF at the 2016 New York Auto Show.

mazda mx-5 rf

The MX-5 RF takes its name from the Retractable Fastback (RF) style roof. The MX-5 RF is also the closest we will ever come to seeing a MX-5 coupe.

The RF feature a fastback design which sees the roof slope downwards till the rear bumper.

The retractable roof is of the targa style made popular by Porsche. For the first time ever, Mazda have made the mechanism a motorized one which only works at speed of 10km/h or lower.

The mechanism sees just the roof above the driver's head slide into the boot something Mazda claims was necessary to keep in touch with the boot space found on the soft-top.

The RF uses the same petrol engines found on the regular MX-5. The 1.5-litre engine produces 129bhp and 150Nm of torque while the 2.0-litre SkyActiv engine produces 158bhp and 200Nm of torque.

Mazda is offering both engines with a 6-speed manual as well as a 6-speed automatic gearbox which is exclusive to the RF.

Also unique on the RF is the Machine Grey paint colour which uses three coats of paint, one colour, one clear and one reflective to create "a sheen when illuminated and a genuine metallic look".

The MX-5 RF is expected to go on sale in 2017.

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Article Published On: Thursday, March 24, 2016, 18:15 [IST]
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