2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Launch Edition

It was a surprise when the new 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF – retractable fastback – drove onto the stage of the 2016 New York International Auto Show sporting wild buttresses and a hide-away targa roof panel. The buttresses lift up and swallow the rear window and roof panel in a matter of seconds, and then the buttresses snug back down. Both the 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines will be available globally, but only the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine will be sold in the US. The roof can be operated at up to 6.2 mph. Mazda claims the truck space is unaltered from the soft-top model.

Mazda listened to all of the positive feedback and decided to offer the same vehicle from the auto show as a limited-edition model. It's called the MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition, only 1,000 of them will be made, and they'll go only to Mazda's "valued customers." The Launch Edition is painted Machine Gray with a black roof panel and has Auburn Nappa leather on the inside – the same combination as the debut car. Future MX-5 RF models will be available with the same paint and leather, but will miss out on the black roof and special badges. Launch Edition buyers will also get a numbered Tourneau watch with the vehicle, and will only have just one choice to make – manual or automatic transmission. (autoblog.com)

(Photos from autoblog.com & ultimatecarpage.com)

1996 Mazda Miata M Coupé Concept

The Miata M Coupé was a 1st generation Miata NA platform-based concept car designed by Mazda in Irvine California (MRA). Debuted in New York in 1996, but never made it to production. Purely meant as a styling exercise and a tool to keep the Miata image fresh since its debut in 1989. From its subtle double-bubble roof to its dynamic swooping door line, the Miata M Coupé concept’s lineage to the RX-7 was clear. 

For added aggressiveness, Mazda designers also gave the car low-profile 205/55R-16 tires wrapped around 16 in. 5-spoke alloy wheels, Momo foot pedals, Remus carbon-fibre-tipped exhaust system and slimmer headlights. Under the M Coupé’s hood was the same 1.8L inline-4 found in the 1996 Miata roadster except now with bright yellow cam covers. It produced 133 hp. Since the thick piece of hand-laid fibreglass roof weighed significantly more than a conventional steel top, 0-60 mph time was 9.0 seconds, similar to the droptop counterpart. Mazda maintained that the top will be steel if the car ever saw production. 

Trunk space of the M Coupé had been significantly increased by moving the space-saver spare to the underneath the body. The interior featured a handy luggage compartment and new seat covered in a soft pseudo-suede material. (Road and Track Magazine, July 1996)

Below (Red) Miata Roadster                 (Yellow) Miata M Coupé Concept 

(Photos from japanesenostalgiccar.com, flickr.com, mazdaroadster.net)