Mazda unveils the MX-5 RF Targa Top

[MRnewsBot]

Mazda unveils the MX-5 RF, a Miata with a gorgeous targa top


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5B5n_ncdIs

The Mazda Miata has a new, hardtop brother: a targa called the Mazda MX-5 RF.

In front of a packed house of journalists in a Chelsea loft, Mazda execs rolled out the car, which looks exactly like what you'd expect (only a lot, lot better) — a Mazda Miata with a hardtop, but with a gorgeously complicated targa roof retraction mechanism. And oh, is it gorgeous.

A targa is a car with a removable roof section over the driver and passenger, but more roof or a roll bar behind the seats rather than a fully retractable roof like the standard MX-5 has. Theoretically a targa delivers more rigidity than a full convertible, as well as a substantial increase in style, and reduced complexity in the retraction mechanism.

https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bhRmosHUgLeKrWjSp7vqllRg6Mc=/1200x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6232093/mazda-mx-5-rf-targa-9896.0.jpg

The Mazda MX-5 RF is almost like a coupe with a back that opens up to swallow the targa roof panel. Think of it as a sunroof that's extended to the edges of the roof — and the back end of the car eats it up. When the roof is up, It has the added benefit of protecting the occupants against the weather and road noise. Mazda has done limited runs of hardtop coupes before, but never one with a retractable targa roof.

The MX-5 RF doesn't look exactly like its MX-5 brother, it has nips and tucks here and there. Even better, the rear window is retractable.

The targa name started in 1966 with the Porsche 911 Targa, and the 911 remains the world's most famous targa — and the word remains a Porsche trademark. Mazda has plenty of company in the targa world, including the Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari F355, and the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider.

Pre-orders available late in the summer, with deliveries coming after that. Pricing has not yet been announced. The soft-top MX-5 runs from $25,000 to $31,000 in the US.

https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p-9vnEe3Vhm4_1lXJ0EJecUbu08=/1020x0/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6232089/mazda-mx-5-rf-targa-9809.0.jpg

https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TX65O3-1Wx4T5yL7yUeAmXRuwX8=/1020x0/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6232087/mazda-mx-5-rf-targa-9822.0.jpg

https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KgCNLdYldvtc83EruZfkTb9Ya2A=/1020x0/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6232083/mazda-mx-5-rf-targa-9834.0.jpg

https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1BGXM3Qx7LdObNRtAgT7R7wqox0=/1020x0/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6232069/mazda-mx-5-rf-targa-9874.0.jpg

https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0cNRSv5_tsNRzTIyyh9lE53wklA=/1020x0/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6232079/mazda-mx-5-rf-targa-9856.0.jpg

https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Q3IVkC3KURV0-WKFtFf2zqFk6dQ=/1020x0/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6232229/mazda-mx-5-rf-targa-9990.0.jpg

https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gWVAp-b0Qn2bhX7mUp2NIlcvp_c=/1020x0/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6232191/mazda-mx-5-rf-targa-9978.0.jpg

https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SmdAfbzbA1bjNhHKWEBylBL318g=/1020x0/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6232225/mazda-mx-5-rf-targa-0004.0.jpg

more http://www.theverge.com/2016/3/22/11287786/mazda-miata-rx5-rf-announced-new-york-auto-show-2016

[Phatmiata]

too sexy........... :frantic:

[revlimiter]

So much want.

[Cxmoney]

And I just bought my dream car. Looks like now that'll have to go in the garage the next few decades so I can get this targa top and make it more awesomeeeeee :frantic:

[Cxmoney]

I love that red interior too. Hot damn.

[Agent☣Orange]

Is there an LSx kit out for that yet?

[HarryB]

I think FM has posted that the work on an LS swap on their FB page a while back ;)

(Car looks gorgeous, and that colour combo....man!)

[tsingson]

Looks like the NB will be reverted back to stock and sold.....

[Greasemonkey2000]

So beautiful! :bow:

[MLambert19]

Color combo is very 2002 SE, I like it. As much as I was hoping for a light and simple fixed roof coupe, this is still pretty appealing.

[bbckfh]

Holy cow did they do a nice job!

[atank]

Love the exterior color, interior just needs to be LE Red.............Wait maybe that is close to LE red....

[Demon I Am]

Interior looks brown, highlit by the red spotlights

[turboedpickup]

Gunmetal exterior...red interior - and this targa top.......... this turned out to be an AMAZING reveal.

[Corifto]

Yes please

[Travyss]

Car of the year right here:frantic:

[vindi49]

Any news on the weight penalty for the top? I read somewhere it was a 140kg penalty, but that sounded way too high ... maybe 50kg is what I'd thought ... anyone got anything official?

Russell.

[Demon I Am]

Honestly, if you're thinking of racing this model, your properties are wrong.

[PirateJim]

That is a very beautiful car! Mazda will sell a bunch, no doubt. But... Did you see the 'but' coming?

I've had a couple of Targas. A 911 and a 80's ventage Corvette. Fun cars, but NOT really the 'open air motering experience' that a real convertible provides. I'm pleased to have a top that goes all the way down.

[Martin]

Yeah, that's how I feel about Targas, too. I had a 90 RX7 that was a "targa convertible" meaning I could remove a section of the top and run it like this:

http://playtoysclassiccars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/6338-Passenger-Side-Without-Targa-Top.jpg

I never drove the car like that because I think it looks goofy.