The Mazda MX-5 RF Is Like A Mini Porsche 911 Targa

Ahead of the New York Auto Show, Mazda has revealed a "retractable fastback" version of the ND Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 RF Is Like A Mini Porsche 911 Targa

The ND MX-5’s manual roof is incredibly quick and easy to put up and down, but what if you’re really lazy? Enter stage left, the MX-5 RF. The ‘RF’ bit of the name stands for ‘retractable fastback’, as it has a roof arrangement similar to that of the Porsche 911 Targa: the rear section lifts up, allowing the roof to neatly fold away underneath.

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Impressively, it doesn’t hurt the boot space all that much. At 130 litres, it has exactly the same amount of luggage space at the rear as the soft top. It can open and close automatically at speeds of up to 6mph, and unlike the hardtop NC MX-5, it only takes the touch of a button: no fiddly manual clamp arrangement here.

The suspension meanwhile has been adjusted “to achieve unique driving feel with agility suitable for an MX-5 while offering composed and high-quality ride feel” - in other words, this ND will probably be a little softer than its brother.

The Mazda MX-5 RF Is Like A Mini Porsche 911 Targa

It’s available with the same choice of 1.5 and 2.0-litre N/A Skyactiv petrol engines, but unlike the standard car, it also has the option of a six-speed automatic gearbox. But since the slick manual gearshift is one of the best things about the ND, that’s an option you’d be properly bonkers to tick.

Performance figures have yet to be announced, but since all the ‘leccy roof gubbins will add a bit of weight (exactly how much hasn’t been revealed yet), expect it to be slightly slower.

The Mazda MX-5 RF Is Like A Mini Porsche 911 Targa

Also new for the RF is a special ‘Machine Grey’ “premium” paint, using a three-coat structure comprising of colour, reflective and clear coats. The new finish will be made available on “a range of Mazda models”.

Fancy a look in the metal? It’ll be on display at the New York Auto Show from tomorrow.

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Comments

iCypher(Joel Chan)

A Mini 911 Targa but way cheaper?

03/23/2016 - 09:46 |
2 | 0

but with 2 less cylinders and way slower? HELL YEAH

03/23/2016 - 09:52 |
10 | 0
Anonymous

Pretty sure its gonna leak alot

03/23/2016 - 09:47 |
2 | 10
Nanahira is my Waifu

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

There have already been folding hardtop miatas before, and this one pretty much works the same as the new Porsche 911 Targa.

03/23/2016 - 09:52 |
4 | 0
4x4 FTW

Wow, back in my times Targa was a manual piece of roof which was removable, this is a step up in the game

03/23/2016 - 09:53 |
62 | 0

the first time targa is worked with hydraulics (is it? correct me if i’m wrong) was the Porsche 991 Targa

03/23/2016 - 10:21 |
18 | 2

I don’t know how old are you but my 1994 honda del sol also had an electric targa roof

03/23/2016 - 16:51 |
0 | 0
MikeyFD3S

Something they’re trialing in the market for potential use on the new RX???

03/23/2016 - 10:01 |
4 | 0
Ålex Vargas Sz

Alex right now seeing his soft top

03/23/2016 - 10:03 |
126 | 0

soft top still looks good

03/23/2016 - 11:59 |
4 | 4
Dr. DOHC VVT-i (Riley Sawyer)

Very interesting

03/23/2016 - 10:07 |
2 | 0
Jarred Lester

Is it only me who really does’t get the MX5?

03/23/2016 - 10:08 |
4 | 14

Yes.

03/23/2016 - 10:39 |
14 | 2
RWD FTW

Watching this roof going up and down is like watching a beautiful girl taking off her skin-tight jeans….

03/23/2016 - 10:09 |
60 | 4

… but better.

03/23/2016 - 15:58 |
102 | 0
TheCopenGuy

To be honest guys I don’t like the roof mechanism. The car looks stunning as hell, with the roof both up and down. But I really prefer a removable hard top that can be stored in the boot. Also a coupe back may be something that can attract some of us, because I know some of you guys are nuts over the NA and NB coupe miata.

03/23/2016 - 10:25 |
20 | 4
suchdoge

I’m curious if it still has 50/50 weight distribution.

03/23/2016 - 10:32 |
16 | 0