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2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Enters Production in Japan

When Mazda unveiled the all-new MX-5 over a year ago, everybody wondered what happened to the hardtop version. Because the ND is a back-to-basic, super lightweight roadster, many expected the metal roof not to be available.
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Enters Production in Japan 20 photos
Photo: Mazda
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However, the MX-5 Retractable Fastback, or RF for short, came out and blew people's minds when it was presented at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. So what if a little weight has been added? Just look at the smooth Ferrari impersonator!

Yesterday morning, the first examples of the MX-5 RF started rolling off the same assembly line in Hiroshima where the Fiat 124 Spider is made.

As you might already know, the RF features a Targa-style top with two tall buttresses and an overhead panel that folds away. Some people have even gone as far as to say it's the best looking affordable convertible in the world.

Mazda has just celebrated the 1 millionth Miata ever made. But there are probably twice as many owners, since most exchange hands several times over. So there's likely going to be a lot of demand for this thing.

There are a few significant differences between the NC hardtop and the ND RF model. For starters, it doesn't look like the regular convertible, while the old one was the same with the top down.

The top on this car can go up and down in a matter of 12 seconds. However, you need to be traveling very slowly to do that (6 mph). The weight penalty is there, but it's only about 5% of the total mass, so it's not a big deal.

Mazda says it has re-tuned the electric power steering and the suspension. A bit of sounder deadening has also been added to the rear wheel arches to try and make it more comfortable for longer journeys. The machine gray paint is specific to the RF, but you will be able to order others eventually.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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