Mazda Announces MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition, Details Plans Of How They Plan To Sell It

If there was one vehicle that surprised everyone at the New York Auto Show this year, it would have to be the introduction of the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. Everyone figured Mazda would offer a hardtop option for the Miata, but not as a sharp looking fastback. Today, Mazda has announced plans to offer a Launch Edition of the Miata RF.

The vehicle that rolled into the New York Auto Show came with a Machine Grey exterior, black roof panel. and an interior finished in Auburn nappa leather. That is how the 1,000 MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition models will come finished. The only choice a buyer gets to make is what transmission - automatic or manual?

Now not everyone will be able to order an MX-5 Miata RF Edition at the beginning. Mazda will be sending out invitations to their "most loyal customers" via email. They'll have a set amount time to place an order before Mazda opens the order books to the general public.

“Rarely does any automaker have a vehicle that garners the sort of loyalty and enthusiasm MX-5 generates—something we don’t take lightly. MX-5 RF is the next chapter of this storied model line, and we can’t think of a better way to give back than to first offer this bespoke Launch Edition to those who have stuck with us, believing in our mission to deliver the best-driving vehicles on the road,” said said Robert Davis, senior VP of U.S. Operations for Mazda North American Operations in a statement.

When Mazda plans on opening the order books and pricing will be announced at a later date.

Source: Mazda
Pic Credit: Newspress USA

Press Release is on Page 2

Mazda Announces MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition

• Mazda’s Most Loyal Customers to Have First Access to Pre-Order
  

IRVINE, Calif. (August 18, 2016) – Revolutionary and breathtaking to look at, yet simple and elegant in concept, the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF made its debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show with rousing acclaim. MX-5 RF was introduced with a color combination that will be exclusive to MX-5 RF versus the MX-5 soft top: Machine Gray Metallic paint color, Auburn Nappa leather interior trim with a hand-painted black roof panel, based on the Grand Touring trim level.

Now, the show car is set to become the MX-5 RF Launch Edition, limited to 1,000 vehicles in the U.S. and destined for Mazda’s most loyal customers.

Initially, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) will open up the preorders to a select group of customers who will be notified via email and will have a specific window of time to preorder the MX-5 RF Launch Edition before ordering opens to the general public*. Customers who opt to purchase an MX-5 RF Launch Edition will have but one option available—SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission—with each vehicle being made to order.

“MX-5 has enjoyed 27 years of being the world’s best-selling roadster, being named 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year and receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of other accolades,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, MNAO. “Rarely does any automaker have a vehicle that garners the sort of loyalty and enthusiasm MX-5 generates—something we don’t take lightly. MX-5 RF is the next chapter of this storied model line, and we can’t think of a better way to give back than to first offer this bespoke Launch Edition to those who have stuck with us, believing in our mission to deliver the best-driving vehicles on the road.”

Outside of the exclusive color combination, MX-5 RF Launch Edition customers will receive a custom-designed, numbered 42mm Tourneau watch to complement their cars.

For those who may miss out on purchasing an MX-5 RF Launch Edition, other retractable fastback models will be available with many of the same colors and interior combinations—just not the Machine Gray Metallic exterior color on the Grand Touring trim level with the black roof, Auburn Nappa leather interior and badging. While the 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition is based on the Grand Touring trim level, other MX-5 RF models are expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2017 in either Grand Touring or Club trim levels.

Specific timing for MX-5 RF Launch Edition ordering, as well as pricing, will be announced in the coming weeks.