Mazda has announced that the 2017 MX-5 Miata RF is coming to America two months early, news that is spreading cheer among gearheads throughout the land.
Deliveries of the roadster were supposed to begin in February 2017.
The first customer received keys (and later the car) to a 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition during the LA Auto Show last week. Only 1,000 MX-5 RF Launch Editions were produced. The car, which was first unveiled at the 2016 New York Auto Show, is based on the Grand Touring model and comes finished exclusively in machine gray.
Oftentimes these first “special” deliveries are made long before the majority of customers get access, which can lead to disappointment and grumbling for everyone except that one lucky gal or guy.
But Mazda says 500 additional MX-5 RFs will arrive nationwide beginning in early December; that’s next week. The MX-5 RF will become more widely available in the winter through the spring. Of course, this rear-wheel drive roadster isn’t exactly a vehicle for winter—unless you live in certain sunny and temperate locales.
A little history on the MX-5 RF. The name comes from its “retractable fastback” top, which can be opened or closed in just 13 seconds. The coupe with its folding hard top has a 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine. Customers will be able to pick from various trim levels and a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The MX-5 RF starts at $31,555 (not including destination fees and taxes).