I like it - reminds me of all the good design attributes of the Z3, del Sol, RX-7 FD, and modern looks. I still would rather have the Vision though.

 

Mazda had stated they would "blow the doors off" the NY auto show with something. Anyone know what car they are still hiding?

 

Love targa tops! Still say this car needs 250 - 275 HP

 

I'll be seeing it in person at the end of this week. So far, it has made me (irrationally) contemplate about adding another horse to the stable.

 

Yep we all have opinions.

But this power targa top ND prototype is not a convertible, the NC PRHT is a proper convertible.
Be interesting to know what the buffering factor will be, also note there is now a cut off B pillar fixed.

Chalk and cheese for those who own Miata, soft tops are noisy and rattly, but are great when top is down, PRHT is quieter and way more secure and is just as great with top down, as is this RF in ND.
Believe me soft tops become very tiring IF you can not lower them.
In Oz and most of Europe (except UK) you could only buy the PRHT, the softies just did not sell.
Was not even worth Mazda Australia importing any into the 2nd year of PRHT (supply demand).

 

Of course it is not a convertible. It is a targa!

 

Gotta agree with Ash. This is ugly. Kinda looks like a small kid carrying a huge backpack. The roadster looks way better.

 

Machine Gray is Mazda's second "Premium" paint offering, the other being Soul Red.
And will be offered on other Mazda models...like new CX-9

Mazda believes that color is one of the elements of form, and has focused on developing colors that accentuate the subtle yet dynamic surfacing of KODO design. Machine Gray was developed to express the beauty of a machine’s strength and precision. With strong contrast between light and shadow and a sleek, high-density finish, it gives the impression that the vehicle’s body has been sculpted from a solid steel ingot.
Traditionally, achieving such a finish was only possible with hand-painted concept cars using paint containing extremely thin aluminum flakes applied in multiple layers by master craftsmen. By further developing its TAKUMINURI1 painting technology originally created for Soul Red, Mazda has made it possible to achieve the look on mass-production vehicles using a three-coat paint structure consisting of color, reflective and clear coats.2

The reflective layer contains extremely thin, high-brightness aluminum flakes and must be applied very precisely to ensure even coating. During the drying process the thickness of this layer shrinks to approximately 2.5 microns, about one quarter the thickness of most reflective layers. This causes the aluminum flakes to lie flat with regular spacing between each flake, just as if the layer had been hand-painted by a skilled craftsman. This high-density finish gives the entire surface a sheen when illuminated, for a realistic metallic look. Jet-black pigment is used in both the reflective and color layers and is visible through the spaces between the aluminum flakes giving areas not illuminated a black hue and heightening the contrast between light and shadow.
Aiming to become a brand that has a strong connection with its customers, Mazda will continue to develop new colors and the paint technologies to realize them, based on the belief that color is one of the elements of form.

1 Mazda’s paint technology that gives mass-production vehicles the precise, high-quality finish that looks like it has been hand-painted by a master craftsman.
2 Does not included the electrodeposited layer.

 

Very nice information regarding the paint. Just hope they won't be so cheap and apply enough paint so the spot welds don't rust like they are on the Mazda 3.

 

Refreshing or Revolting: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF - Motor Trend
Refreshing to Revolting...interesting..

BTW: Looks like I am wrong about the two rear 1/4 side windows which I thought were a 'fake' add on, from other vids I have seen it looks like the 1/4's are heavily tinted or close to one way glass. I guess to hide the internal roof mechanisms?

 

Agree, both my NC an RX-8 has this spot weld rust issue, I got in first and added extra paint/cover grease to prevent rust happening. Cheap arsed Mazda.
I remember back in the 1980's I bought a brand new (CB2MS) RWD 2.0l Mazda 626 Coupe (white), it had next to zero white paint under/around the engine bay inner skirts, just grey undercoat.
My 626 was not the only one, and that is what, nearly 40 years ago!

 

I'm so torn on this guy.
the mechanics of it are just SEXY, no doubt about that.

BUT
then I look at the soft top when the top is down and I wonder if that doesn't actually look better.

I think I'm just going to have to see these in person and then decide but either way, one of these is going to end up in my garage next year.

 

no they said " blow the lid off" which they did

 

Just saw it in person tonight. It definitely looks better in reality than a picture taken at a studio. With that said, I am hooked. I want it. The paint is gorgeous as well.

Mazda literally had shift changes of girls just to sit in it to open and close the top repeatedly. Good to know it still hasn't broken after 5 days of consecutive open and closing.

 

lol, and yes the new paint is special....