The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF (Retractable Fastback) will be on sale in the United States next year just in time for the warmer weather when customers will want an open roof. The first to arrive will be the Launch Edition that will give 1,000 lucky customers an exclusive trim combination and a 42-millimeter Tourneau watch.

Mazda will take a cue from the RF at the model’s debut at New York Auto Show premiere by only offering the Launch Edition in the combo of tri-coat Machine Gray Metallic paint, Auburn nappa leather, and a hand-painted black roof. These three finishes won’t be available together on any other 2017 RFs. The special model also includes the amenities from the Grand Touring trim like LED running lights, automatic air conditioning, heated seats, and a safety suite that includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

Mechanically, the RF Launch Edition will be like the rest of the lineup, and the only option will be the choice between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.  All of them will use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 155 horsepower (116 kilowatts) and 148 pound-feet of torque (201 Newton-meters).

The RF Launch Edition will first be available to current Mazda owners with a history of owning vehicles from the brand, and the brand will contact them by email. Any remaining examples will be available to the general public. 

RF Launch deliveries will begin in the first quarter of 2017. Dealers will also get the Grand Touring or Club trim levels at about the same time. Mazda will announce prices soon. For reference, the 2016 Miata Club convertible with a manual starts at $29,435 in the U.S, and the Grand Touring droptop is $30,900.

Source: Mazda

Gallery: 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF

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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.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

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