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Update on a older rumor:
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Mazda Unveils Retractable Hardtop Miata
Written by: Autocar staff
London, UK – 7/18/2006 Trunk space is unaltered as hardtop folds behind the rear seats. (Mazda photo)
Things change: the Mazda MX-5 Miata, once the most elemental of roadsters, has joined the folding hardtop bandwagon.
The new MX-5 Roadster Coupe was launched this week at the British motor show, with even "fake" rain being thrown by Mazda to show the new top's superior weather isolation. It was an impressive demonstration: the MX-5 raises or lowers its roof in just 12 seconds at the press of a button - pretty much as quickly as any soft-topped rival.
The new folding hardtop folds away behind the seats, meaning that trunk space is unaltered whether the roof is up or down. To achieve this, Mazda has tweaked the MX-5’s rear deck, which is slightly higher on the Roadster Coupe than on the soft-top. It’s more noticeable in the metal than in photos, but overall barely alters the MX-5’s svelte lines. The hard-top also adds a mere 85lb to the car’s weight.
The small increase in weight means the Roadster Coupe should be as good to drive is its soft-topped sibling, while the extra insulation of the hard top should improve refinement.
The Roadster Coupe goes on sale in Europe at the end of the year. U.S. pricing information will be unveiled closer to the car's American launch, Mazda says.
Mazda Unveils Retractable Hardtop Miata
Written by: Autocar staff
London, UK – 7/18/2006 Trunk space is unaltered as hardtop folds behind the rear seats. (Mazda photo)
Things change: the Mazda MX-5 Miata, once the most elemental of roadsters, has joined the folding hardtop bandwagon.
The new MX-5 Roadster Coupe was launched this week at the British motor show, with even "fake" rain being thrown by Mazda to show the new top's superior weather isolation. It was an impressive demonstration: the MX-5 raises or lowers its roof in just 12 seconds at the press of a button - pretty much as quickly as any soft-topped rival.
The new folding hardtop folds away behind the seats, meaning that trunk space is unaltered whether the roof is up or down. To achieve this, Mazda has tweaked the MX-5’s rear deck, which is slightly higher on the Roadster Coupe than on the soft-top. It’s more noticeable in the metal than in photos, but overall barely alters the MX-5’s svelte lines. The hard-top also adds a mere 85lb to the car’s weight.
The small increase in weight means the Roadster Coupe should be as good to drive is its soft-topped sibling, while the extra insulation of the hard top should improve refinement.
The Roadster Coupe goes on sale in Europe at the end of the year. U.S. pricing information will be unveiled closer to the car's American launch, Mazda says.
handling? hm..add more weight? more stable? hehe
