cars news 10: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition Starts at $34,685

If you’re one of the lucky Mazda customers to be invited to the Miata RF presale, you should be prepared to shell out some cash, as the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition has been priced starting at $34,685, including destination.

That price represents a premium of $3,485 over a 2016 Miata Grand Touring, the model that serves as the base for the RF. Of course, the RF gets a trick power targa top, and Launch Editions receive exclusive Nappa leather and other goodies to help justify the price. The Launch Edition is also limited to just 1,000 units, so that exclusivity is reflected in the price. The RF Launch Edition costs $34,685 with the six-speed manual transmission, or an extra $1,075 if you want the six-speed automatic.

2017 Mazda MX 5 Miata RF rear three quarter 03

2017 Mazda MX 5 Miata RF front three quarter 02

Starting today, customers who were sent an invitation to buy the RF Launch Edition will have a specific window of time to preorder the limited-edition model by putting down a $500 refundable deposit. If the car isn’t sold out in the first week, preorders will open up to the public starting October 3. Miata RF Launch Edition deliveries begin February of next year, and continue into the spring.

RF Launch Edition models get the same standard features as the MX-5 Grand Touring in addition to Machine Gray Metallic paint, an Auburn Nappa leather interior, a hand-painted black roof panel, unique doorsill plates, and hands-free keyless entry. The Launch Editions will look pretty much identical to the car that debuted at the New York auto show. Buyers will also receive a serialized commemorative Tourneau watch with 42-mm face.

The invitation-only presale for the Miata RF Launch Edition follows similar events for the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Launch Edition and 2015 MX-5 25^th Anniversary Edition, the latter of which sold out in 10 minutes. As we previously reported, the Miata RF is powered by the same 155-hp Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter I-4 engine as the standard model, but weighs 80-100 pounds more thanks to its complex folding top, which is an engineering marvel to behold. Non-Launch Edition RF models are expected to arrive later in the first quarter of 2017, and will be offered in the full range of Miata colors.

Source: Mazda