Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label Retractable hard Top. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Retractable hard Top. Show all posts

Saturday, 20 August 2016

mazda announces that the first MX-% RF models will be the Launch Edition, limited to just 1000 units worldwide.

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.

Wednesday, 25 May 2016

The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF will take centre stage on Mazda’s Festival of Speed stand.

  • The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF will take centre stage on Mazda’s Festival of Speed stand.
  • Further MX-5 highlights include the MX-5 Spyder and Speedster concept cars.
  • The success of this iconic roadster will be celebrated with the display of the one-millionth MX-5.
With the European debut of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF as the focal point, Mazda will celebrate the past, present and future of the MX-5 at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Having made its global debut at the New York Motor Show in March, the RF ‘Retractable Fastback’ will take centre stage on the Mazda UK stand this June, while other MX-5 highlights include the one-millionth production MX-5, plus the MX-5 Spyder and Speedster concept cars. 

Designed to offer a new dimension of open-top driving fun, while at the same time staying true to the rationale of the previous generation MX-5 retractable hardtop, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF’s ‘fastback’ styling gives it a unique appearance roof up or down, broadening the appeal of the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car.
“With the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF we freed ourselves from traditional ways of thinking and took on fresh challenges in order to create something new. Our aim was a convertible sports car with gorgeous fastback lines when the roof is closed and an exhilarating open-air feeling when open”, commented Nobuhiro Yamamoto, Mazda MX-5 Programme Manager.
The MX-5 RF’s retractable hardtop consists of front, middle and rear roof sections, and a rear screen. When the top is lowered the front and middle portions are stowed together, while the rear glass sits behind the seats, leaving the rear roof section in place to create a unique open-topped look, and a cabin feeling that combines a sense of open air freedom with the impression of being securely ensconced within the car.
A 5mm increase in roof height aside, the RF retains the same overall length, width and wheelbase as the convertible, while the fully automated hardtop is one of the fastest available, opening at the touch of a button even when the car is moving at up to 6mph.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed staring MX-5 RF will feature Mazda’s new premium paint colour – Machine Grey. Designed to accentuate the subtle yet dynamic surfaces of Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion exteriors, Machine Grey intensifies the contrasts between light and shadow with its high-density finish, giving the impression that the body was sculpted from a solid block of steel.   
“If we consider the convertible model to represent the purist of lightweight sports car appeal, the new Retractable Fastback epitomises a new type of MX-5 that aims to be a compact sports car with a natural charm that everyone will find beautiful”, commented Masashi Nakayama, Mazda MX-5 Chief Designer.   
Building on the all-new Mazda MX-5’s award-winning design, the RF’s roof up style wowed crowds on its debut in New York and will doubtless do the same in Sussex this summer. With gently downward slopping buttresses that tuck in at the sides to create a teardrop shape, the RF’s elegant fastback silhouette accentuates the MX-5’s dynamic and contemporary sports car proportions.
Developed to deliver enhanced cabin comfort and a refined ride, while at the same time maintaining the agility, balance and performance of the convertible, the suspension and electric power steering parameters have been specifically tuned for the Retractable Fastback. In addition, a sound-absorbing headliner used in the front and middle roof panels combines with sound insulation around the rear wheel housings to deliver a significantly quieter cabin when the roof is closed.
On sale in the UK in 2017, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF adds another model to Mazda’s award-winning range and promises to write a new chapter in the MX-5 success story.  Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK said, “we’re delighted that British fans will get to see the RF at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. With over 120,000 sales since its launch in 1990, the UK has played a huge part in the MX-5 success story and the RF offers something new that I’m sure will attract even more people to this amazing sports car when it goes on sale next year.”
Adding, “It’s also great that we have the one-millionth MX-5 with us at Goodwood, as this car is a physical milestone that highlights the continued success of the MX-5. With the current convertible we have a spectacular car that continues to win praise from our customers and the media alike, and having been crowned both World Car of the Year and UK Car of the Year, we’re looking forward to another bumper year of MX-5 convertible sales.”   
Taking place from the 23rd to 26th June, the UK’s leading automotive event will see a full celebration of the world’s best- selling two-seater sports car.

Friday, 25 March 2016

NYIAS - Mazda to showcase the new MX-5 Retractable Fastback (Hardtop) at New York.

  • Mazda MX-5 RF on display in a world premiere at the New York International Auto Show
  • To be available in Machine Grey, a new premium colour designed for KODO exteriors
Mazda revealed the Mazda MX-5 RF (“retractable fastback”) today on the eve of the New York International Auto Show. The latest version of the legendary sports car offers a new dimension of open-top driving fun while at the same time staying true to the purpose of Mazda’s previous retractable hardtop MX-5: Making the roadster experience accessible to a broader range of drivers.
In doing so, Mazda has broken with conventional thinking to create something entirely new. Featuring fastback styling with a smooth roofline that slopes down to the rear, the MX-5 RF’s unique rear roof and retractable back window deliver a distinctive new convertible feeling.

The power roof opens and closes with the press of a button while moving at speeds of up to 10km/h. The roof itself stows away compactly and efficiently: Despite the sleek design, the MX-5 RF offers the same boot space as the soft-top model. 
Also like the soft-top, the new version will be available in Europe with a choice of two revvy petrol engines – the SKYACTIV-G 1.5 and SKYACTIV-G 2.0 – mated either to a delightfully crisp shifting six-speed SKYACTIV-MT gearbox or – exclusively for the MX-5 RF – a six-speed automatic.
Another highlight of the MX-5 RF is the selection of body colours. They include Machine Grey, a new premium colour specially designed to accentuate the subtle yet dynamic surfaces of Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion exteriors. 
Developed in the belief that colour is one of the elements of form, Machine Grey expresses the beauty of a machine’s strength and precision. By intensifying the contrast between light and shadow with a sleek, high-density finish, it gives the impression that the vehicle’s body was sculpted from a solid block of steel.
Paint application is crucial here. Mazda progressed its Takuminuri painting technology originally created for Soul Red, Mazda’s first premium colour, to achieve a precise, high-quality finish that looks as if it were hand-painted by a master craftsman. 
The system uses a three-coat paint structure consisting of colour, reflective and clear coats. The reflective layer, which contains extremely thin, high-brightness aluminium flakes, shrinks during the drying process to about one-quarter the thickness of most reflective layers. 
This causes the flakes to lie flat with regular spacing between each flake for a high-density finish that gives the entire surface a sheen when illuminated and a genuine metallic look. Jet black pigment, meanwhile, is used in both the reflective and colour layers. 
It is visible through the spaces between the aluminium flakes, giving them a black hue and thus heightening the contrast. Machine Grey will be available on a range of Mazda models, including the all-new Mazda CX-9 slated to go on sale in North America this spring.
The MX-5 RF is on display at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public from 25 March to 3 April. Mazda is holding a press conference from 11:20-11:45am on 24 March, the second of two press days.
Mazda’s exhibits at the 2016 New York International Auto Show
Show model
Mazda MX-5 RF (world premiere)
Model to be launched
Mazda CX-9 (North America)
Currently available models
Mazda CX-3, Mazda CX-5, Mazda3, Mazda6, Mazda MX-5,
Technology
SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5 petrol engines, SKYACTIV-G 2.5T direct-injection turbocharged engine

Monday, 29 February 2016

Ferrari 488 Spider launched in London to Ferrari clients and VIP's and hosted by BBC TV F1 host Tom Clarkson.

Ferrari 488 Spider launched in London to Ferrari clients and VIP's including Jamie Campbell Bower, Lucy Watson, Becky Tong and Oliver Proudlock
The other evening, Ferrari unveiled the 488 Spider during an exclusive event in an incredible central London venue. The car was unveiled by Marc Gené, Scuderia Ferrari F1 test driver and the event was hosted by BBC F1’s Correspondent Tom Clarkson, who were also in the company of Jamie Campbell Bower and Lucy Watson.
The Ferrari 488 Spider is the latest chapter in Ferrari’s on-going love affair with open-top V8 sports cars, a story that started with the targa-top version of the 308 GTB - the immortal 308 GTS - and which ultimately resulted in the full convertible Spider architecture.

Starting with the RHT (Retractable Hard Top), around which the entire car was developed, every area of the 488 Spider has been designed to set new technological benchmarks for the sector. The result is the most powerful and innovative Ferrari Spider ever built, a car that marries the extraordinary prowess of the 488 GTB coupé’s mid-rear V8 with the joy of tackling even the most challenging roads surrounded by nature’s heady aromas and colours and accompanied by an inimitable Ferrari engine soundtrack.
The spectacular launch brought together the most elite in London society. In attendance were guests from the fashion, arts and creative communities as well as those with a passion for the remarkable Italian brand. Upon entering the venue guests were able to experience the beauty and workmanship of the Ferrari 488 Spider up close, positioned centre stage on the ground floor.
As they made their way up the dramatic glass staircase to the first floor guests were able to experience the Ferrari ‘Tailor-Made’ service. Guests were able to experience first-hand the unique service offered to Ferrari customers, ‘Tailor-Made’ is an atelier offering Ferrari customers the highest standard of craftsmanship and personalisation, allowing them the opportunity to select luxurious fabrics and colour combination with which to personalise their vehicles.
Guests sipped on champagne as they also experienced a unique array of traditional Italian delicacies with a modern twist. Burrata served with paper bread, bresaola accompanied with Parmesan and rocket as well as bite size arancini balls. For those with a sweet-tooth Tiramisu was the order of the night, followed by a shot of espresso. Guests drank cocktails celebrating the 488 Spider including the 488, a sumptuous mix gin, peach liquor, peach puree, lemon juice, lavender and Kaffir leaf.
Ferrari 488 Spider Technical Specifications
ENGINE
Type90° V8, turbo-charged, dry sump
Total displacement3902 cc (238.1 cu. in)
Bore and stroke86.5 x 83 mm (3.4 x 3.3 in)
Maximum power *492 kW (670 cv) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque *760 Nm at 3000 rpm in VII gear
Specific output172 cv/l (2.07 kW/cu. in)
Compression ratio9.4:1
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length4568 mm (179.8 in)
Width1952 mm (76.9 in)
Height1211 mm (47.7 in)
Wheelbase2650 mm (104.3 in)
Front track1679 mm (66.1 in)
Rear track1647 mm (64.8 in)
Kerb weight**1525 kg (3362 lb)
Dry weight**1420 kg (3131 lb)
Weight distribution41.5% front – 58.5% rear
Boot capacity230 l (8.12 cu. ft)
Fuel tank capacity78 l (22.7 US gallons)
TYRES
Front245/35 ZR20 J9.0
Rear305/30 ZR 20 J11.0
BRAKES
Front398x223x36 mm (15.7 x 8.8 x 1.4 in)
Rear360x233x32 mm (14.2 x 9.2 x 1.3 in)
TRAMISSION AND GEARBOX
7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission

ELECTRONICS CONTROL
E-Diff3, F1-Trac,High-Performance ABS with Ferrari Pre-Fill, FrS SCM-E, SSC
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed> 325 km/h (203 mph)
0– 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph)3.0 s
0– 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph)8.7 s
0– 400 m (0 – 437 yd)10.55 s
0– 1000 m (0 – 1093 yd)18.9 s
Dry weight/power ratio2.12 kg/cv (6.35 lb/kW)
CONSUMPTION ***
11.4 l/100 km

C02 EMISSIONS***
260 g/km

*with 98 octane fuel
**With optional equipment
***Combined cycle with HELE system (ECE+EUDC)