US-Only Mazda MX-5 RF Launch Edition Announced, Limited To 1,000 Units

The hard-top Miata is getting ready for its market launch and Mazda will mark the occasion with a limited ‘Launch Edition’ offered in the US market.

After the model’s universal appraisal at the last New York Auto Show, Mazda will offer the exact same specification of that show car in the first 1,000 copies.

That means that the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Launch Edition will be finished in Machine Grey Metallic with a black roof panel over an Auburn Nappa leather interior trim. The rest of the specs are based on the Grand Touring trim level, with Mazda only offering one option to prospective customers between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.

This special edition is destined for Mazda’s most loyal customers. The company will initially open up the preorders to a select group of customers who will be notified via email. Mazda will give them a specific window of time to preorder the RF Launch Edition before ordering opens to the general public.

“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, Mazda North America. “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.”

With each car customers will also get a custom-designed and numbered 42mm Tourneau watch to complement their new car. Those who may miss out on getting their hands on the Launch Edition of the MX-5 RF will still be able to get a Retractable Fastback model with many of the same color and interior combos, just not the exact same one you see here.

Regular production RF models will arrive at US dealerships in the first quarter of 2017 in either Grand Touring or Club trim levels. Mazda USA will announce the specific timing for ordering as well as pricing in the coming weeks.