MX5 Hardtop Coming
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,531
MX5 Hardtop Coming
Folding hardtop...nice!
Metal-top MX-5: Mazda plans folding hardtop model for 2006
JULIAN RENDELL
Posted Date: 11/9/05
Mazda will launch a metal folding hardtop version of the MX-5 in September 2006, featuring a three-piece folding roof grafted onto the bodywork of Mazda’s two-seat roadster.
Developed in-house by Mazda rather than by an outside coachworks, and likely to be badged MX-5 Hardtop, the new model is targeted at buyers of the growing numbers of coupe-convertible models.
The sales growth in that segment left MX-5 with a smaller share of the overall market compared with when the Miata was launched
15 years ago.
Apart from the new roof and its mechanism, the MX-5 fundamentally remains unchanged. The Hardtop will ride on the same wheelbase, have the same size cabin and feature the same rear overhang. The extra bulk of the metal folding roof will likely eliminate much of the car’s trunk space when folded down. The mechanism is sure to add weight compared to the manual folding soft-top, but the amount is unknown.
Such drawbacks are likely to be ignored by many buyers attracted by the metal roof’s greater resistance to vandalism, sense of security and refinement at cruising speeds. Look for the Hardtop to add $2,000 to $3,000 to the MX-5’s sticker price.
JULIAN RENDELL
Posted Date: 11/9/05
Mazda will launch a metal folding hardtop version of the MX-5 in September 2006, featuring a three-piece folding roof grafted onto the bodywork of Mazda’s two-seat roadster.
Developed in-house by Mazda rather than by an outside coachworks, and likely to be badged MX-5 Hardtop, the new model is targeted at buyers of the growing numbers of coupe-convertible models.
The sales growth in that segment left MX-5 with a smaller share of the overall market compared with when the Miata was launched
15 years ago.
Apart from the new roof and its mechanism, the MX-5 fundamentally remains unchanged. The Hardtop will ride on the same wheelbase, have the same size cabin and feature the same rear overhang. The extra bulk of the metal folding roof will likely eliminate much of the car’s trunk space when folded down. The mechanism is sure to add weight compared to the manual folding soft-top, but the amount is unknown.
Such drawbacks are likely to be ignored by many buyers attracted by the metal roof’s greater resistance to vandalism, sense of security and refinement at cruising speeds. Look for the Hardtop to add $2,000 to $3,000 to the MX-5’s sticker price.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,724
From: Hebron, KY
Re: MX5 Hardtop Coming
Originally Posted by Gold_Rush
Retractable hardtop.
Nonetheless, a nice addition. However, I hope the Solstice comes through with a fixed roof in the same vein as the coupe concept. That combined with a turbo would have me waiting in line.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
Re: MX5 Hardtop Coming
Originally Posted by Dan Baldwin
Dammit, I want a COUPE version, not some overwrought folding hardtop!
Here's hoping for a Solstice coupe in the next year or so...
Here's hoping for a Solstice coupe in the next year or so...
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 263
From: Illinois
Re: MX5 Hardtop Coming
Originally Posted by Gold_Rush
Retractable hardtop. Sweet. That should give it a marketing advantage in its class.
Is this something GM should consider for the Kappa twins?
Is this something GM should consider for the Kappa twins?
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