2018 Mazda MX-5 RF – Lighter, Smaller, Quicker and More Nimble Than Its Predecessor. 2018 Mazda MX-5 RF – Drive, Interior and Exterior. Subscribe.
POWERTRAINS
SKYACTIV-G direct-injection petrol engines
– Naturally aspirated lightweight powerplants deliver linear pull from zero to redline and outstanding real-world fuel economy
– Feature high 13.0:1 compression, countering the drawbacks with a range of innovations
– Smaller and lighter intake and exhaust systems adapted for the MX-5 to heighten driving fun by squeezing the most from these engines
– intake system weighs 30% less than the previous generation’s
– compact 4-2-1 exhaust optimised for the MX-5’s layout and to enhance torque
-Automatic transmission offered in Europe exclusively for MX-5 RFs with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0
SKYACTIV-G 1.5 features a 7,500rpm redline and more output than on other Mazdas
Output:
96kW/131PS @ 7,000rpm
150Nm @ 4,800rpm
SKYACTIV-G 2.0, specially tuned for wider low and midrange torque output, is available with Mazda’s i-stop idle-stop system and a lightweight version of the i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system
Output:
118kW/160PS @ 6,000rpm
200Nm @ 4,600rpm
SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission:
– Enhances the MX-5’s always legendary short throws and crisp shifting, also improving real-world mileage
– Lighter than previous manuals thanks to e.g. die-cast aluminium housing and better oil flow control; differential also weighs less while significantly lowering energy transfer losses
Six-speed automatic transmission:
– Delivers direct shifting with lock-up control from second gear up and slip control from third
– Features Drive Selection for more responsive shifting at the flip of a switch
– Offers excellent fuel economy, particularly in combination with i-ELOOP and i-stop
CHASSIS & BODY
– SKYACTIV-Chassis balanced to reflect the MX-5 RF’s added weight and height at no cost to the car’s Jinba Ittai agility
– Offers a more cultured ride with suspension, steering and brakes specially tuned for the MX-5 RF
– revisions to the shock absorbers, front stabiliser bar and rear springs, links and bump-stops on the front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension
– dual-pinion electric power assist steering retuned for more linearity and better feedback
– optimised brake booster delivers a linear response and smooth transfers between g-forces
– Retained the MX-5 soft-top’s stiff yet lightweight SKYACTIV-Body and high-mount backbone frame, adding a special tunnel member to balance front-rear stiffness and counter the effect of the retractable roof
– Like the soft-top, uses a straight, continuous framework wherever possible, also bolstering connections between frame sections
– Ring structure improves the rigidity of the body’s suspension supports, while the reinforced rear suspension towers stifle body deformation from road input
– Modifications shared with the soft-top include optimised engine mounts and the c-shaped powerplant frame to restrain powertrain vibration
– Air dam added to MX-5 RF’s radiator to suppress turbulence caused by airflow from the front wheel wells to sides of the car
– also enhances straight-line and lane-change stability.
INTERIOR
Offers the best of all sports-car worlds: the security of a fixed-roof coupé, a distinct open-air feeling with more protection than the classical soft-top, and the flexibility of the power retractable hardtop to effortlessly switch between the two
Added luxury and quality with a choice of interior packages [1] featuring:
– Recaro seats delivering excellent hold, combining Alcantara® seatbacks and cushions with leather sides and red piping luxurious auburn nappa leather with grey stitching also available with black or tan leather and black fabric
– luxurious auburn nappa leather with grey stitching
-also available with black or tan leather and black fabric
Like the soft-top:
– built for driving featuring the cosy Jinba Ittai cabin common to all MX-5s with space used as efficiently as possible
– compact three-spoke steering wheel, instruments and pedals positioned in perfect symmetry with the driver
– sleek horizontal layout with the exterior colour extending into the cabin door trim*
127 litre boot able to hold two standard carry-on bags
*Availability depends on trim level and market
