One of the most anticipated cars at the Singapore Motor Show 2017 was the new Mazda MX-5 RF, a new MX-5 variant, which has a power-folding targa top. Because we're huge fans of the MX-5, we seized our chance and had a sit-down with the RF's Deputy Program Manager, Mr. Hitoshi Takamatsu (HT), to find out more about this new car.
SGCM: Mr. Hitoshi, would it be safe to bet that your personal car at this moment is the RF?
HT: Close! But no, the car I am driving now is the soft-top ND (fourth generation) MX-5 with a 1.5-litre engine and manual transmission. I love it and I don't think I'll be giving it up anytime soon.
SGCM: Speaking of the soft-top, was it the only variant originally intended for the ND MX-5, or was this RF in the works right from the get-go?
HT: Well, Mazda has always wanted to continue developing foldable hard-tops for the MX-5 but for the ND, we wanted to try something different, hence the birth of the RF.
SGCM: The RF has interesting design. Was inspiration drawn from any other cars?
HT: We did study some fastback designs that have worked wonderfully well but ultimately, we wanted to give the MX-5 its own identity. The RF's targa top (roof and buttresses) is the most beautiful aspect of the car and, yet, trunk space isn't compromised.
SGCM: We understand that a little re-engineering has gone into the RF to compensate for its weight, such as steering and suspension tweaks. Can you explain them to us in simple terms?
HT: The RF is about 40kg and 45kg heavier over the standard soft-top. To compensate for the RF's higher centre of gravity and weight, we have made some detailed tweaks to the suspension, namely a thicker front anti-roll bar and altered front damper settings, along with different rear spring and damper rates.
The RF's central chassis cross member has also been modified, to balance the ratio of stiffness front to rear and to maintain the same dynamics as its soft-top sibling. We have also retuned the RF's steering setup to reflect changes in the car's balance. An MX-5's driving characteristics must never be compromised.
SGCM: In your opinion, which is a better drive? The soft-top roadster or the RF?
HT: Wow, that's a tough one. I'd love a 2.0-litre RF with an autobox but due to my lifestyle, the 1.5-litre soft-top with manual transmission is more ideal. But, both are different and very special in their own ways. The soft-top is more casual and the RF is a little bit more formal.
SGCM: Let's take a trip down memory lane. The NB (second generation) MX-5 had a Coupe variant. If we're not wrong, only 179 were ever made, making them incredily rare and highly sought after. Will we get to see a Coupe MX-5 again?
HT: Ah, yes, and what a beautiful car that was! While Mazda has no plans just yet, I won't say that it's a strict no. However, I've always felt that an MX-5 should be a roadster.
SGCM: How about the return of a detachable hard-top like the ones on the first and second generation MX-5?
Mr. Hitoshi hints that Mazda's legendary Rotary engine might just make a comeback
HT: Likewise, there's nothing in our pipeline to bring that back for now.
SGCM: We've also heard (or read) rumours that Mazda might revive Rotaries. What can you tell us about the future of Mazda's Rotary engines?
HT: My apologies, again, I can't say much, but let's put it this way - it's not a no.
SGCM: That's great to know! Lastly, over the years, with all the cars that you have worked on or been around, which would you say is your favourite (apart from the RF)?
HT: The most obvious choice would be the current soft-top MX-5 and also the FC and FD RX-7s. They were fantastic sports cars. Today, they're so old but yet, against many other cars, they're still so impressive.
