The difference between the Mazda variant and those from other carmakers is that the sporty Japanese brand is said to be
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| Mazda is said to be pursuing the retractable hardtop project in-house, rather than outsourcing development and production. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
pursuing the project in-house. Advancements in technology and design have allowed such a task to be developed and constructed in the MX-5's production facility, and being that the addition of a folding hardtop wouldn't involve major body or structural work, given that the MX-5 was designed as a convertible from its very blueprints, it would be a very feasible way to enhance a car that is already considered by many to be the best value in the roadster segment.
Furthermore, no one on the inside of Mazda has leaked what type of folding roof would be used. A three-piece folding
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| No one on the inside has leaked what type of folding roof would be used. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
metal roof seems to be the most popular option according to those in the know; it would be operated electrically and the three-piece roof would be stowed in the trunk. How much space the roof would occupy is unknown, but it would most likely compromise the majority of the car's total cargo capacity when the roof is retracted.
Another possibility, considering the fact that the MX-5 features a manually operated cloth roof, is for the adaptation of a manual roof system composed of lightweight aluminum or composite panels. This route is more along the lines of the MX-5's pure, sports-car ethos, and would not have the same adverse effects on the car's weight distribution or weight.
