Mazda Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top launches in Japan

The new retractable hardtop Miata has officially launched in Japan and is available through dealers nationwide beginning today.

We brought you details on the car in July when it made its debut at the British International Motor Show, so we'll just quickly recap the highlights here. The folding hardtop opens and closes in just 12 seconds and adds a little over 81 pounds to the car's overall weight. When opened, the roof splits into three pieces and is stows behind the seats. This ingenious system results in no loss of trunkspace over the ragtop version of the car.

Powertrain selections are the same as the ones offered on the original softtop model. Mazda's 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder can be mated with a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, or 6-speed "Activematic" automatic transmission. Maximum output is 170 horsepower with the manual transmissions, and drops to 166 with the auto.

The most confusing aspect about the car is it's name, which differs depending on what market it's in. The official names are:

• JAPAN: Mazda Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top
• EUROPE: Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe
• NORTH AMERICA: Mazda MX-5 (Miata) Power Retractable Hard Top

For what it's worth, we'd have just called it the "MX-5 Roadster Coupe" across the board. Out of the three, that one's the catchiest by far. But hey, what do we know?

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: Mazda]

Related posts:

• Mazda Miata flips a new lid with retractable hardtop
• Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe Unveiled in London
• Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe pricing announced
• Mazda announces U.S. pricing for MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top