Miata fans have wanted a coupe version of Mazda's playful little roadster for ages. While we may never actually see one, the 2017 MX-5 Miata RF could be as close as we ever get.

RF stands for Retractable Fastback, and that's appropriate given the sleek rear pillars. Those pillars lift away so the central roof panel can stow beneath them. With the roof up, the Miata RF looks like a handsome coupe. With it down, it has a targa-type design that doesn't allow for 100-percent open-air motoring, but combines access to the sky with a sexy profile.

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The foldaway top can be open or closed at speeds up to 7 mph, and the design has the added bonus of taking no more space in the trunk than the standard soft top.

Aside from the look and about 100 extra pounds, the Miata RF is pretty much the same as the standard Miata that we love so much. It's powered by the same 155-hp 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, and the 0 to 60 mph time shouldn't take much more than six seconds with either the 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. And like the soft top version, handling should be sublime.

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Mazda hasn't announced pricing, but the Miata RF should hit dealer showrooms this fall.

For more on the Mazda Miata, read the in-depth reviews over at The Car Connection.

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