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This is the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF targa-roof fastback

We knew Mazda was going to introduce a new Miata variant ahead of the 2016 New York International Auto Show, but the smart money was on a power retractable hardtop version that largely mirrored the last-gen car's folding number. So it was a surprise when the new 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF – retractable fastback – drove onto the stage sporting wild buttresses and a hide-away targa roof panel. The buttresses lift up and swallow the rear window and roof panel in a matter of seconds, and then the buttresses snug back down. This leaves a hoop spanning the buttresses, but at least it's done up in black to be less visually apparent. The result is more of a targa roof experience, rather than the previous PRHT which gave occupants essentially the same experience as the soft-top with the top down. No matter. The result is stunning, and will differentiate the RF even more from the standard MX-5. Mazda designers took extra care to make sure the interface between the MX-5's dramatic fenders and the trailing edges of the roof support provided enough visual drama. Mission accomplished, we'd say. We can't take our eyes off that part of the car. View 13 Photos As you might expect, mechanical changes seem to be minor, although we'll be asking for detailed specs. Both the 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines will be available globally, but only the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine will be sold in the US. The roof can be operated at up to 6.2 mph. Mazda claims the truck space is unaltered from the soft-top model. We don't yet know how much, if any, the RF's mechanism adds to the bantamweight roadster, nor the premium it'll command. Expect those details closer to launch. Related Video:

Mazda Koeru concept forecasts next CX-9 in sleek form

Mazda rolled in to the Frankfurt Motor Show this year with the Koeru concept you see here. The showpiece is the latest embodiment of the Japanese brand's Kodo design language, applied with dramatic effect to a large crossover shape. Could this preview the next CX-9? The Koeru takes its name from the Japanese verb for "going beyond," and the reason is plain to see: though created by a mass-market brand, the concept could easily belong to an upscale marque like Infiniti (which offers a range of crossovers), Jaguar (which just revealed its first), or Maserati (which is preparing to get in on the action as well). It strikes us as aggressive as it is elegant, with taut lines and sporty details from the sharp lights to the muscular wheel arches. Few technical details as to what lies underneath it all were made available. And these show cars often lack working underpinnings to speak of anyway. But Mazda says that, beyond the styling, it optimized the aerodynamics over the upper body as well as underneath it to reduce turbulence and "enhance vehicle stability when driving at speed." It's also said to encompass the company's latest Skyactiv, i-Activesense, and Mazda Connect technologies. Which is all well and fine, but we're looking forward to seeing what innovations the company might incorporate if and when the Koeru (hopefully) transitions from concept to reality. In the meantime you can scope it out in the live and stock image galleries above and below. MAZDA KOERU The all-new crossover concept proposed by Mazda Mazda Motor Corporation is unveiling the all-new crossover concept Mazda KOERU for the world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year. The Mazda KOERU demonstrates Mazda's unique and daring interpretation of a crossover vehicle, proposed for the fast-growing crossover market. Featuring the full suite of Mazda's new-generation SKYACTIV technologies and designed under the KODO—Soul of Motion design language, the concept offers sporty yet delightfully refined styling and driving performance. The name "KOERU", which literally means "exceed" or "go beyond" in Japanese, comes from Mazda's aspiration to deliver value that goes well beyond the existing category norms and standards. As the latest incarnation of Mazda's new-generation products, the Mazda KOERU crossover concept offers styling that exudes power, vitality and a new level of polished refinement.

Automakers are offering more fuel-efficient cars than ever

Even with gas prices near their lowest point in more than a decade, Americans are still concerned about the fuel economy of their cars. More than 4 in 5 consumers say gas mileage will be an important consideration the next time they go shopping for a vehicle, according to the results of a new survey conducted by the Consumer Federation of America, which were released Monday. That's no surprise, says Jack Gillis, director of public affairs for the nonprofit organization. "Consumers have had a long history with volatile gas prices," he said. Though motorists have saved approximately $12 billion this year at the pump compared to 2015, according to AAA, car shoppers expect gas prices to rise again in the future. The average respondent to CFA's survey predicted a price of $3.50 per gallon within the next five years, a figure in line with projections made by the US Energy Information Administration. When those consumers visit dealerships, they'll have plenty of options. More models than ever are achieving 30 miles per gallon or more, according to CFA's annual analysis released in conjunction with the survey, and 15 of 16 major car companies improved their fuel efficiency on their 2016 model-year offerings. Only Ford backslid year over year, per the report. Researchers say American consumers are now enjoying the widest range of fuel-efficient options ever offered, in every vehicle class. Of 1,094 models on sale in 2016, 13.4 percent achieved more than 30 MPGs, an improvement from 11.7 percent in 2015. At the same time, the percentage of gas guzzlers offered for sale has declined. The percentage of vehicles on the market that get 16 miles per gallon or less has fallen from 6.1 percent to 4 percent, says CFA. "Even if you're in the market for a large pickup or SUV, you'd have to go out of your way to find a true gas guzzler," Gillis said. ""Consumers have had a long history with volatile gas prices." – Jack Gillis These results, the CFA suggests, indicate federal standards that prod automakers to invest in fuel-efficient technology are having the desired effect. Manufacturers are keeping pace with the requirements of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, which mandate carmakers achieve a standard of 52.5 miles per gallon in testing, equivalent to about 40 miles per gallon in on-road performance, by 2025. CFA's report singled out Mazda as setting an exemplary standard.