1994 Mazda Rx-7 R2 Coupe 2-door 1.3l on 2040-cars

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Mazda will decide who gets the MX-5 RF Launch Edition, like it's Ferrari or something

When Mazda introduced the 2017 MX-5 Miata RF at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, the vehicle came as a surprise. Everyone was expecting a new Miata variant, but no one thought it would be a retractable fastback, especially one that looks this good. Mazda listened to all of the positive feedback and decided to offer the same vehicle from the auto show as a limited-edition model. But you can't just go down to the dealer and place an order, at least for now. It's called the MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition, only 1,000 of them will be made, and they'll go only to Mazda's "valued customers." Instead of opening up orders to anyone, Mazda took a page out of Ferrari's book and is extending invitations to customers through email. The chosen few will have a specific amount of time to preorder the limited-edition model before the automaker gives everyone the opportunity to buy one, assuming there are any left. You might remember that Mazda did a similar thing with the first ND Miata roadsters – the 2016 MX-5 Launch Edition went to the first 1,000 customers that placed orders on www.longlivetheroadster.com. The Launch Edition is painted Machine Gray with a black roof panel and has Auburn Nappa leather on the inside – the same combination as the debut car. Future MX-5 RF models will be available with the same paint and leather, but will miss out on the black roof and special badges. Launch Edition buyers will also get a numbered Tourneau watch with the vehicle, and will only have just one choice to make – manual or automatic transmission. (We know which we'd choose.) Pricing for the RF Launch Edition has not been released, but we expect the regular RF to come in a little higher than the roadster's $25,750 base price. The MX-5 RF will go on sale early next year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF: New York 2016 View 13 Photos News Source: MazdaImage Credit: Live photos copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / AOL Mazda Convertible Performance mazda mx-5 rf

NHTSA urges owners of recalled Takata airbag vehicles to take immediate action

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation are taking the unusual step of issuing a followup press release urging owners of certain recalled vehicles "to act immediately" to fix their cars and trucks. The problem in question concerns the repair campaigns for rupturing Takata airbag inflators issued in June and covers a long list of models from Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Mazda, BMW, Nissan, Infiniti, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Oldsmobile and Pontiac.
While NHSTA doesn't specifically say why the recall is vital in the new release, Toyota's own explanation in its newly announced renotification campaign earlier today sheds some new light on the topic. According to the Japanese automaker, in testing, Takata found a possible link between the rupturing airbag inflators and high humidity. NHTSA is advocating that all owners pursue repairs immediately if they haven't already done so already. This is especially crucial for those drivers especially in Florida, Puerto Rico, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Virgin Islands and Hawaii because of the humid conditions there.
We don't need to tell you how dangerous an inadvertent airbag deployment could be - even in a stationary vehicle - but adding to the Takata issue is fears that the deployment could lead to shrapnel being sprayed into the cabin.

Car and Driver lists 10Best for 2013, same as it ever was

Forgive us for having the distinct feeling of déjà vu, but it certainly feels like we've been here before. By that we are referring Car and Driver and the announcement of its annual 10Best vehicles for 2013. To be sure, it's an impressive selection of cars that combine heart-pounding performance and frugal sensibilities, but it also represents something of a broken record on the part of C/D. We're not so sure that's a flaw, though, as the resulting list is tough to argue with.
Vehicles like the Ford Mustang, Porsche Boxster, and BMW 3 Series have maintained their high-horsepower spots on this list for several years now. Even on the more practical and nimble end, the Honda Accord, Honda Fit and Mazda Miata have not budged. These continued spots are even in light of redesigns for some vehicles such as the Accord, Boxster and 3 Series.
In fact, the only newcomer to the 10Best list this year are the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ twins, which knocked out the Cadillac CTS-V. We think it would have been a huge misstep to have excluded the FR-S/BRZ, even in light of the supercharged Caddy's lamentable departure from 10Best.