The Fiat Group and Mazda have signed a final agreement to co-develop a two-seat roadster.
The agreement will see two differentiated and differently styled sports cars developed based on the next-generation Mazda MX-5 platform. Both the Mazda, and an Alfa Romeo-badged version, will be built by Mazda at its Hiroshima plant from 2015.
Each of the rear-wheel-drive roadsters will be powered by each brand’s engines. The new MX-5 could feature a 1.3-litre turbocharged unit featuring the brand’s SkyActiv technology, which would allow engineers to slash the current car’s 1,100kg kerbweight.
The Alfa Romeo could carry a new version of the Alfa’s 1750cc turbocharged engine, which is capable of developing up to 296bhp, although a development of the 168bhp 1.4TB engine from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Mito is possible.
Although no name has been confirmed for the Alfa-badged roadster, Autocar understands bosses are considering reviving the Spider name.
Mazda says the agreement allows it to enhance development and production efficiencies, while Alfa can offer a modern “interpretation of the classic Alfa Romeo roadster”
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An Alfa Romeo roadster may come here to the States. Fiat/Chrysler is already showcasing Alfas on the streets of South East Michigan (I've seen them here in Royal Oak). But I wonder if there might also be a Chrysler two-seater in the offing to replacing the highly compromised Chrysler Crossfire of some years ago. I always like the Miata/MX-5 and the above Alfa Spider concept is stunning -- as are so many of the recent Alfas. Would love to seem it here -- perhaps I should picket the Chrysler HQ in Auburn Hills or possibly downtown Birmingham (where I believe Sergio Marchionne now has a house). Exciting news in any case. Give Mr. Marchionne credit -- if it can be done it will be done. He's done an incredible job with Chrysler.
An Alfa made by Mazda?
At last we may get an Alfa that actually is reliable and well built with decent handling too and perhaps an engine with some grunt instead of all noise and no go. Only taken 50 years!
Great. Japanese assembly
Great. Japanese assembly could help with lingering doubts about Alfa construction - though both my Italian built 156s, one of which I had from new for 14 years - surely a record - never gave me aggro. But hurry up that Giulia, my GTA won't last forever.