Mazda Teams With Fiat: New Miata to Spawn Alfa Romeo Roadster
The two latest automakers to climb into bed together are Mazda and Fiat and their love child promises to be one impressive performance machine.
Having signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, the Japanese and Italian automakers have agreed to examine the development and manufacturing of a roadster model for the Alfa Romeo brand based on Mazda’s upcoming next-generation MX-5 Miata platform.
Distinguishing the two machines won’t just be the unique styling but, but also engines unique to each brand.
According to a joint release, production of both vehicles would occur at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant starting in 2015.
“Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda’s corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as Alfa Romeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognized as the best-selling roadster of all time,” said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda’s Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO.
The partnership will also allow Mazda to take advantage of economies of scale, helping reduce its costs in building the Miata.
“This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognized leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship.” said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.
With the new Miata-based roadster, Alfa Romeo will have another exciting new product to offer when it returns to the North American market.
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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If it looks like this...I want to place an order right now.
I've always had the suspicion the first iteration Mazda Miata reversed engineered the 4cyl 2L Alfa engine for use in the Miata. They are quite simular inlooks and they even mounted it longitudinally at a time most Japenese vehicles were mounting 4cyl engines horizontally. I don't think having a Mazda platform will be detracting to the model. Once Alfa plunks in their motor and suspension tweaks your going to have an Alfa, regardless of the originating chassis. Just look at it though, even if they didn't change anything else from the Miata platform, I'd much sooner drive a car with this styling and the Alfa badge. :)