Alfa Romeo Spider to Use Tiny 1.4L Turbo Four
Rumor has it that the upcoming Alfa Romeo Spider will receive a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from Fiat.
Mazda has been assisting in the development of the Spider, with the car riding atop a platform shared with the next-generation Miata. According to some sources, those mules are using a 1.4-liter turbo-four engine that is also seen in the Dodge Dart and Fiat 500 Abarth models. It has however been longitudinally mounted for rear-wheel drive.
SEE ALSO: Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Rumored for Geneva Debut
In the Dart, the powerplant makes 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque while in the Fiat 500 Abarth, torque is dropped to 170 lb-ft. It’s likely, however, that if it makes its way into the production 4C Spider, that performance will be boosted to support the sports car.
Expect the Alfa Romeo Spider to also benefit from the weight-saving technologies that Mazda has also been working on for its next-generation Miata model.
The Spider will be a part of Alfa Romeo’s re-launch into the U.S., a move that will start with the pricier 4C sports car.
GALLERY: Alfa Romeo Spider Test Mule
GALLERY: Alfa Romeo 4C
[Source: Car and Driver]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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In the MiTo QV that 1.4TBi MultiAir is amazing ! It puts out 235 BHP with a torque curve that resembles a 45 degree line, no lag, and whalloping amount of torque plus sipping less fuel than a Prius...all while revving hard and barking like a mad italian attack dog.... Bring it ON ! What a superb combination !