Alfa Romeo spider will share platform with new MX-5...

[mines13]

Just the Facts:

• Mazda and Alfa Romeo have agreed to jointly develop a pair of rear-wheel-drive roadsters.
• The future two-seaters will be based on the next-generation MX-5 Miata.
• The cars will feature "differentiated" styling and "proprietary engines," the companies said.

HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda and Alfa Romeo have agreed to jointly develop a pair of rear-wheel-drive roadsters based on the next-generation MX-5 Miata. Mazda expects to build the Alfa Romeo variant — seen as a latter-day successor to the classic Alfa Romeo Spider — in Hiroshima beginning in 2015.
The cars will feature "differentiated" styling and "proprietary engines," the companies said.
The two companies, one a subsidiary of the Fiat group and the other a former affiliate of Ford, see the development deal as one way to reduce costs while leveraging Mazda's expertise in affordable roadsters.
Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne in a statement said: "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."
The Pininfarina-designed Spider, built from 1966-'93, was Alfa's last rear-wheel-drive roadster. Since its launch in 1989, the MX-5 Miata — simply called the Mazda Roadster in Japan — has sold more than 900,000 copies worldwide.
Mazda President and CEO Takashi Yamanouchi said: "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."
The deal is expected to be finalized later this year. The two companies said they also are discussing "further opportunities for cooperation in Europe."
Inside Line says: A smart move on Fiat's part to help keep Alfa's flame flickering.

http://www.insideline.com/alfa-romeo...zda-miata.html

[mattles]

Oh man, Ive wanted a reliable Alfa Romeo since I was a boy. I remember my father telling me never to make the mistake of buying a used Alfa, even though he admitted they are one of the most beautiful and inspiring cars in the world. Watching Top Gear and buying into the Alfa Romeo love they promote on the show hasnt helped either.

If this car really gets made, and Mazda really does make it -- it could be the car Ive been waiting for my entire life. Fuuuuuuck yeeeeaaaah/

[mines13]

Yes, potentially amazing.

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by mattles

Oh man, Ive wanted a reliable Alfa Romeo since I was a boy. I remember my father telling me never to make the mistake of buying a used Alfa, even though he admitted they are one of the most beautiful and inspiring cars in the world. Watching Top Gear and buying into the Alfa Romeo love they promote on the show hasnt helped either.

If this car really gets made, and Mazda really does make it -- it could be the car Ive been waiting for my entire life. Fuuuuuuck yeeeeaaaah/

They will have there own powertrain. So it won't be like the FRS/BRZ. So it might not be as reliable as you might expect unless you go with the Mazda.

[M-17]

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

They will have there own powertrain. So it won't be like the FRS/BRZ. So it might not be as reliable as you might expect unless you go with the Mazda.

Exactly, only Mazda for me if I had to choose.

[Grateful Dave]

Nothing beats Toyota/Subaru reliability!

[Dark]

Originally Posted by Grateful Dave

Nothing beats Toyota/Subaru reliability!

Honda.

[blu_]

All three of those have been going downhill for a while.

[SUB-FT86]

Eh let's hope the BRZ/FRS lives up to the 90's quality of Toyota and Honda's.

[SVTSHC]

Originally Posted by Dark

Honda.

Aaaaactually Daihatsu lol

[Dark]

Originally Posted by blu_

All three of those have been going downhill for a while.

They have never gone downhill in reliability, it's just competitors are getting better.

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

Eh let's hope the BRZ/FRS lives up to the 90's quality of Toyota and Honda's.

I know we will have thinner sheet metal in newer cars, but let's hope FR-S/BRZ is bulletproof.

Originally Posted by SVTSHC

Aaaaactually Daihatsu lol

haaa not counted. I kid I kid.

[ZetaVI]

Quite interesting move by Mazda.

[Exhaust]

Mazda and Alfa Romeo have agreed to jointly develop a pair of rear-wheel-drive roadsters based on the next-generation MX-5 Miata

So are these manufactures the first two to challenge the twins?

[quik1987]

Pininfarina Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept from 2010

[ZDan]

This could be good...

Here's what Alfa Romeo did with the Viper:

[Turbowned]

But will they sell the Alfa in the 'States; that's the million dollar question.

[(K)]

That's quite a reply from Mazda. Maybe Nissan will jump in with their Mercedes or Renault arsenal.

[mines13]

Renault has no RWD car platforms, however there is an Alpine A110 type retro concept. Probably intended as an up market 911 competitor though if it makes production.

[reni]

Unless Nissan brings back the S platform (unlikely) they won't be building a 86/miata competitor

[Wes B.]

I'll be interested as long as the engine retains the sexy Italian musical notes.

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

But will they sell the Alfa in the 'States; that's the million dollar question.

Possibly under the Fiat brand (for obvious reasons). I come from one of those strange backgrounds where growing up my father owned a variety of Alfas. However, as a "practical family car" he bought a Honda Accord on a whim and when he realized that you can own a car you didn't have to constantly work on, all the Alfas were gone and replaced with Hondas and Acuras. (Now he has an NSX)

Still though, Alfa and Fiat have come a long way so who knows... If it's being built on the Miata Platform there's hope for it yet!

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by reni

Unless Nissan brings back the S platform (unlikely) they won't be building a 86/miata competitor

They have confirmed a new 240Z. Lets just hope its more 240 and less 350.

but damn choices for a next car are hard. I've always wanted an Alfa spyder so this is very interesting. Between this and the RX7talks I just need to start saving. Haha