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

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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

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/

Yes, potentially amazing.

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.

Nothing beats Toyota/Subaru reliability!

Honda. :D

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

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

Aaaaactually Daihatsu lol

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

:word: I know we will have thinner sheet metal in newer cars, but let's hope FR-S/BRZ is bulletproof.
haaa not counted. :bellyroll: I kid I kid.

Quite interesting move by Mazda.

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

Pininfarina Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept from 2010
http://cdn3.worldcarfans.co/2010/3/large/8033184.jpg