Quote:
Originally Posted by tahdizzle
So honestly, I have no idea what the hype is all about.
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I think it's a matter of perspective. No car in this day and age (barring the supercars with incomprehensible powertrains and onboard computers that can run video games) is going to be revolutionary, Mazda isn't suddenly going to make the Miata a 300 hp 3,000 lb coupe and they shouldn't.
To me the hype is they made a car with the same weight as an NA Miata with a 1.8L and added 25 hp and ft-lbs of torque. I think the most G's I've ever experienced was flying around a track in an NA with sticky tires, I've never felt more like I was trying to be ejected from the seat. It was probably the slowest car I was in all day but it was mind blowing how capable a good chassis was.
And this one is going to manufactured with modern materials, analysis tools, manufacturing processes and more power to boot? All for basically the same money as than the one in 1994? Hot Damn.
Maybe I'm just a simpleton impressed with the standard march of time and progress, but I'm excited even though I have no plans to buy (not a convertible guy) in the immediate future.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DAEMANO
@ strat61caster
Seeing as how Fiat and Mazda developed the Miata jointly, my assumption is that both Mazda and Fiat powertrains were part of the design process. I doubt the 124 will be front drive despite Marchionne.  It should end up being one seriously fun car. |
No doubt Fiat is positive their engine will fit, it seems like they threw a bunch of money Mazda's way to be able to use the chassis. I'm more worried that something will get missed in translation, outside of the initial announcement I don't think I've seen FCA standing side by side with Mazda at all, I don't get the impression they are collaborating as closely as Toyobaru did and even they had tensions without a language and culture barrier.
"In an official joint statement Fiat Group Automobiles and Mazda Motor Corporation say they have "signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development and manufacturing of a new roadster for the Mazda and
Alfa Romeo marques based on Mazda's next-generation MX-5 rear-wheel-drive architecture.""
"It goes on to say they "will develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight, roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. The Alfa Romeo and Mazda variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand.""
http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...in-2015-35189/
"The Spider, by contrast, likely will be fitted with either a 1.4-liter turbo four shared with the
Fiat 500 Abarth or a version of the 1.7-liter turbocharged four from the
Alfa Romeo 4C. Expect the Fiat/Abarth to use a dual-clutch automatic."
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...-miata-feature
Doubt they'll put the 1.7L in, it'd be a monster for a fraction of the price of the 4C but the DCT sentiment is worrying...
idk, guess my point is that I'm not confident Fiat will deliver a product worth buying if they deliver anything at all. There's a lot to mess up if the only thing known for sure is the 'architecture' with suspension, wiring, ergonomics, aesthetics, durability, reliability, and possibly assembly left to the Italians.