The Fiat Group and Mazda have signed a final agreement to co-develop a two-seat roadster.
The agreement will see two differentiated and differently styled sports cars developed based on the next-generation Mazda MX-5 platform. Both the Mazda, and an Alfa Romeo-badged version, will be built by Mazda at its Hiroshima plant from 2015.
Each of the rear-wheel-drive roadsters will be powered by each brand’s engines. The new MX-5 could feature a 1.3-litre turbocharged unit featuring the brand’s SkyActiv technology, which would allow engineers to slash the current car’s 1,100kg kerbweight.
The Alfa Romeo could carry a new version of the Alfa’s 1750cc turbocharged engine, which is capable of developing up to 296bhp, although a development of the 168bhp 1.4TB engine from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Mito is possible.
Although no name has been confirmed for the Alfa-badged roadster, Autocar understands bosses are considering reviving the Spider name.
Mazda says the agreement allows it to enhance development and production efficiencies, while Alfa can offer a modern “interpretation of the classic Alfa Romeo roadster”
