Some more news and a lovely rendering:
What It Is: A rendering of what Alfa Romeo’s Mazda MX-5 Miata–based roadster, due in 2014, could look like.
Why It Matters: Two weeks ago, Mazda and Fiat announced they are collaborating on an Alfa Romeo roadster based on the next-generation MX-5 Miata. No name was given, but “Spider” would make sense, given Alfa’s history with the moniker. The car also will give Alfa a more affordable sports car to pair with the mid-engined 4C.
Platform and Powertrain: Little is known about the new Alfa beyond that it will be built in Mazda’s factory in Hiroshima, Japan, and that it will share its platform with the 2014 MX-5. Mazda and Fiat claim the MX-5 and unnamed Alfa Romeo will be powered by different engines and will each wear entirely unique styling. Speaking of styling, the photo above is simply our artist’s take on what the Alfa-fied MX-5 could look like. We like what we have here—the car in our rendering basically looks a bit like a scaled-down version of Alfa’s 8C Spider.
Competition: BMW Z4, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Nissan 370Z roadster.
Short Take Road Test: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring
First Drive: 2012 Mini Cooper S Roadster
Short Take Road Test: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Convertible
Estimated Arrival Time: Mazda and Fiat say the Alfa Romeo roadster will go on sale in 2014, but where and for how much hasn’t yet been determined. Given Alfa’s oil-and-water-like ability to reenter the American market, we’re not sure the roadster will make it here. For reference, the next-gen Miata will be sold here.