In a surprise announcement that is bound to excite Alfa Romeo fans, the Fiat Group and Mazda revealed today that they have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and production of a new roadster model for the Mazda and Alfa Romeo brands based on the rear-wheel drive architecture of the next MX-5.
"The study calls for both Fiat and Mazda to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight, roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive," the two automakers said in a joint statement, adding that each car will be powered "by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand".
According to the plan, the next Mazda MX-5 and Alfa Romeo's successor to the Spider will be manufactured at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant in Japan, with production for the Italian model to begin in 2015.
With the exception of the limited production 8C Competizione Spider (2008-2010) and the RZ (1992-1994), the last time Alfa Romeo had a roadster with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout was the classic Spider built from 1966 to 1993. This particular model was featured in the 1967 movie The Graduate with Dustin Hoffman.
The next two generations of the Spider (based on the GTV and the Brera coupes) had a front engine, front-wheel drive layout.
Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne had this to say about the agreement: "This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand."
He continued: "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."
Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi said that he is excited about the prospect of working together with a respected brand like Alfa Romeo.
"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," said Yamanouchi.
The two automakers said that the final agreement is expected be signed in the second-half of 2012 and that they have also agreed to discuss further opportunities for co-operation in Europe.
The new Mazda MX-5-based Alfa Romeo Spider will be a global model, and yes, if all goes according to plan, it will be offered in North America.
17 Comments:
great news! mazda always said it wanted to be the alfa romeo of japanese automakers with respect to sportiness. i think its also great to see the sportcar for alfa go rwd. much more sporty! hopefully it will be a looker too just like the next gen mx-5
If the engine is Alfa sourced, this could be a hit- a re-bodied MX-5 won't cut it IMO.
This is great. The mx-5 is a great package but has boring looks. With being an Alfa, it should be a big improvement and bring more style to its design. And it will be affordable.
it could, i think the only problem with the MX5 is that it looks too harmless, no aggression, and the only problem with alfa is reliability, i want alfa design and japanese reliability in a car...just like the elise great example of the perfect sports car..
Bravo! Go Alfa!
A Mazda MX-5 chassis with Alfa Romeo tunning and engines will be superb! I hope Alfa work on the steering too...
Right! Hopefully it won't be the other way around...! ;)
Better buy the preemptive Mazda MX-5 itself. The excellent engineering and reliability will keep one satisfied through out.
Everyone seems to be raving about this, but as it's described - NOT sharing the engine and NOT sharing the body - it doesn't make much sense to me. What's the point? Sharing the suspension and driveshaft? Sharing just the floorpan? I can't imagine the interiors will be the same.....
Have you actually driven an MX-5?
In my view it's just about ideal, they share what matters (superb rear wheel drive chasis) but instead of a straight rebadge and some different panels each will have it's own styling and drivetrain. Which means that they will actually feel different.
Reg; "mazda always said it wanted to be the alfa romeo of japanese automakers" ?... When did they say this? Mazda and Isuzu always looked to Lotus for their handling and sportiness. The first 'NA' Miata/MX-5 was based on the sixties Lotus Elan.
Interesting collaboration.
My first sports car was an 59' Super Veloce, Alfa Spider, my long time current one is a MX-5. Can't wait too see how this sorts out. The Alfa will definitely be at a higher price point with at least 30% more power.
i am not talking about handling and sportiness. i am talking about the companies idealogy to be a fun to drive product. mazda could never be seen an an equivalent to lotus but the elan was a great benchmark for the development of the first gen mx-5.
this was said a few years ago when mazda was reassessing its position. it knew that it couldn't compete with toyota/honda and is carving out its own niche. it used alfa romeo as an example as they are known for sporty sedans, compacts and sportcars and want to be associated be sportiness just like alfa romeo
Good news will be anything that can keep the MX-5 nameplate going for another 20 years!
For the first time, the Fiat Group decided not to fuck up.
I think the alfa Spider is original, beautifully designed, is a lovely, sexy, looking car with road presence. The MX5 does not compare in looks and I hope they don't lose the Spider's "head turning" looks.
Alfa needs to stay in italy. Mazda in japan. I think the mix is devastating.
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