We've known about this for a while now, the proposed link-up between Alfa Romeo and Mazda to co-develop replacements for the MX-5 and the Spider, but today, it's official. The contracts have been signed.
According to the statement released this morning, "The new Alfa Romeo roadster will be developed for the global market, and will be based on the architecture of the next generation Mazda MX-5. The agreement foresees for both Mazda and Fiat to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand."
Well that's all good news. We've been bleating for years that Alfa's Spider needs to move back to its simple, rear-drive, lightweight roots and being based on a next-gen MX-5 is a pretty good start.
And it's unlikely to be the only collaboration between Mazda and Fiat. Mazda, despite its global prominence, is a small company and needs to establish production and development programmes like this if it's going to prosper, long-term, while Fiat needs new platforms if it's to develop new, large, Alfa Romeo models. It seems to us that Mazda's excellent SkyActiv chassis (as tested this week under the impressive new 6 saloon and estate) would be a natural starting point for a new Alfa saloon...
Just sayin'.
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