Take that non-binding MoU and bind it, baby!!
The most desirable car to be released in 2015 is now official. Mazda and Alfa Romeo will cooperate on the design of the coming Alfa Romeo Spider using the next generation MX-5 as a base architecture.
There’s no press release on this (see below). We simply have an article from Just Auto to refer to:
Mazda Motor Corporation and Fiat have signed a final agreement for Mazda to produce an Alfa Romeo roadster at its Hiroshima, Japan, plant starting from 2015.
The roadster will be based on the next generation MX-5 and developed for global sale.
“The agreement foresees for both Mazda and Fiat to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive,” Mazda said.
“The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand.
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This is going to be one heck of an exciting car to watch in development. Alfa has always designed beautiful cars and more often than not, they’ve had superb engines. I have no doubt in my mind that that’ll be the case here, too – beautiful design and a great powerplant.
The difference between this Spider and the Spiders of recent years is that it’s not going to be compromised by its chassis. The MX-5 is a wonderful little driver’s car. Clothe that chassis in an Alfa body with an Alfa engine and you’re looking at something truly delicious.
Bring it on!
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As an aside…… I tried to look up an Alfa Romeo press release about this but there’s been no activity on Alfa Romeo’s press site since mid-December 2012!!! I don’t know what Alfa’s PR people are doing right now but it doesn’t resemble work very much.
That’s no way to build a brand.
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