Mazda, Alfa Romeo Roadster Could Be The Start Of A Beautiful Friendship

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

While discussing the future of a Mazda/Fiat collaboration last week, one industry insider trusted by TTAC had this to say

“It’s a bit like a first dance during the sixth grade…the Roadster, I mean. They’re leaving room for Jesus, but still able to cop a feel if they’re lucky.”

Now we’ve got more info on the Alfa/Mazda collaboration, and the possibility of more co-operation between Fiat and Japan’s last auto maker.

Speaking to the media, Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi said that while the two roadsters would share weight-saving technology, powertrains and price points would differ. The new MX-5 would use a Skyactiv motor, while the Alfa would be an upscale product. Yamanouchi also had this to say regarding future partnerships between the two brands

“We want to achieve success with the MX-5 and Spyder project first,” he continued. “We can learn more about each other and see what opportunities exist.

It’s pretty plain to see that this is all but a confirmation of future products being develop side by side. The synergies are there; Fiat has the economies of scale to help Mazda make it worthwhile. Mazda is independent, a distinct disadvantage in this era (even with Sumitomo in the background), but has the engineering expertise and an Asian market foothold.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • GeneralMalaise GeneralMalaise on Aug 31, 2012

    I've had my 2012 Abarth 500 for a little over 3 months now, zero problems, miles of smiles. Enough with the fix it again tony crap! Hey, Ronnie Schreiber... you magnificent bast*ard, you! http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/149835/

  • Robc123 Robc123 on Aug 31, 2012

    OMG! finally a japanese styled roadster with an italian engine and reliability.

  • Caroholic Caroholic on Aug 31, 2012

    2014 Alfa Romeo Spider Mazda MX-5 Chassis Alfa Romeo Exterior and Interior Design Mazda Turbo Rotary and Manual Transmission There's your Upscale Product

    • Rudiger Rudiger on Sep 01, 2012

      So long as it's a retro version of the beautiful pre-1970 Series 1 round (long) tail Spider, yes.

  • Vaujot Vaujot on Sep 01, 2012

    I think the last time Alfa colaborated with a Japanese manufacturer, the result was the not-fondly-rememberred Alfa Arna.

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