Fiat, Abarth Likely To Receive Mazda-Based Roadster Over Alfa
Long rumored to wear the Alfa Romeo badge, the next-generation Mazda MX-5 may instead don a Fiat or Abarth necklace in 2015 if Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne has the last word.
Automotive News reports sources close to the project stated product planners from Mazda and Fiat met recently to discuss a roadster based upon the MX-5. Fiat’s planners are looking for a way to maintain the supply partnership deal with the Japanese automaker, lest the break-up leave Fiat in the red through 2016, when they hope to return to the black in their native Europe.
As for why, Marchionne has proclaimed that no Alfa will be made outside of Italy so long as he is CEO, a statement reinforced as recently as the 2014 Detroit Auto Show; Marchionne plans to head FCA until 2017 at the earliest.
The so-called heir to the throne abdicated by the Fiat Duetto Spider made famous by the film “The Graduate,” the Italo-Japanese roadster may find a home with Fiat or Abarth, too underpowered be paired with Ferrari or Maserati, while Lancia retreats into its home market as a one-model brand by the end of 2014.
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Although I love the Alfa badge I think an abarth anything would b a raw thrill. This is not so bad news if you think about it. Also if it's a fiat it can releave the designer from having to integrate the Alfa grill which I think Alfa is still struggling with in the modern era
A Mazda based Alfa wouldn't fit in with FCA's latest videos ending with "Pure Alfa Romeo". Nothing wrong with mating it to the Fiat or Abarth brands.
I would also love to see Fiat (or Alfa) deliver the "Miata coupe" so many people seem to want. They might be able to justify the development costs if they can spread it around different brands.
Thank you Sergio! Maybe there is hope for Alfa Romeo after all.