Mazda MX-5 with a taste of Alfa Romeo

Sometimes the car world surprises us like this: overnight and without warning, Alfa Romeo and Mazda are partners. Both brands have signed a agreement for the development and production of a new rear-wheel-drive roadster for the Mazda and Alfa Romeo brands, based on the next generation of the Mazda MX-5.

The study is set to develop, for both Mazda and Fiat, two vehicles that are clearly differentiated between the two brands, while also being iconic and specific within the lightweight rear-wheel-drive vehicle category. The Alfa Romeo and Mazda variants will feature brand-specific engines, and both models will be produced at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant in Japan, starting in 2015.

Now, the MX-5 is the model Alfa Romeo should have had for a long time. Over the years, the Italian brand has let the two-seaters that have always defined it fall somewhat by the wayside (although it has kept the Spider, which is far removed from the originals) and has moved into more elaborate models that have not been well received recently.

While the final agreement will be signed at the end of the year, Marchionne has so far communicated the following: This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and our determination to grow into a global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will cooperate with the leader in compact rear-wheel-drive vehicles to add a stylish vehicle to the Alfa Romeo tradition. We deeply appreciate this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining an ongoing and fruitful relationship. By the way, perhaps in time, Alfa Romeo will also receive cooperation from Mazda for the models sold in Europe.

Source | Fiat Group Automobiles Spain