Mazda & Fiat's New Collaboration

In what seems like the most unlikely partnership in the history of partnerships, Mazda and Alfa Romeo (part of Fiat) will come together to develop a compact, rear wheel drive sports car.

This is just a random rendering of the next Miata. Don't take it too seriously.

Now, this actually makes sense for both car companies; they aren't stupid. From the time Ford got rid of Mazda, it has been running out of money for new cars and such. Fiat, in the midst of the European financial disaster, is also in need for somewhere to spare some cash. Alfa Romeo also has a long history of small, rear wheel drive sports cars, and is making use of this opportunity to continue that legacy.

For Mazda, the car in question will be the next generation Miata, which is expected to arrive to the world mid-2014. Alfa Romeo hasn't named its Spider predecessor yet, but these tow cars will have separate designs, and separate engines. For Mazda, expect a SkyActiv engine. The Alfa Romeo might employ a small turbo four.

Production is going to take place in Hiroshima, Japan for both vehicles. The Alfa Romeo should go on sale a bit later than the Miata, in 2015.

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From the Passenger's Seat

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