Mazda/Fiat Alliance To Produce A New MX5 Based 124 Spider - Is There That Much Room In The Segment For Another Roadster?

The sister car to the new Mazda MX-5 will be badged as a Fiat, Auto Express can now confirm. It could also revive the 124 Spider name from the past, and a hot Abarth version will follow later in the lifecycle.

Until recently, the Fiat Chrysler Group rear-wheel-drive two-seater was set to wear an Alfa Romeo badge, but a U-turn from CEO Sergio Marchionne meant how the roadster would be branded was up in the air, until now.

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mini22 - 2/11/2015 1:00:01 PM

+1 Boost

Well-I have to admit I'm not a fan of the new Miata's front headlamps. I think if this is Fiat's take on the modern 124 spider it works for me. Yes it is a little retro but has that old Ferrari style grill to it.
I like it. Considering that the 1.4 Multiair turbo will be used in the 124 it should have a decent amount of power over the N/A version of the Mazda 2.0. My only question is this. Will Fiat use the 135 HP version from the 500 turbo or the 160 HP version from the Abarth. If they use the 160 HP version it will be a quicker car then the MX5 and also sound a lot better. I'm on board.

mini22 - 2/11/2015 1:05:44 PM

+1 Boost

Mazda has had the 2 seater convertable sports car all to itself for a long time. I know GM tried compete with it's 2 low priced sports cars. Unfortunately it was a poor execution in quality and their cars were not as fun to drive as the Miata. However this car offers the best of both worlds. Miata lightness and handling coupled with an Italian engine with lots of personality. If the real car is close to this proposed styling buck I think it may outsell the Miata.

MDarringer - 2/11/2015 9:01:36 PM

+1 Boost

If the Fiat Miata has real power the hair dresser/nail girl nothing of a convertible is dead. Sure, have a wheezer version like Mazda makes to hit a price point, but the Miata is BEGGING for 300 horsepower.