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Why does one of the cars above have an Alfa grille? When we originally published this piece in our magazine, Fiat-Chrysler's version of the next Mazda Miata was slated to go to that brand; the latest intelligence suggests that Fiat or Abarth will get the car instead, with the latter being the frontrunner. Either way, there's some precedent for this Italo-Japanese mash-up. Back in the 1960s, young Mazda hired Italians, such as Giorgetto Giugiaro, to design a few cars. Remember the Mazda Luce (LOO-chay)? No? Well, a quarter century after the first Mazda MX-5 Miata dropped from heaven, the fourth generation will arrive on a platform shared with the new Fiat/Abarth Spider. The deal works for both parties: Mazda does the bulk of the engineering, builds the cars, and enjoys the economies of scale, while Fiat-Chrysler finally gets a new roadster.
The next Miata/Spider is built on a Mazda-developed front-engine, rear-drive platform that makes ample use of Mazda's parts bin. The Miata will come with fuel-efficient Skyactiv four-cylinder engines. Top-of-the-line versions will make around 200 horsepower, and a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission will be standard.
The Spider, by contrast, likely will be fitted with either a 1.4-liter turbo four shared with the Fiat 500 Abarth or a version of the 1.7-liter turbocharged four from the Alfa Romeo 4C. Expect the Fiat/Abarth to use a dual-clutch automatic.
Prices for the Mazda should start in the mid-$20,000 range, with its Italianate sibling commanding a premium. And while the Miata will be a continuation of a successful and fascinating heritage, its sister model will start anew, benefiting from Mazda's engineering and manufacturing expertise.
See, and you're always complaining that the media only reports bad news.
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