Rather than being sold as an Alfa Romeo as originally planned, a new sports car developed in collaboration with Mazda may be sold as a Fiat, or possibly even an Abarth model.
Alfa Romeo was supposed to get the Japan-built roadster at the start of next year, but now product planners from both Mazda and Alfa’s parent company, Fiat, plan to meet soon to discuss this badge change on the car. On the Mazda end, this project will spawn the new MX-5 Miata.
Fiat-Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne told reporters that no Alfa Romeos would ever be built outside of Italy, essentially squashing plans for the Mazda-built car to be sold as an Alfa. Sources inside Fiat told Automotive News Europe that walking away from the deal now would be extremely costly for Fiat, so finding a solution is imperative.
The lightweight roadster will be powered by a small 1.4-liter turbo-gasoline engine, essentially ruling out the Ferrari or Maserati brands from taking the car. That leaves Fiat or Abarth. ”Abarth really makes sense for a lightweight, small displacement, high-output two-seat roadster, which perfectly fits the brand’s DNA,” an inside source told Automotive News Europe.
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[Source: Automotive News Europe]
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