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http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/m...next-gen-mx-5/
Quote:
The next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata will have a sibling, but it won't be a Mazda, it will be an Alfa Romeo. The Japanese automaker has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Alfa parent Fiat to co-develop a roadster based on the MX-5 platform that is expected to see production in Mazda's Hiroshima factory, with the Alfa version coming in 2015.
I don't see what's in it for Mazda.
This:Quote:
Originally Posted by Nails
Quote:
The link-up is excellent news for Mazda, the small, independent company searching for just these kinds of "technology and product development alliances" to help rescue it from years of losses, and supporting CEO Takashi Yamanouchi's assertion that it's "partner or die."
It will take them some time to redesign the front of the MX5 to put an Alfa Nose on top of the happy smile grill.
See what Alfa's front grill looks like.
http://www.alfaromeo.com/com/#/home
Quote:
Originally Posted by general default
Nobody said it would be easy!!!
I thought the ND is almost ready to go!? With several roadsters from the competitions coming soon, Mazda better not be the last one to show up for the party! Partnering with Alfa will just cannibalize MX5 sales in Europe!
1.2 billion divided by 701 employees is a little more than 1,711,840 per employee. Seems like a new CEO and CFO are in order to me if they think layoffs are the answer. They need new marketing, design, and customer service.
And if they partner with Fiat they will not only get none of that but they will lose quality control too.
I think its a good thing. A partnership with Alfa will help maintain demand for the Miata-platform. The alfa will use one of the Fiat-family engines, so that provides a reason for Mazda to offer a better motor.
From what I've seen of the Abarth and other 500's, Fiat is making decent stuff these days.
I think the benefit for Mazda is remaining a relevant player in all markets, and some development $$ from Fiat on this project. That might free-up some $$ for rotary and RX-? development.
Alfa is a tiny niche. Fiat is crap. The euro is on the brink. And fuel efficient rotary is a pipe dream.
Sunshine and lollipops!
But an Alpha Romeo version would be a lot less of a Girly car!
Just so long as the shifter is on the transmission tunnel, not sticking straight out of the dash.
http://assets.hemmings.com/uimage/10...00-0.jpg?rev=1
http://bloodofkittens.com/rantinemin...n_my_pants.jpgQuote:
Originally Posted by Rogue
Well, that's certainly better than this
:Attachment 5718
I'd drive it with different wheels.
http://www.cartalk.com/content/miata...ing-alfa-romeo
An other take on the same topic, but with a picture.
Check out the video at the bottom for proper hand position on the wheel while driving.
Here's some more artist renderings.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-c...a-romeo-spyder
But when you read the article it doesn't look like the Alfa and Miata share anything other than the paint color.
The Alfa looks more like a Miata than the Miata in those pics... ugh.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nails
That was my first reaction to.. the Alfa reminded me of an NA.Quote:
Originally Posted by MadMonkey
Then again maybe not....
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/03/03/f...n-poll-report/
Rats! I was definitely going to possibly buy one, maybe.
I wonder how much of a financial blow that is for Mazda? I also wonder if it will change the 2015 introduction of the ND. That's like Alfa inviting Mazda to the prom only to be told a month out they changed their mind. Obnoxious Italians!
This is a good thing.
Shaddap You Face. ::Banana::Quote:
Originally Posted by black roadster
I think a very good thing. Mazda's vision of what a lightweight roadster should be is so much purer. I'll bet some of the weight gain on the ND has been to accomodate styling for the Italians.
Big mistake for the Italians though.
The same could be said about joining Germany in WWII.Quote:
Originally Posted by hornetball
Perhaps Mazda should buy the Alpha design and make/sale themselves w/o the Italian messing up the build. I will buy the red one in the picture!