Mazda to share MX-5 with Alfa Romeo

Mazda made no secret it would share SKYACTIV technology with other companies, but no one expected that to mean its iconic MX-5 would also be offered as part of the package.

Yet that's the latest news out of Hiroshima: Mazda and Fiat have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an Alfa Romeo sports car based on the new generation of MX-5.

At this preliminary stage, Mazda and Fiat's feasibility study, argues in favour of the new Alfa being distinctly different from the MX-5 donor, according to a press release issued today. Both cars will have the basic platform in common, meaning Alfa Romeo will have a rear-drive, two-seat sports car to offer buyers for the first time since the demise of the Pininfarina-styled '105' model in 1993. 

Both the Mazda and its Alfa variant will be built in Hiroshima for world markets, although the Alfa Romeo will be powered by its own bespoke engine. Production will commence in 2015.

“Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda’s corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as Alfa Romeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognized as the best-selling roadster of all time,” said Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi.

“This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognized leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship,” said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.

As a follow-up to the MoU, the two companies will sign a final agreement in the second half of this year. And both parties plan to discuss further collaborative opportunities in Europe.

The synergies are plain to see. Mazda gains a further outlet for sales growth in the short term and Fiat can begin rebuilding the Alfa Romeo brand with the sort of car that Alfisti despaired of ever seeing again from the Milanese company — and at a relatively low cost and with a strong product as a starting point.

And if the Alfa looks anything like the concept car pictured, we won't be complaining...

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