Mazda, Alfa Romeo Roadster Prototype Spied Testing
This upcoming car ought to deliver the driving fun and reliability of a Miata with the style and passion of an Italian exotic. And here she is, in all of her crudity, complete with miss-fitting panels and other curious add-ons. This tester of the Mazda-Romeo/MX-Cinque/MiAlfa is clearly based on the MX-5 but it seems longer and wider than today’s car with a greater dash-to-axle ratio, which should result in more interior space. There are certainly numerous other changes in places you can’t see.
The shared architecture on which these roadsters will be built is rear-wheel drive. Each car is expected to feature unique design, which is not unexpected, though they will still have those classic roadster proportions meaning a long hood and short rear end.
SEE ALSO: Mazda and Alfa-Romeo Finalize Partnership
The powertrain(s) that will motivate this fun-loving duet is still unknown at this point, but the two companies could end up sharing some of Mazda’s Skyactiv technology, meaning they’ll be efficient and enjoyable.
It’s widely expected that these vehicles will enter production sometime in 2015 and will be built in Hiroshima, Japan. The Mazda version of the car should hit the market first, followed by the Alfa six months or a year later.
GALLERY: Mazda-Romeo/MX-Cinque/MiAlfa Spy Shots
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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