The answer is always...Fiat?

[Kaido]

http://jalopnik.com/2017-fiat-124-spider-this-is-it-1733363750

Meet the new Fiat 124 Spider, a rebadged & upgraded 2016 Mazda Miata. I really like the styling on the new Miatas, and the new engine options are awesome. Supposedly:

Base engine: Fiat's 1.4L Turbo 4-cylinder @ 180 HP

Abarth engine: Afla Romeo 4C's 1.7L Turbo 4-cylinder @ 240 HP

Kinda looks like they're trying to make it look like an S2000 a bit. At any rate...with either engine, sounds like a LOT of fun!

 

[vi edit]

Nice. A Fiata. Is this going to happen in the US where they sell like 300 Fiats a month?

 

[Kaido]

Nice. A Fiata. Is this going to happen in the US where they sell like 300 Fiats a month?

We'll find out in November at the LA auto show. Supposedly has a six-speed dual-clutch setup in the one in the pics. Should be an interesting little whip!

 

[Leyawiin]

Does have Fiat engines from what I read. So not a complete rebadge. I'd take a Miata and play it safe.

 

[ElFenix]

240 hp in that chassis should be amazing.

 

[unokitty]

I liked the old Fiat Spider that I used to have. (Think it was a 74 or 75...)

Then again, for different reasons, I also liked the Miata that I used to have. (93)

Glad to see that there will be a roadster for those that want a factory turbo.

Relevant trivia question: What was the first car that Steve Jobs bought for himself?
Answer: Fiat 850 coupe with Abarth engine!

Fiat. Think different!
Uno

 

[JulesMaximus]

240 hp in that chassis should be amazing.

:thumbsup: Count me as interested.

 

[LTC8K6]

Why would Mazda do something that could hurt Miata sales?

Even the base Fiata has 25 more horses...

Then again, the Miata doesn't sell that well anymore, apparently.

 

[ElFenix]

Why would Mazda do something that could hurt Miata sales?

Even the base Fiata has 25 more horses...

Then again, the Miata doesn't sell that well anymore, apparently.

other than the first full year it's never been a big seller, apparently.

http://www.miata.net/faq/production/MazdaMX-5_AnnualProduction_CY1988-2006.pdf

fiat probably has better marketing and distribution in europe than mazda could hope to have.

 

[Banana]

Why would Mazda do something that could hurt Miata sales?

Shared development costs? And enough differentiation, hopefully, to minimize cannibalization.

 

[LTC8K6]

Shared development costs? And enough differentiation, hopefully, to minimize cannibalization.

It was already finished...

 

[darkswordsman17]

It looks

It was already finished...

From what I gathered Fiat had a hand in the development. I don't know what that entailed, but I believe without Fiat's help we likely would have gotten a much less interesting update to the Miata (I'd guess the weight reduction would have been much less intensive for instance). I have a hunch the interior is also one of the benefits of the partnership (meaning we would've gotten a more budget rate interior if Mazda went it alone).

I don't think Mazda cares too much about Fiat outpowering them, and in fact I think that played a role in us getting the engines that the put in them. Mazda knew they didn't need a hot turbo or even to try and compete with the FRS' engine as people that want more power will get it in the Fiat version. Plus the Fiat I'm guessing will be more expensive, so it'll be like the BRZ and FRS, only there will actually be a worthwhile reason to choose one over the other in this instance.

FCA better worry that this thing will cannibalize 4C sales. This seems to have a nicer interior and the Abarth version especially will make the performance gap between the two not nearly as large as the price differential. The 4C will be faster around a track but it'll also very probably be less fun around a track. Plus, with the cost savings you could buy some racing slicks and suspension bits if you want more precise handling.

 

[LTC8K6]

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/...mazda-mx-5-platform-for-new-fiat-abarth-model

Looks like it is an all Mazda platform. Alfa was supposed to cooperate on a platform, but did not.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5#Fourth_generation_.28ND.29

 

[thomsbrain]

I'll take the Miata and a Flyin' Miata turbo if I need more power. Pathological inattention to detail and poor engineering and build quality hold zero appeal to me, so I'll steer clear of anything from FCA, even if it shares bones with a better car.

 

[theeedude]

Mazda doesn't really need FIAT's "help."
That rear end is terrible.

 

[Midwayman]

Nice. Fiat is doing what mazda should have done in the first place.

 

[Kaido]

I'll take the Miata and a Flyin' Miata turbo if I need more power. Pathological inattention to detail and poor engineering and build quality hold zero appeal to me, so I'll steer clear of anything from FCA, even if it shares bones with a better car.

Holy crap, 2015 V8 Camaro engine?!

 

[Jumpem]

At least someone is putting some power in it. Mazda really need a 2.3L turbo Mazdaspeed version.