A Long-Awaited Rear-Wheel Drive for Alfa Romeo

According to the announcement, Mazda and Fiat have agreed to commence discussions with the objective of jointly developing and producing a lightweight, open-top, two-seater sports car based on the rear-wheel-drive architecture of the upcoming Mazda "Roadster," for Alfa Romeo, a brand under the Fiat umbrella.

The vehicles from both companies are envisioned to be produced at Mazda's headquarters plant in Hiroshima, with clear distinctions reflecting the unique brand characteristics of both Mazda and Alfa Romeo. Notably, each brand will feature its own distinct engine. Production of the Alfa Romeo version is being considered for a start in 2015.

Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's Representative Director, Chairman, President, and CEO, commented, "Building alliances in the areas of technology and product development is one of the activities based on our management strategy, and this announcement with Fiat marks a significant step. The 'Mazda Roadster' in particular is the best-selling open-top, two-seater sports car globally and symbolizes the Mazda brand. We hold great expectations for the opportunity to collaborate with Alfa Romeo, a pioneer in open-top, two-seater sports cars, based on the next-generation 'Roadster.'"


Meanwhile, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne also released a welcoming statement: "This agreement represents our commitment to the Alfa Romeo brand and our determination to develop Alfa Romeo into a truly global brand. Mazda is widely recognized as a leader in compact, rear-wheel-drive open-top sports cars, and by collaborating with them, we will create an exciting and stylish open-top, two-seater sports car in the tradition of Alfa Romeo. We are grateful for this opportunity to work with Mazda and look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship."

From the Alfa Romeo "1600 Spider Duetto," born in 1966 as an open-top version of the "Giulia," Alfa Romeo's beautiful open-top, two-seater sports cars have been cherished worldwide. However, since the production of the "RZ," the successor to the "SZ," ended in 1993, and excluding the "8C Competizione" and "8C Spider" super sports cars produced in a limited run of 500 units in 2006, rear-wheel-drive models had been absent for a considerable time. Depending on the outcome of discussions with Mazda, it appears that a two-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports car may soon emerge from the Alfa Romeo brand after a long hiatus.

Furthermore, Mazda and Fiat have also agreed to hold discussions regarding potential collaboration in Europe.