Alfa and Mazda roadster tie-in 18 | 01 | 2013

MAZDA'S NEXT-GENERATION MX-5 will share its platform with a two-seat Alfa Romeo roadster. The Japanese manufacturer, and Fiat Group, have signed a final agreement to co-develop a two-seat roadster.

Though both cars will be based on the next-generation MX-5 platform, the Mazda and Alfa will be completely different in their styling. And Italian bosses are considering reviving the Spider name for its car.

Both though will be built by Mazda at its Hiroshima plant from 2015, and both will be rear-wheel drive.

Mazda MX-5 gets upgrade

However, the cars will each be powered by powerplants from their respective companies.

It's likely the new MX-5 will feature a 1.3-litre turbocharged unit featuring the brand’s SkyActiv technology. If the powerplant gets the green light, it would also shave significant weight from the new car.

The Alfa Romeo meanwhile will, most likely, gain its power from a new version of Italian firm's 1750cc turbocharged engine, capable of 296bhp. Another alternative is a tweaked version of the 168bhp 1.4TB engine already in the Giulietta and Mito.

2013 arrival for Alfa Romeo 4C

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Jim McGill