Huet Brothers working on new Miata-based retro coupe

Does the name Huet ring a bell? The Dutch brothers started out doing classic car tours in Europe before they started designed and building their own retro sports cars. The first was called the Huet Brothers Special. It was based on an old Triumph TR6 and surfaced back in 2009. But a few years later they started showing designs for a new coupe that called for a straight-six engine under a long bonnet with a fastback roofline, and started taking orders. Over the past two and a half years we didn't see anything materialize out of the Huet Brothers' plans, but word out of the Netherlands has it that the design is back on the table.

According to the Autovisie section of Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Tino and Paul Huet were planning on building their coupe on the base of the MX-5 Miata. But now that Mazda is preparing to launch an all-new model, the Huets have decided to wait until next year and build their dream car on the new Skyactiv roadster chassis.

Rather than trying to shoehorn in a bigger engine (or the subsequent diesel model that was set to follow), the Huets are reportedly prepared to stick with Mazda's four-pot, offering it in stock form and various states of upgraded tune.

That would make the HB Coupe the third model - alongside Mazda's own and whatever Fiat decides to do with its end of the bargain - to use the same underpinnings. That is, assuming the Huet Brothers can get the orders it needs to restart development production. So far they say they've got 21 orders on the books, but need 40 to get started.
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Takashi Yamanouchi to retire as Mazda chairman

Takashi Yamanouchi has been with Mazda for a long time. He signed on with the Japanese automaker in April 1967 - one month after graduating from Keio University - and rose through the ranks over the years. By 1996 he was named to the company's board of directors. In 2008 he was named president and CEO, an office he held until 2013, after which he handed over the day-to-day reins to Masamichi Kogai and took up the seat at the head of the board room to serve as the company's chairman. But now, after 47 years working for Mazda, Yamanouchi-san is retiring at the age of 69.

During his tenure as CEO and then as chairman, Yamanouchi was credited with growing Mazda's business despite unfavorable fluctuations in exchange rates, opening the company's first plant in Mexico, and spearheading the development of Mazda's Skyactiv technologies and Kodo design language.

In his place, current vice chairman Seita Kanai will take over as chairman. The changing of the guard will take place after the annual shareholders' meeting on June 24.
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Takashi Yamanouchi to retire as Mazda chairman

Takashi Yamanouchi has been with Mazda for a long time. He signed on with the Japanese automaker in April 1967 - one month after graduating from Keio University - and rose through the ranks over the years. By 1996 he was named to the company's board of directors. In 2008 he was named president and CEO, an office he held until 2013, after which he handed over the day-to-day reins to Masamichi Kogai and took up the seat at the head of the board room to serve as the company's chairman. But now, after 47 years working for Mazda, Yamanouchi-san is retiring at the age of 69.

During his tenure as CEO and then as chairman, Yamanouchi was credited with growing Mazda's business despite unfavorable fluctuations in exchange rates, opening the company's first plant in Mexico, and spearheading the development of Mazda's Skyactiv technologies and Kodo design language.

In his place, current vice chairman Seita Kanai will take over as chairman. The changing of the guard will take place after the annual shareholders' meeting on June 24.
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Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata

Although a little bit later than expected, Mazda and Fiat have signed a final agreement that will bring a next-generation MX-5 Miata to the Japanese automaker and a new roadster to Alfa Romeo. When the proposed arrangement was announced back in May, the two automakers had hoped to seal the deal last year, but it doesn't appear that the production timeline for these cars has slipped any, with both expected to start rolling off assembly lines in 2015.

Other than a shared chassis with a rear-wheel-drive layout, it sounds like the two cars are still planned to be distinct in their own ways from their styling right down to their engines. Mazda will produce both cars at a plant in Hiroshima, Japan, but it isn't clear what role each automaker will play in the cars' developmental process. The big question, of course, is what clever portmanteau name we can come up with, like Toyobaru. Mazda Romeo is the easy choice, but Alfazda might roll off the tongue a little better.

Mazda and Fiat Sign Agreement for New Alfa Romeo Roadster

Further to the joint announcement of May 23, 2012, Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) and Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. (Fiat) announced today the signing of the Final Agreement which will see Mazda produce an open-top two-seater sports car for Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand at its Hiroshima, Japan, plant starting from 2015.

The new Alfa Romeo roadster will be developed for the global market, and will be based on the architecture of the next generation Mazda MX-5. The agreement foresees for both Mazda and Fiat to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand.

Through this contractual agreement, Mazda aims to enhance development and production efficiency and revitalize enthusiasm for open-top two-seater sports cars around the world. For Fiat, this collaboration will permit the company to deliver a modern interpretation of the classic Alfa Romeo roadster utilizing the latest technical solutions, helping Alfa Romeo to achieve its stated goals by 2016.

Turin/Hiroshima, January 18, 2013

News Source: Fiat, Mazda

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[Official] Mazda3, CX-5 earn IIHS Top Safety Picks

Mazda technologies like SkyActiv-Body and SkyActiv-Chassis, plus ultra-high-tensile steel, six airbags, "crusable" brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column have helped the 2013 Mazda3 and 2014 Mazda CX-5 win Top Safety Pick laurels from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It's the second year in a row for the Mazda3.

The accolade is earned by receiving "Good" marks for frontal moderate overlap crashes, side and rear impact crashes, and tests of roof strength. Remember, the small overlap test that the IIHS commenced in August 2012 has lately tripped up some makers who have excellent safety reputations.

The Mazda3 and CX-5 join offerings like the Dodge Dart, Hyundai Elantra, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Subaru Forester among the 117 vehicles so far declared Top Safety Picks – which is different than the 13 named Top Safety Picks+, mind you – for this year.

2013 MAZDA3 AND 2014 MAZDA CX-5 NAMED 'TOP SAFETY PICK' BY INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY
- Mazda's Best-Selling Vehicles Receive High Honors for Safety from IIHS -

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2013 Mazda3 and the 2014 Mazda CX-5 were just recognized as a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles received the organization's highest possible crash safety rating of "Good" in all frontal moderate overlap, side, rear impact, and roof strength tests."

"The Mazda3 and the CX-5 are two very important vehicles for Mazda and our customers," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Both of these vehicles are outstanding performers on the road and it is only fitting that they perform at a high standard when it comes to safety. Receiving the 'Top Safety Pick' distinction is a testament to Mazda's dedication to building vehicles that will keep their occupants safe and sound."

Vehicles receive ratings based on results from the Institute's evaluations on front, side and rear impact crash tests as well as a roof strength test, which measures occupant protection in the event of a rollover. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion specific to each crash angle and the injury on crash test dummies positioned within the vehicles at the time of collision.

All 2014 CX-5 vehicles feature the full suite SKYACTIV®1 technologies. The SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis help to contribute to a rigid and quiet ride. Additionally, both of these design elements also contribute to CX-5's reinforced structure, which works best to absorb impacts and not transfer that energy to its occupants. SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis incorporate a high amount of high-tensile steel (more than 60 percent), which saves weight and gives CX-5 more strength. CX-5 was also the first production vehicle to utilize 1,800MPa ultra-high tensile steel, which are utilized in the front and rear bumper beams, and results in parts that are 20 percent stronger and 10.6 pounds lighter than previous generation bumpers.

Mazda3, the first vehicle to receive SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, features SKYACTIV components with its engine and transmissions. Mazda3 was also named a "Top Safety Pick" for the 2012 model year.

Standard safety equipment on both the 2013 Mazda3 and the 2014 CX-5 includes six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side-curtain), four wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) combined with a Traction Control System (TCS), a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a "crushable" brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column, side-impact door beams, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). Available options include a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling bi-xenon headlamps.

Founded in 1959, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent, non-profit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage that result from crashes on the nation's highways and roads. The Institute, along with affiliate the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), supports highway safety efforts and accident prevention through vehicle crash safety tests as well as consumer education, such as driver behavior and roadway designs. For more information, visit www.iihs.org.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

1 SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

News Source: Mazda

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Mazda6 Skyactiv-D Racecar ready to bring diesel to Grand-Am

It may not be quite as radical as some of the company's past rotary racers, but the new Mazda6 Skyactiv-D racecar does have a notable powertrain underhood: the automaker's brand-new clean diesel four-cylinder engine.

Three of these new diesel-powered Mazda6 racers will take to the track in the Grand-Am GX class of the upcoming 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 26, with five drivers on each team. The car you see above, number 70, is sponsored by Mazda's longtime motorsports partner, SpeedSource.

MAZDA MOTORSPORTS ANNOUNCES MAZDA6 SKYACTIV CLEAN-DIESEL TEAM AND DRIVER LINEUP FOR 2013 ROLEX 24

MAZDASPEED Ladder and Mazda Road to Indy Racers Promoted

Team SKYACTIV-D Mazda6 for Daytona

January 4, 2013 (DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.). Mazda Motorsports today announced team and driver line-ups for the 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona, where the manufacturer will be seeking its 24th class win at the most famous endurance race in America. Mazda teams will be racing in an all-new Mazda6, powered by the all-new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine, in the new GRAND-AM GX class.

"We're thrilled to be starting a new chapter of Mazda Motorsports history with the race debut of our all-new Mazda6 racecar, powered by our all-new production based SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine. Our long-time engineering partner, SpeedSource, has led the technical development of the program in hand with Mazda engineers in Japan and the U.S.," noted John Doonan, motorsports director, Mazda North American Operations. "SpeedSource will be joined in Daytona by Freedom Autosport and VISIT FLORIDA Racing/SpeedSource/Yellow Dragon Racing. Our driver line-ups include a talented mix of young guns and veterans, all of whom are from the extended Mazda family."

SpeedSource #70: Jonathan Bomarito, Marino Franchitti, James Hinchcliffe, Tom Long and Sylvain Tremblay. Tom Long joins the 2012 SpeedSource Rolex 24 GT driver line-up.

VISIT FLORIDA Racing/SpeedSource/Yellow Dragon #00: Joel Miller, Tristan Nunez, Spencer Pigot, Yojiro Terada, and Tristan Vautier. Terada is of course the veteran Mazda racer who has competed in more than two dozen 24 Hours of Le Mans races. The others are all racers who have won championships within the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Ladder and the Mazda Road to Indy.

Freedom Autosport #25: Andrew Carbonell, Tom Long, Rhett O'Doski, and Derek Whitis. Freedom Autosport has been a winning team in the Continental Tire Challenge with Mazda. They are moving up as a complete team.

The first of the cars will make its public debut at the "Roar Before the 24" test session at the Daytona International Speedway on January 4-6, 2013.

The #70 car will also be at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Rolex 24 Hour race is January 26-27, 2013. Teams and driver pairings for the complete 2013 Rolex GRAND-AM full-season will be announced at a later date.

Farewell and Thank You to Dempsey Racing and Team Sahlen's

While Mazda welcomes Freedom Autosport and Yellow Dragon Racing to the Mazda6 family, two other teams are going elsewhere in 2013.

"We want to thank everyone at Dempsey Racing and Team Sahlen's for racing with Mazda these past few years. Both teams contributed greatly to Mazda's success in the GRAND-AM series, highlighted by our Manufacturers GT Championship in 2010. Both teams scored GT-class race wins," noted John Doonan. "We wish everyone at Dempsey Racing and Team Sahlen's great success in 2013, and we part as friends. We may still collaborate on future programs in the years ahead, and we'll always welcome them back to the Mazda family, should it make sense for both of us."

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Lucky Buyer Wins Free All-New Mazda6 Tourer in UK

 

One very lucky family in the UK is the lucky winner of a brand new £22,525 Mazda6 SE-L Tourer which was pre-ordered in December last year. The lucky person is Mr Kelly Moses from Wilmslow, a 45-year old buyer who got the very car he configured last year free of charge as part of a competition.

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Mazda's new Mexican plant capacity rises to 230,000

After the turmoil of last year, 2013 is getting off to a much better start for Mazda. The company has issued a release indicating that the forthcoming plant in Salamanca, Mexico has had its production capacity raised even though it isn't scheduled to go online until March 2014. The original plans called for a 140,000-unit capacity, 90,000 of that allotted for the Mazda2 and Mazda3, the remaining 50,000 for a small car Mazda would build for Toyota that would be based on the Mazda2. The new plans call for raising that by 90,000 units to a total of 230,000 units within two years, by the end of March 2016, and it looks like it will all go toward Mazda production to satisfy growing demand for Skyactiv vehciles. The Mexican plant's opening will be the return of Mazda manufacturing to North America, after Mazda6 production was moved back to Japan last year.

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Mazda6 diesel to race at Rolex 24, team and drivers announced

Mazda is getting serious about showing off the Skyactiv-D turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine in the Mazda6. The automaker has just announced it will campaign three diesel Mazda6 racers in the Grand-Am GX class of the upcoming 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona in a quest to walk away with the company's 24th class win. Mazda partnered with SpeedSource to develop the race version of the new sedan, with Japanese and American engineers lending a helping hand where needed. Meanwhile, Freedom Autosport and Visit Florida Racing/SpeedSource/Yellow Dragon Racing will helm teams of their own.

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2013 Buick Enclave Commercial: Landing

Mazda’s yet to be finished new factory in Salamanca, Mexico, will not be pushing out cars until March 2014. Yet the car company has announced it will boost production capacity from 140,000 units to 230,000 units by March of 2016.

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All-New 2014 Mazda6 Goes On Sale in US, Returns Up to 38 MPG

As of the beginning of this year, the all-new 2014 Mazda6 sedan has gone on sale in the US market, starting from as low as $20,880 (pricing not including the $795 destination charge). So all in all, the car starts from $21,675, which is a $155 increase over last year, but still very competitive.

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Mazda CX-3 Crossover Rendering

Mazda’s CX-5 crossover became an instant hit, thanks to its efficient SKYACTIV engines and transmission and cool styling. However, this model is something other than what we expected. While it does fit under the CX-9 in the range, it’s also quite big, bigger than a VW Tiguan for example.

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Mazda RX-8 Blacknightz Coupe Project by Shawnz

As a young student from Singapore, Shawnz had limited funds and time to complete the car of his dreams. His goal was to create a completely unique RX-8 Coupe with a sleek design that will stand out from the crowd.

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Tuned Mazda6 Trio Heading to Tokyo Auto Salon

Japanese carmaker Mazda is heading to the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon next month with three really cool versions of the new ‘6’ sedan and wagon.

The first of the three tuning concepts is the Mazda6 Racer that is based on the six-speed manual sedan. It and the Mazda6 Wagon Grand Touring are fitted with an aggressive body kit with sporty black accent peaces for the lower bumpers and side skirts.

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Mazda Wankel Rumored to Become Hydrogen-Powered Range Extender

Mazda have been using the Wankel rotary engine since the 1960s and have steadily improved the concept over the past five decades, having used it in racing and road cars with varying degrees of success. It does, however, have a problem: it uses way too much fuel for what it can offer, regardless of how clever and different it may be. For instance, in its latest application, in the Mazda RX-8, the engine used up around 16 - 17 l/100km (17.5 - 16.5 UK mpg) in town - really poor number compared to most other cars out there.

They have stuck with it, though, and there may be a brighter future for it, if reports that it will be used as a hydrogen-powered range extender for a yet-unknown hybrid which, according to justauto.com, will have limited availability as a lease, in 2013. President of Mazda, Takashi Yamanouchi is very confident in the Wankel, sating very clearly that they “should be able to make the most of the rotary engine’s advantages, such as the ease of making it compact and safe”.

Mazda need to move quickly, in the ever changing automotive market of the world, which under ‘threat’ from the EV may leave some manufacturers without a customer base if they can’t offer competitive fuel-sippling (or preferably non-fuel-sipping) alternatives. The Japanese automaker reported losses of €1- ($1.3-) billion last year which they plan to turn into a €95- ($125-) million profit by the end of the fiscal year 2012. We have not lost faith in Mazda, as with their recent Fiat partnership and their Skyactiv program, they may have a few tricks still left to pull and we’re eager to find out what they are.

Via thetruthaboutcars.com

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Mazda debuts supercharged MX-5 Miata Yusho concept in Leipzig

Mazda has unveiled a pair of special MX-5 Miata models just for the 2012 Leipzig Motor Show, including a supercharged version of everyone's favorite roadster. For the latter showcar, dubbed "Yusho," Mazda has turned to our friends at Flyin' Miata for a supercharger kit to boost the machine's grunt to around 241 horsepower. As you may recall, that's the same blower that powered our Targa Newfoundland racer. Mazda also threw in a new engine management system paired with a set of new fuel injectors and a free-flowing exhaust. The powerplant also benefits from beefier Cosworth pistons and connecting rods, while a sport clutch handles dumping all that power onto the six-speed manual gearbox.

A set of 4.10 gears in the rear differential also helps the Yusho sprint from corner to corner. With a set of Bilstein shocks, Eibach lowering springs and semi-slick Toyo tires, this is likely the most fun you can have with your top down. While the Yusho is merely a concept, Mazda is also debuting a limited-production special edition MX-5 Miata as well.

At Just 200 units, the Senshu MX-5 Roadster Coupe comes with a retractable hard top, sportline interior and a Bilstein sports suspension. Designers applied a unique racing stripe, and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels give the machine a little more menace. Mazda will only produce 200 of the Senshu Miata models, and each one will cost European buyers €1,280 – about $1,600 USD – over the base price.

Via: Mazda

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Supercharged Mazda MX-5 Yusho Concept Unveiled in Leipzig

 

This year’s AMI Motor Show in Leipzig, Germany, was the venue where Mazda revealed their rather excellent, supercharged MX-5 Yusho.

With ‘yusho’ meaning ‘victory’ in Japanese, it’s pretty clear what Mazda have planned for the MX-5’s future. Having only 160hp, the current MX-5 2.0-liter car is known for being a great handling machine. Sadly, some keen drivers have complained that the chassis is so capable that it could handle considerably more power.

Well, their prayers have been answered, as the Yusho has a supercharger strapped on top of the 2.0-liter engine. It boosts power to 240hp and torque to 274Nm (202 lb-ft), figures which are achieved with additional mods, apart from force-feeding the engine, as Mazda engineers have also fitted the car with Cosworth pistons and a sports exhaust.

Frankly, this is the car the MX-5 should have been all along, and with an easy sub-six second time to 100km/h (62mph) and a top speed of 240km/h (148mph), Mazda would be foolish not to put it into production, yesterday!

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Mazda to axe 25% of jobs in U.S. and Europe

Automotive News Europe reports that struggling Japanese automaker Mazda is set to cut a total of 250 jobs in the U.S. and Europe. The cuts, originally reported by Japan's Nikkei, come as part of new reorganization efforts and represent 25 percent of the company's staff in both markets. Mazda has registered losses for the past four years due in part to slow sales and a stronger yen. As a result, the company is looking to tighten its belt around the world.

Mazda will slim its workforce to under 200 workers at a subsidiary in Germany, while the manufacturer's sales staff in California and Michigan will fall to around 550 employees. The news comes on the heels of a buyout last month that saw 107 U.S. employees leave voluntarily. Currently, Mazda has no plans to cut its Japanese workforce, though some reorganization may take place on the home front in the coming months. Those efforts are largely expected to consist of moving workers from satellite offices in Tokyo and Osaka to the home base in Hiroshima. 

Via: Automotive News Europe - sub req.

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Ram pickup leads group of Most Dangerous Cars In America

Take a vehicle's Insurance Institute for Highway Safety score, throw it into a data pot that includes Consumer Reports ratings, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash safety results and J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study numbers, mix thoroughly, then pour out the most dangerous vehicle on the road today: The Ram pickup truck.

The website 24/7 Wall St. created this analysis to reveal the models with consistent quality problems and poor safety scores. All of the vehicles scored poorly in one area or another in crash testing, typically side or rear impact tests. They all scored badly in rollover testing, except the Jeep Wrangler.

In order, the best of the worst are:

1. Dodge Ram
2. Chevrolet Colorado Super Cab
3. Mazda CX-7
4. Mazda CX-9
5. Nissan Pathfinder
6. Jeep Wrangler
7. Suzuki SX4

And while the data may speak volumes, it doesn't translate into poor sales, 24/7 Wall St. noted. "In fact, sales of all models are up from last year," the site stated.

24/7 Wall St. did not reveal the safest vehicles on the road today using the same data, but all it has to do is turn its list upside down. 

Via: 24/7 Wall St. via The Truth About Cars

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Mazda-Built Alfa Romeo Spider Coming to US in 2015

With a history filled by motor racing, you’d think that all Alfa Romeos were driver’s cars with an engine in the front and a gearbox at the back, over the driving wheels. But no, the Mito and Giulietta are both FWD, and so will the Giulia sedan based on the Dodge Dart platform.

The 4C sportscar is basically being pushed back further and further, as Fiat is strapped for cash to put all its plans into action. The only hope right now is the memorandum of understanding between Japanese automaker Mazda and Fiat Group.

Final details have yet to be clarified, but Alfa Romeo is likely to design the car, while Mazda will build it in Hiroshima, Japan. The fourth-generation MX-5 will be the first to arrive in 2013, while the Alfa Romeo version will spearhead a US offensive three years from now in 2015, according to AutoNews.

The Spider sounds exciting on pater, with Japanese build quality and European styling. But will US consumers really put up with a 3 year wait for a re-badged Japanese import?

However, the 2010 Duettottanta concept built by Pininfarina a few years back should excite Alfa fans into a waiting frenzy. 

Via: autoevolution

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