Alfasud, one could literally translate as Southern Alfa, was the result of an Italian government initiative that forced Fiat into opening a factory in southern Italy to give work to the region.
Mmm. A car plant built for political reasons that didn't work out. Now where have I heard that before ? Linwood, Speke, Dunmurry.............
If they made the boat tailed spyder now, they would sell - and I could be tempted. That's the pity. That model may have been the last Alfa with real character. The Suds had it but wow did they rot. I also love the small saloons from the sixties............
It must be really difficult for a car manufacturer to get a return on an affofdable, dedicated sports car. Think of how many makers have tried then discontinued a model (MR2, X19, Spider etc).
Can't think of one from Ford Europe though?
Only a few seem to persevere, Mazda, Merc, BMW. . Seems most stick to converting an existing model.
Having said that - just checking on Alfa and a new spider is due apparently
Last edited by Clipper; 19/07/1306:01 AM. Reason: New Alfa Due
2021 Lapis Blue Plus 6 You know it makes sense! 2016 Carmine Red 991.2 C4S
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.
This promises to be a back to basics lightweight sports car. The sort of thing which Lotus should be building. The Alfa looks great but many I suspect will be more inclined to go for Mazda 'reliability'.
DaveW '05 Red Roadster S1 '16 Yellow (Not the only) Narrow AR GDI Plus 4
There is nothing wrong with Alfa engines and the rest of the drive train will be Mazda. I doubt there will be much difference with electrical and other components, the basic platform is Mazda, and the build quality will be Japanese as they will all be built in the Mazda plant.
Given all of that I doubt there will be any more or less quality problems than the Mazda so it will get down to a matter of choosing the style you want; Japanese or Italian.
This promises to be a back to basics lightweight sports car. The sort of thing which Lotus should be building. The Alfa looks great but many I suspect will be more inclined to go for Mazda 'reliability'.
No, Lotus should be building a V8 mid-engine fixed head 2 seater with a model name beginning with 'E' A bit of a demolition job on the side of your house and down your drive it will go
You know it makes sense! 
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