Mazda and Fiat team up for new roadster

Collaborative efforts aren’t anything new in the car world. Companies have been borrowing bits and pieces from each other for years, but lately it seems as though full blown projects are being split between companies to develop almost identical vehicles. Take Subaru and Toyota, for example. They joined forces to develop the new GT 86/BRZ sports car that carry identical parts with different maker flares. Now Fiat and Mazda are jumping on board the team builder wagon to produce a new small roadster based on Mazda’s next-generation MX-5 rear-wheel-drive architecture.

The two companies will have to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled roadsters and each variant will be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand. Both models will be built at Mazda’s Hiroshima, Japan, plant with production for Alfa Romeo envisaged starting in 2015.

"Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda’s corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as Alfa Romeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognized as the best-selling roadster of all time." said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda’s Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO.

"This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognized leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship." said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.

2013 Mazda RX-9 Coupe

Mazda produced the RX-7 from 1978 to 2002 and, compared to the RX-8, it did very well. Now, after almost ten years, the Japanese company will bring back the RX-7 DNA with the launch of a new sports car called the RX-9. And, however chronologically deficient it may be, the RX-9 is being made as a successor to the RX-7 and not the RX-8. We should be seeing this new model hit the streets as soon as the RX-8 bids adieu to the market.

The RX-9 is rumored to be built in the image of the most recent RX-7, the highly regarded version championed by the legendary "Koby" Kobayakawa, which went out of production in 2002. And, unlike the RX-8, it will be a two-door coupe model and not a complicated four-door coupe. Under the hood, Mazda will place the now famous 16X rotary engine.

Expect an official debut to be made in 2012, with sales to begin in late 2013.

UPDATE 05/25/2011: MotorTrend is reporting that the future Mazda RX-9 sports car will be using hybrid technology borrowed from Toyota, thanks in part to an agreement the automakers signed last year. Apparently Mazda will only use Toyota’s hybrid drive unit as power booster and range extender, but the vehicle’s main power will come from the Mazda-built rotary.

2011 Mazda MX-5 Record Series

Mazda is celebrating their entrance into the Guinness Book of World Records with the launch of the special edition Record Series MX-5. This special edition will be offered in two versions: black (limited to only 120 units) and white (produced exclusively by the Italian branch of the house of Hiroshima).

The Black Record Series model will be powered by a 1.8-liter engine that delivers 126 HP and is paired with five-speed manual gearbox. It will be painted in Sparkling Black combined with a glossy finish for the wheels, chrome handles for the doors and frames, and silver and chrome-ringed fog lamps for the front grille. The interior will get light gray leather and will offer a radio with a CD player and MP3 player, Aux jack, six speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The White Record Series model will get a 2.0 liter engine with 160 HP, paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Its exterior will be painted in a Chrystal White Pearl color which contrasts with the black Recaro leather interior.

This version will be focused on sport, so it will add a sport suspension and limited slip rear differential, while the inside offers a premium Bose audio system with 6 CD charger, seven speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity.