For the first time the camera lens catches a mule of the new 2015 Mazda MX-5 / 2016 Alfa Romeo Spider. The tests started in America and specifically the Chrysler’s Tech Center in Auburn Hills, with the mule wearing the body of the current generation of Mazda MX-5.
From these spy photos one can not draw reliable conclusions about the dimensions of the new models, despite rumors they want to have the same dimensions as those of the current generation of MX-5. Stands the long bonnet, larger doors, a short deck, the largest wheelbase and the wider track.
Both cars will be built on the same rear-wheel drive platform of the Mazda, but we have great differences, since the two models will not have the same design or will be equipped with the same engines. The common elements of the two cars, except for the chassis, will be the two axes, the engine compartment, the bulkhead and the front windshield.
Will have a length close to 4 meters and a width close to 1.7 meters, with the Alfa Romeo Spider be slightly longer than the new MX-5. The Spider will weigh from 1000 to 1100 kg, the body is made of high strength steel.
Both cars will jointly build the factory Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan, with production to start in 2015. The MX-5 will be presented in early 2015 with the Alfa Romeo Spider to be presented in November of that year.
The design of the Spider has almost completed by the team of Marco Tencone the design center of Fiat, Centro Stile, and from the studio of Alfa Romeo in Japan. Will not have retro features like had Pininfarina Alfa Romeo we had seen in 2010, at the Geneva Motor Show. The Tencone wanted to give a modern form of the Spider, as it did at 4C. The Spider will have conventional design luminaries, unlike those of the 4C, which have divided the public. The grille will have a characteristic design of the Alfa Romeo with the front bumper has subtle air intakes, more subtle than those of the bumper 4C.
Under the hood, the two cars will be equipped with different engines. To MX-5 is quite likely to be equipped with a diesel engine, although the Mazda believes that such an engine will add weight to the car, and in her mind there is the thought that you will not make sales wishing since a diesel roadster not something common in the market. However, it is assumed that the MX-5 will wear an air 1.3-liters a 1.6-liters SkyActiv engine performance to 130 hp.
Regarding the model of Alfa Romeo , which will probably be called 2C, would be equipped with 1.4-liters TB and TB MultiAir 1.4-liters company who in Giulietta delivers 120 and 170 horses. However the Spider will yield more horses.
In both cars, the engines can be installed in a longitudinal layout and will be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddles on the steering wheel to move naturally to be sent back wheels.
