Foo - Great Idea or Abomination: The Mazda Alfa

Alfa Romeo is going to launch a new, lightweight Spider in 2015. And it's almost unthinkable that it will be anything other than excellent. How? Because underneath, it will be the next-generation Mazda MX-5. But it will have Alfa's own body styling and engines.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/alfa-romeo-mazda-partnership-new-mx-5-2012-05-23

I'm of two minds on this. It would be great to have a dependable engine and electrics under beautiful Alfa body but then again all the little niggles are part of an Alfa's charm.

While they're at it, bring back the FIAT 124 spyder (make it reasonable dependable this time).

While they're at it, bring back the FIAT 124 spyder (make it reasonable dependable this time).

Do you want a Fiat or not? If you want dependable, then you obviously don't want a Fiat. Next thing you will be asking for an ultra fuel efficient 1 ton Dodge pickup truck with a big diesel.

Not Dodge, GMC/Chev, Please.

I've always thought they could do the same with the Triumph TR series. I loved my 69 TR6, it would have been nice with decent running gear.

Isn't that some kind of blasphemy?

How about a TR4? Would love to have one that worked. One of the prettiest cars to come out of England.

Why can't Alfa build a car that'll run three days in a row?

Why can't Alfa build a car that'll run three days in a row?

Sure they can, it's called putting a Mazda under the body work.

one of our local Lemons race teams did a Miata driveline swap into a Alfa Spider, after grenade-ing 2 (or maybe 3) Alfa Twin Spark engines. so, it's been done before!

I think it could be a great car.

I think that cars should be sort of like Legos. Pick a platform first. 2wd, 4 wd, 4 or 6 or 8 cyl or hybrid or whatever. Then pick the body you want slapped on top of the platform. Would be cool to walk into a place and be able to do that.

Why can't Alfa build a car that'll run three days in a row?

Because it wouldn't be an Alfa then. Unreliability and unpredictability is what makes an Alfa an Alfa and what makes them exciting to drive. You never know when and where it is going to live you stranded.

How about a TR4? Would love to have one that worked. One of the prettiest cars to come out of England.

Why can't Alfa build a car that'll run three days in a row?

I'll take this TR6 with BMW M3 running gear

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triumph-TR6-BMW-M3-Driveline-Nut-Bolt-Frame-Off-Restoration-66Pics-/330719023806?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d0063d2be#ht_75279wt_1202&clk_rvr_id=345911298484&afsrc=1

Because underneath, it will be the next-generation Mazda MX-5. But it will have Alfa's own body styling and engines.Derrrp.

At least it'll handle well while it leaks oil at the shop.

Oh lord, I just noticed what the thing looks like. Ouch.

[edit: Oh, that's a different car. Never mind.]

Somewhere in the Beautiful Cars thread I have a post linking to an MGB GT with Miata insides.

Oh lord, I just noticed what the thing looks like. Ouch.

[edit: Oh, that's a different car. Never mind.]
Did you find an image of it?

[edit: You were editing while I was quoting. Never mind.]

Somewhere in the Beautiful Cars thread I have a post linking to an MGB GT with Miata insides.Still one of my favorite things ever.

The BMWed TR6 above is also bloody brilliant.

Somewhere in the Beautiful Cars thread I have a post linking to an MGB GT with Miata insides.

When the Miata came out everyone said it was a MGB that worked.

I got no problem with it as long as they make another commercial with Catrinel Menghia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpi2IAec9Ho)

I got no problem with it as long as they make another commercial with Catrinel Menghia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpi2IAec9Ho)

+100000000000000