We all know that Alfa Romeo is working on a new roadster (that could look like the 2ettottanta concept, shown) that will be based on the new Mazda MX-5 Miata's platform and built by Mazda. This, in and of itself, is a brilliant idea. Alfa Romeo will make it drive, look, and sound like an Alfa, and Mazda will make sure it actually works.
Better yet, rumor has it that Alfa Romeo is considering using the Fiat 500 Abarth's berzerk little 1.4L MultiAir turbo I4 for the roadster. While this engine has been underwhelming in cars that aren't the Abarth, the low weight of the Miata platform should allow it to retain its joie de vivre. If Alfa can get it to sound just like the Abarth, we'll be in love.
160 hp is the order of the day, but we wouldn't be surprised if Alfa Romeo extracted as many as 200 hp out of this mill.
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[via Car & Driver]
