Mazda-Built Alfa Romeo Spider Coming to US in 2015

With a history filled by motor racing, you’d think that all Alfa Romeos were driver’s cars with an engine in the front and a gearbox at the back, over the driving wheels. But no, the Mito and Giulietta are both FWD, and so will the Giulia sedan based on the Dodge Dart platform.

The 4C sportscar is basically being pushed back further and further, as Fiat is strapped for cash to put all its plans into action. The only hope right now is the memorandum of understanding between Japanese automaker Mazda and Fiat Group.

Final details have yet to be clarified, but Alfa Romeo is likely to design the car, while Mazda will build it in Hiroshima, Japan. The fourth-generation MX-5 will be the first to arrive in 2013, while the Alfa Romeo version will spearhead a US offensive three years from now in 2015, according to AutoNews.

The Spider sounds exciting on pater, with Japanese build quality and European styling. But will US consumers really put up with a 3 year wait for a re-badged Japanese import?

However, the 2010 Duettottanta concept built by Pininfarina a few years back should excite Alfa fans into a waiting frenzy.