Photo: CarPix
Start the epic music mix, because we are looking at the most exciting Fiat model in recent memory. It's not 100% Italian, but we don't mind the fact that some of the ingredients come from Japan. Yes, it's the Fiat 124 Spider, also known as the 2016 Mazda Miata's twin brother from another mother.
With fall here and mornings getting colder, we won't get to enjoy the new Fiat 124 very much in 2015. However, we won't even be mad if they decide to debut it at the Los Angeles Auto Show, as the rumors seem to suggest.
Fiat-Chrysler engineers also know that the sunny days are almost over, and they thus decided to take a leisurely stroll through the countryside and see if the 124 Spider has any more mechanical flaws.
What's more the roof on the 124 Spider is operated by hand, but since everything is within the reach of the driver, that isn't really much of a problem. The general proportions are identical to those of the Mazda model, but we can see humps over the wheels are less pronounced, and the mirrors are rounded.
Originally, the Spider was supposed to become an Alfa Romeo, but company officials decided to make it a Fiat instead. That's a big bummer for Alfa's future US market ambitions and awesome news for Fiat USA dealers bored of selling 500s.
The engine details remain unconfirmed, but Fiat doesn't have that many powerful yet light units it can use. One option would be to keep Mazda's 2-liter Skyactiv unit, but a 1.4-liter turbo is also possible. Rumors place a 1,750cc turbo under the hood of a future Abarth version.
The LA Auto Show starts in November, and we can't wait to see what the Fiat 124 Spider will cost and if the Italians found any ways to improve on perfection.
Fiat-Chrysler engineers also know that the sunny days are almost over, and they thus decided to take a leisurely stroll through the countryside and see if the 124 Spider has any more mechanical flaws.
Check the manually operated roof!
While folding metal roofs make convertibles look all sleek and sexy, Mazda chose not to offer one on the fourth-generation MX-5. Weight is the enemy of fun and sweet handling, so Fiat decided to stick with the same setup.What's more the roof on the 124 Spider is operated by hand, but since everything is within the reach of the driver, that isn't really much of a problem. The general proportions are identical to those of the Mazda model, but we can see humps over the wheels are less pronounced, and the mirrors are rounded.
Originally, the Spider was supposed to become an Alfa Romeo, but company officials decided to make it a Fiat instead. That's a big bummer for Alfa's future US market ambitions and awesome news for Fiat USA dealers bored of selling 500s.
The engine details remain unconfirmed, but Fiat doesn't have that many powerful yet light units it can use. One option would be to keep Mazda's 2-liter Skyactiv unit, but a 1.4-liter turbo is also possible. Rumors place a 1,750cc turbo under the hood of a future Abarth version.
The LA Auto Show starts in November, and we can't wait to see what the Fiat 124 Spider will cost and if the Italians found any ways to improve on perfection.
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