Fiat 124 Spider (2016)

Fiat 124 Spider
US-spec 124 Spider Lusso at the 2015 LA Auto Show
Overview
Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	2015–present
Model years	2017–present
Assembly	Japan: Hiroshima (Mazda Hiroshima plant)
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car (S)
Body style	2-door roadster
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related	Mazda MX-5 (ND)
Powertrain
Engine	1.4 L MultiAir I4 (turbocharged petrol)
Transmission	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,310 mm (90.9 in)
Length	4,054 mm (159.6 in)
Width	1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height	1,233 mm (48.5 in)
Kerb weight	1,050 kg (2,315 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat Barchetta

The Fiat 124 Spider is a front-engine, rear-drive two-passenger roadster debuted by FCA at the 2015 LA Auto Show for model year 2016.

Largely based on the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 roadster and manufactured alongside it at Mazda's Hiroshima plant, the 124 shares its platform, mechanicals, interior, top mechanism and windshield with the MX-5, while featuring a Fiat-engineered and manufactured turbocharged Multiair engine, unique exterior styling and slightly increased length and cargo capacity over the MX-5.

The 124 nameplate and exterior styling details recall Fiat's Pininfarina-designed 124 Sport Spider (1966–85).

In 2012, Mazda and Alfa Romeo — at the time a subdivision of the Fiat group, now Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) — announced a joint venture to manufacture a common rear-drive platform with "both Mazda and (Alfa) to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific, lightweight roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive" with the two variants offering proprietary engines unique to each brand.

In 2014, FCA's Sergio Marchionne determined Alfa Romeo's would only be manufactured in Italy, saying "some things belong to a place. Alfa belongs to Italy," adding "I remain committed to that architecture, with our powertrain. I’m not sure it will be with Alfa. But it will be with one of our brands.”

At the time, Alfa Romeo's were manufactured only in Italy, while Fiats were manufactured in Italy, but also globally — from Tychy, Poland to Toluca, Mexico.

With their prior agreement in place — for FCA to market a roadster based on the MX-5 to be manufactured by Mazda at its Hiroshima factory — FCA conceived of marketing a Fiat-badged variant in lieu of the Alfa Romeo variant.