Fiat Chrysler has confirmed that its new roadster developed with Mazda will be named the 124 Spider.
CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed the name at the Geneva show.
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However, he did not say whether the model would be an Abarth or a Fiat, Auto Express reported, adding that it expects the 124 Spider to be available with both badges.
According to Fiat Chrysler’s JV agreement with Mazda, the roadster will be manufactured in Hiroshima, Japan. The vehicle is expected to be powered by Alfa Giulietta’s 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo engine in various tunes.
The company will most likely unveil the Spider early in 2016 and launch it in the summer at a starting price of just over GBP20,000 (US$30,740).
Meanwhile, Marchionne also confirmed, at the Geneva show, that Alfa Romeo would launch a roadster, which would be made in Italy.
He also provided details about the brand’s other models – MiTo and Giulietta, saying “Whether the Giulietta stays as a front-wheel drive car remains to be seen – it may not.”
“It’s doubtful you could turn the MiTo into a rear-wheel drive vehicle. It just doesn’t have the architecture. But I still think the brand needs a point of attraction for younger customers who don’t have the means to buy a larger car. I have always liked the MiTo – I think it has a future,” he added.
