What's the news?
Fiat's going back in time for inspiration for its new sports car, as it's reviving the 124 Spider name first used in 1966 and which hit the heights of fame in the 1970s.
The new sports car is actually a Mazda under the skin. Thanks to a platform sharing agreement between the two firms, the new Spider has been co-developed with the new MX-5 and will be built by Mazda at its plant in Hiroshima. The chassis, suspension, steering and even the interior (badge aside) are all identical, but the Fiat does get a unique engine. It's the 140hp 1.4-litre petrol turbo MultiAir as used in the 500 Abarth hot hatch, and Fiat claims that while it can match the torque figure of the MX-5's naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine, it has kept weight down to the same as the 1.5 MX-5. So performance should be pretty decent, although Fiat hasn't revealed any official figures just yet.
While the same-again interior might be a bit of a disappointment, you'll be able to set lots of original 124 Spider throwbacks on the outside. Check out the shape of the grille and the power domes on the bonnet for some wholesome retro goodness.
Sales will start in the second half of 2016.