Say, if you've ever driven a Fiat 500 Abarth and thought "This engine is a ton of fun, but it would be even better in a small, lightweight, rear-wheel drive application" then get excited! Alfa Romeo may make your dreams come true.
As you know by now, Mazda and Alfa Romeo are collaborating on the 2015 Mazda Miata and an Italian sportscar that will probably be the next Alfa Romeo Spider. They will share a platform, but not bodies or engines.
Now Car and Driver reports that the Alfa version may get the 1.4-liter Fiat MultiAir engine that sees duty in the 500 Abarth and Dodge Dart. In the Abarth it's a peppy little motor that puts out 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, which sounds just about perfect for a light roadster. C&D says it may even get more power for the Alfa.
This is good news if it's true! Abarth all the things!